The panoramic scene of gusty winds, the grey overcast and the splash of slanting downpour on to the streets kicks off a mood, jubilant to enjoy the monsoon rains. Along with the urge to be tickled by the falling cool droplets on to the face, there is a craving in the palate these days to savour crispy and tangy snacks. Just when the season changes from heat and dust to wet and windy, as if possessed, there arise an uninhibited longing to indulge in adventurous gastronomical appeasement. I too fell a victim to this spell and decided to try dishing out a unique flavor of the season, all by myself! With scanty culinary experience and a big appetite, I could not possibly create any maverick dish without the assistance of an expert and I decided to seek one, from ChatGPT.  

 Me: It’s raining heavily and a good time to enjoy some great mouth-watering snacks. Could you suggest a few that can be prepared at home?

ChatGPT: Rainy days are indeed great time to enjoy some lip-smacking recipes. Here are a few from across the world that are easy to prepare that you may want to try:

1. Mediterranean Hummus Bowl: It is a delightful combination of Chickpeas, quinoa, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, spinach, cheese and of course, hummus. It is colourful, healthy and makes a good snack.
2. Arabic Sabboosa: is a great snack option that is both healthy and easy to make. This popular snack is made with simple ingredients – flour, sugar, and water – and fried in oil. The result is a golden brown.
3. Chinese Dan-Dan noodles: A Sichuan noodle recipe that’s a one-two punch of umami with intense spice. This dish is known for its nutty, rich sauce and is made sesame paste, chili oil, and ground Sichuan peppers.

These are only a sample list of dishes you can quickly make and to provide you dishes with more specific ones, can you indicate your regional preferences?

Me: Hmmmm… I would like to try some Italian cuisine.

ChatGPT: Italian cuisine offers a wide range of delicious dishes. To provide you with the most popular ones, could you specify if you’re interested in vegetarian, meat-based or any sub-regional dishes?

Me: Vegetarian, of course!

ChatGPT: Italian cuisine offers a wide variety of delicious vegetarian dishes. Here are some popular Italian vegetarian recipes:

1. Margherita Pizza: A classic Italian pizza topped with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella cheese, basil leaves, and a drizzle of olive oil.
2. Caprese Salad: A simple and refreshing salad made with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, basil leaves, and balsamic glaze.
3. Eggplant Parmigiana: Layers of breaded and fried eggplant slices, marinara sauce, and melted cheese, baked to perfection.
4. Risotto: Creamy rice dish cooked with vegetable broth and various ingredients such as mushrooms, asparagus, or saffron.
5. Bruschetta: Toasted slices of Italian bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil.

These are just a few examples of the delicious vegetarian options that Italian cuisine has to offer. Whether you’re a vegetarian or just looking for flavorful meatless dishes, Italian cooking provides a fantastic array of options to explore.

Me: I am confused with such a wide variety….! What in your opinion would be an ideal one for me that is easy and quick to prepare?

ChatGPT: As an AI language model, my aim is to be as informative and objective as possible when providing responses to your queries and I do not have any personal opinions or beliefs. However, Caprese Salad is an Italian recipe that is easy and quick to prepare.

Me: What is the percentage of people who prepare Caprese Salad on a rainy day?

ChatGPT:  I am sorry that I will not be able to provide that information. My knowledge is limited to the data as I was trained on up to September 2021, and I do not have the ability to browse the internet or access real-time information.

Me: Would you suggest Caprese Salad on a rainy day?

ChatGPT: While Caprese Salad is a delicious and refreshing dish, its suitability on a rainy day may depend on personal preferences. Some people enjoy light and fresh salads even on rainy days, while others might prefer warmer or comfort foods during such weather.

Food preferences are subjective, and there are no strict rules about what to eat on a rainy day. The most important thing is to choose a meal that brings you comfort and enjoyment, whether it’s a refreshing Caprese Salad or a warm and comforting dish.

Me: I get your point. What are the ingredients that go into the making of Caprese Salad?

ChatGPT: Caprese Salad is a classic Italian dish known for its simplicity and fresh flavors. The traditional ingredients of Caprese Salad include:

1. Fresh Tomatoes: Use ripe, juicy, and flavorful tomatoes for the best results. Varieties like Roma or San Marzano work well.
2. Fresh Mozzarella Cheese: Opt for high-quality fresh mozzarella, either in the form of small balls (bocconcini) or sliced.
3. Fresh Basil Leaves: Use whole fresh basil leaves for their aromatic and herbal flavor.
4. Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the salad’s taste and provides richness.
5. Salt and Pepper: A pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper bring out the flavors of the ingredients.

Me: But tomatoes are damn expansive these days and selling at Rs.250/- a kilo. Could you suggest a cheap alternative to tomatoes in Caprese Salad?

ChatGPT: Certainly! If tomatoes are expensive or not readily available, you can consider using an alternative to create a similar flavor profile in your Caprese Salad. One excellent alternative is to use juicy and ripe seasonal fruits that offer a sweet and tangy taste. Here are some options:

Fresh Peaches: Ripe and juicy peaches provide a delightful sweetness that pairs well with fresh mozzarella and basil.

Watermelon: Sweet and refreshing watermelon chunks add a unique twist to the traditional Caprese Salad.

Strawberries: Sliced strawberries offer a sweet and slightly tart flavor that complements the creaminess of mozzarella.

Me: All these are equally expensive….!

ChatGPT: If tomatoes and fruit alternatives are equally expensive or not accessible, you can explore some budget-friendly alternatives to create a similar salad experience. Here are some affordable options:

1. Cucumbers: Sliced cucumbers provide a refreshing and crunchy base for the salad. They pair well with mozzarella and basil.
2. Bell Peppers: Sliced bell peppers, especially the red and yellow ones, offer a sweet and colorful substitution for tomatoes.
3. Radishes: Thinly sliced radishes add a peppery kick to the salad and add a nice crunch.

Me: This is getting too complicated….

ChatGPT: I apologize for the complexity. Let’s simplify it. If tomatoes and other alternatives are not suitable or affordable, you can stick to the basics of Caprese Salad with just two ingredients: fresh mozzarella cheese and basil leaves. This minimalist version still captures the essence of the classic dish and is delicious in its simplicity.

Me: I may have to leave this here as I am not sure I can prepare this recipe. Anyway, thanks for your input.

ChatGPT: You’re welcome! I understand, and there’s no need to worry. Cooking can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it’s also perfectly fine to take a break or explore other options.

If you have any other questions or need help with anything else, feel free to ask anytime. Take care, and have a great day!

Though frustrated with the fact that I was not getting any actionable suggestions from the AI model, I was equally determined to treat myself with some spicy snack, Indian if not Italian.  And I waded through the muddy waters across the street to the road-side eatery to devour a plateful of soggy, crunchy and tangy Indian delight- Papdi Chat!

Yours

Narayanan

Disclaimer:  This is a quasi-imaginary humorous chat meant to bring out the idiosyncrasies of the Al technology.