White House hosts a vegetarian state dinner for Indian Prime Minister Modi

Enlarge this image

The main course of the dinner includes a stuffed portobello mushroom and creamy saffron-infused risotto. A fish entree is available to order upon request. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images hide caption

The main course of the dinner includes a stuffed portobello mushroom and creamy saffron-infused risotto. A fish entree is available to order upon request.

For the first time in recent history, the White House is hosting a state dinner that's entirely plant-based: no meat, no dairy and no eggs. That's thanks to the guest of honor, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is a strict vegetarian.

The gala dinner for 400 VIP guests on Thursday night is the highlight of Modi's visit in Washington, one that's had high stakes as the White House works to strengthen its ties with India.

Enlarge this image

Chef Nina Curtis, who specializes in plant-based cuisine, curated the menu for the state dinner with India. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images hide caption

Chef Nina Curtis, who specializes in plant-based cuisine, curated the menu for the state dinner with India.

"We have curated a menu that showcases the best in American cuisine also then seasoned with Indian elements and flavors," Chef Nina Curtis, who was brought in as a guest chef for the dinner, told reporters. Curtis specializes in plant-based cuisine.

"Throughout my culinary career, I have witnessed the remarkable power that food has as an equalizer," Curtis added, saying that the menu for the state dinner allows guests from both countries to "experience something of the other's culture."

While there are no specifically Indian dishes on the menu, many Indian spices and flavors are incorporated into the courses.

The first course includes a salad made with marinated millet, grilled corn, and compressed watermelon with an avocado sauce.

The main course is a stuffed portobello mushroom with a creamy saffron-infused risotto.

The dessert is an Indian-spiced take on American classic: a rose- and cardamom-infused strawberry shortcake. White House executive pastry chef Susie Morrison said the dessert features a decorative sugar twist; they made 900 of them for the dinner.

Enlarge this image

The dessert at the dinner is a rose and cardamom-infused strawberry shortcake. White House Executive Pastry Chef Susie Morrison says they made 900 sugar twists for the dish. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images hide caption

The dessert at the dinner is a rose and cardamom-infused strawberry shortcake. White House Executive Pastry Chef Susie Morrison says they made 900 sugar twists for the dish.

If guests so desire, they can request a fish dish — sumac-roasted sea bass — along with crisped millet cakes and summer squashes. The wine options include a red blend from an Indian-owned vineyard in Napa Valley, California.

Millet is a main feature in the menu, a nod to India's efforts to make 2023 the year of the millet, the White House said.

The White House occasionally invites guest chefs to help plan state dinners.