CURRY SAUCE ANYONE?

By NITISH S. RELE
Appeared in "KhaasBaat" Magazine - February 2006

Running an internal medical practice just didn't suffice for Asha Patel. The Michigan resident, disappointed with the lack of healthy and tasty curry sauces in the marketplace, has taken to running a small curry sauce business. The year-old Tasha Foods (www.tashafoods.com) produces three curry sauces: ginger garlic curry, cashew chicken curry and coconut seafood curry for $4.99 per 12.5 ounce bottle.

Patel's curry sauces have been distributed in Michigan-area gourmet stores. "My sauces are not very spicy but yet fresh and perfectly balanced," she says with pride. "They offer low salt and fat content, and fresh onions. They cater to the mainstream American, many of whom may not know Indian names such as korma or vindaloo. But hopefully these curry sauces will draw their attention."

Of course, the fun and the cooking have just began for the 48-year-old doctor-cum-entrepreneur. Patel is already holding "tasting" sessions for new curry sauces such as soya bean curry and almond curry. "Maybe even a fusion curry," she reveals. "I like to cook all kinds of foods such as Indian, Japanese, Chinese, etc."

Though she started small, Patel looks to expand Tasha Foods products through distributors in Chicago and New York. "I have the time," says the mother of two teenage sons and husband-psychiatrist Hiten Patel. "At present, the business is doing good. Maybe, it will be profitable some day but for now, I am glad that what started as my hobby has paid off."

LIt shouldn't surprise many that the spice bug glued on to Patel. After all, the Gujarat native comes from a family that has been in the spice business for over a century in India. "I know there is a demand and appreciation for my products since people are asking for more different sauces," she says.

Curry sauce anyone?