ASHLEY'S PRIZED GOURMET CONDIMENT

 ASHLEY’S PRIZED GOURMET CONDIMENT

 

Ashley’s large and state-of-the-art refrigerator blends the ordinary and intriguing. On the top shelf are three packets of milk, five bottles of Amul lassi (sweetened milk), a few slices of leftover watermelons, and quite a few packets of Indian buttermilk (chaach).  The middle shelf holds a container of yoghurt, another container of fried capsicums, a packet of brown bread, a bunch of random vegetables, and a few ripe tomatoes and cucumbers. There is also a big box of butter and Indian cheese (paneer). The bottom shelf is dedicated to beverages, with half a dozen cans of beer, bottles of sparkling water and a half-empty bottle of juices.

 

But the real star of Ashley’s refrigerator is tucked away at the door compartment, a jar of raspberry-infused chipotle ketchup. This gourmet condiment is a treasured item that Ashley had been gifted by one of his friends living in the States, and he treats it like a prized possession. He discovered this sauce while experimenting with different dishes during his trip to the United States. The fresh taste of sourdough, crunchy outside but melt in the mouth soft inside slices of the sandwich, is still etched in his memory. It was filled with cheese slices, chicken, tomatoes, and green lettuce and seasoned with salt and pepper. Yellow American mustard and the rich raspberry-infused chipotle ketchup were spread thickly with a butter knife. This dish quickly became a staple in his cooking. The ketchup has a unique flavour profile, with the sweetness of raspberries balanced by the smoky heat of chipotle peppers.

 

Ashley’s relationship with raspberry-infused chipotle ketchup is almost like a ritual, and he savours it on special occasions to convert simple sandwiches into an exotic gourmet experience. He washes it down with cans of chilled beer or green tea, depending on the time of the day. For Ashley, the raspberry-infused chipotle ketchup isn’t just a gourmet condiment but a small indulgence that brings a bit of royal elegance, touch and excitement to his everyday life.