Today’s Practical at CCHM: Mulligatawny Soup & German Roast Potato Salad
At the Culinary College of Hotel Management, Dehradun (CCHM), practical learning is at the core of our teaching philosophy. Today’s session was a flavorful journey into international cuisine, where students prepared two classic dishes that perfectly demonstrate the blend of technique, taste, and presentation: Mulligatawny Soup and German Roast Potato Salad.
🍲 Mulligatawny Soup – The Anglo-Indian Classic
Mulligatawny Soup is one of the most celebrated dishes in Anglo-Indian cuisine. Its name originates from the Tamil words “Milagu” (pepper) and “Thanni” (water), literally meaning pepper water. Originally, it was a simple South Indian spiced broth, but during the British colonial period, it evolved into a richer, more complex soup featuring lentils, vegetables, chicken, and cream.
In today’s session, our students focused on mastering:
- Stock preparation: The heart of any good soup. Students learned how to extract maximum flavor from vegetables, chicken, and aromatics.
- Lentil cooking techniques: Ensuring lentils are soft but not mushy, giving the soup a hearty texture.
- Spice balancing: Achieving the signature mildly spicy, aromatic flavor that defines Mulligatawny.
- Plating & garnish: Properly serving the soup with a spoonful of rice and fresh coriander to enhance visual appeal and authenticity.
The result was a warm, comforting, and aromatic soup, highlighting how culinary traditions from different cultures can blend beautifully to create timeless dishes. This practical not only refined students’ technical skills but also strengthened their understanding of global flavors.
🥔 German Roast Potato Salad – A Continental Delight
The second highlight of today’s practical was the German Roast Potato Salad (Kartoffelsalat), a classic dish from Bavaria, Southern Germany. Unlike creamy potato salads found in other cuisines, this version is served warm and features:
- Roasted waxy potatoes for a tender yet firm texture
- Tangy mustard-vinegar dressing that balances sweet, sour, and savory flavors
- Fresh herbs for aroma and color
- Optional crispy bacon for a smoky, savory touch
Students practiced:
- Boiling and roasting potatoes to perfection, achieving golden edges while keeping the centers soft
- Preparing a warm, well-balanced dressing, understanding how vinegar, mustard, and sugar interact to enhance flavor
- Texture and flavor harmony, ensuring each bite delivers the perfect combination of crispiness and tang
- Professional plating, demonstrating how even simple salads can look elegant and restaurant-ready
The German Roast Potato Salad session emphasized precision and technique, showing students that even everyday ingredients can be transformed into gourmet dishes when handled with skill.
👨🍳 Hands-On Learning Focus at CCHM
At CCHM, practical sessions are designed to simulate real-world culinary experiences. Today’s session reinforced key learning outcomes:
- Skill development in international cuisines, both Anglo-Indian and Continental
- Understanding flavor profiles, textures, and consistency
- Professional plating and presentation skills
- Time management and kitchen efficiency, critical in a professional culinary environment
By working on dishes like Mulligatawny Soup and German Roast Potato Salad, students gain a deep appreciation for global culinary traditions and learn how to recreate them with authenticity and finesse.
🌟 Why Practical Learning Matters
Practical sessions bridge the gap between theory and real-world application. For aspiring chefs, understanding how to:
- Cook ingredients to perfection
- Balance spices and flavors
- Plate food elegantly
- Work efficiently in a professional kitchen
…is just as important as knowing recipes. At CCHM, every practical is an opportunity for students to develop creativity, precision, and confidence in a controlled learning environment that mirrors professional kitchens.
🎓 Admissions Open
Are you ready to start your journey in culinary arts and hotel management? Join Culinary College of Hotel Management, Dehradun, and experience hands-on training that combines international culinary techniques, practical skill-building, and industry insights.
📍 Location: The Culinary House, Miyanwala, Near Mall of Dehradun, Haridwar Road, Dehradun
📞 Phone: +91-9410320693
🌐 Website: www.culinarycollege.co.in
Learn, cook, and shine with CCHM – where passion meets professionalism.