What's at the dinner in Modi's honor at the White House?

 What's at the dinner in Modi's honor at the White House?

A smiling Narendra Modi with Joe Biden and Jill Biden on the South Portico of the White House. June 21

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has visited the United States five times. However, this visit is his first fully diplomatic and official visit. On this important visit, a state dinner is being held in his honor on Thursday night, local time. First Lady Jill Biden shared the details of the arrangement with journalists on Wednesday. Narendra Modi, being a vegetarian, is well aware of Jill's preference for a vegetarian diet. That's why several vegetarian dishes have been prepared for the dinner.

Dinner menu. There are images of US and Indian flags

There are four courses in this dinner. The first course will consist of marinated millet and grilled corn kernel salad. Marinated millet refers to a dish made with a type of grain called "kao" in Bengali, and grilled corn kernel salad is a salad made with roasted corn kernels. It will be accompanied by a pumpkin dish and avocado sauce.

Jill Biden mentioned that tomorrow night they will visit a dense forest resembling the green of South Lawn. Each table will have a combination of saffron-colored flowers and green moss. The colors of the Indian national flag have been incorporated into the decoration.

Dinner menu. There are images of US and Indian flags

The main course includes stuffed portobello mushroom and saffron-infused rice.

The dessert includes homemade crisp cake and summer squashes.

Guest Chef Nina Curtis, White House Executive Chef Chris Comerford, and White House Executive Pastry Chef Susie Morrison have collaborated to create these dishes, combining American and Indian cuisine.

Curtis said, "We have been working for several months to determine what dishes could be included in this state dinner. The First Lady and I are very excited, and I believe we will successfully accomplish our mission." He further mentioned that India has been cultivating millet for centuries this year, so millet has been used in this dinner.

After the dinner, there will be a musical arrangement. Jill Biden mentioned that Grammy-winning musician Joshua Bell and Penn Masala will be present to perform songs for the guests, including Modi. In addition, a group from the University of Pennsylvania will perform Indian tunes.