In the distinctive world of Indian cuisine, 'chaat' is a category of savory snacks with sweet, spicy and tangy sauces. It's a combination of flavors and textures all rolled in to a tasty hors d'oeuvre. For Maneet Chauhan, “You are licking your hands when the food is really good. That is what chaat is,” she told The New York Times in a recent article. It also happens to be the name of her new cookbook released this month. We caught the Franklin resident on filming day for her Food Network series, 'Chopped' but managed to get her to share a few tidbits about both her new book and her gracious self.
FL: Tell us all about the new book. You traveled across India by train? What inspired that?
MC: When I was a kid growing up in India, we traveled by train all the time to visit our grandparents. We'd always stop at train stations and sample food from local vendors. This book is a recollection of those memories.
FL: Tell us about a particularly memorable experience you've had on 'Chopped.'
MC: There was a Mother's Day episode where there was an incredible lady whose kid had cerebral palsy, and it was memorable because she was such a strong and inspiring mom.
FL: What's your personal favorite thing to cook?
MC: Aloo Partantha, potato stuffed flatbreads. My family loves it.
FL: What brought your family to Franklin and what do you love about living here?
MC: The people are so welcoming. We loved the culture & history, the old meets new. We really appreciated the values here of family, home & togetherness.
FL: I saw you speak at a Girl Scout cookie event earlier this year. Is it important to you to be involved in the local community?
MC: Absolutely, I believe that if we work together, we can make sure the next generation is strong and empowered.
FL: I know the Covid pandemic has changed everybody's plans, but any plans to open another restaurant in Nashville, or perhaps Franklin?
MC: Wait and find out!