Athlete couple cooks zero-cholesterol rabbit meat

A successful athlete focuses on their diet as much as they train hard to improve their skills. Pole vault champion Bimin and his wife M A Prajusha whose items are long jump and triple jump believe that one should grow fresh vegetables and other products at home to eat healthily. Prajusha who hails from Chalakkudy moved to Pala after marrying Bimin. Now she enjoys the unique flavours of Pala as much as she likes the northern Kerala dishes.

Many sportspersons struggled during the lockdown as they did not have opportunities to train or hit the gym to take care of their physique. Bimin says that it could severely affect the performance of athletes. "I could continue my exercise as I have arranged a small make-shift gym at my house. Besides, I grow vegetables that are required for our daily needs. Most vegetables like bitter gourd, snake beans, and spinach are grown in our garden. We have ducks for fresh eggs, rabbit for meat and we also grow giant gourami fish in the pond in our front yard," says Bimin.

Prajusha admits it was difficult for her to eat rabbit meat in the beginning. But, now, she enjoys it very much. The rabbits graze in the yard and eat grass and vegetable scraps. Interestingly, rabbit meat has no cholesterol and can be eaten by people of any age. Bimin and Prajusha vouch for the incredible nutritious value of rabbit meat. The couple says they found time for practice at home. After a workout, they would enjoy a swim in the lake in front of Bimin's house. They carry a portable grille as well when they come to the lakeside.

The marinated rabbit meat cooks over the grill while they enjoy the swim. Bimin and Prajusha say that grilled rabbit meat tastes amazing, especially when they are famished after the workout. They grill the gourami fish as well, which is fleshy and tasty.

Here is how Bimin and Prajusha prepare the marinade for grilled rabbit.

Rabbit meat stinks a bit; so rub some salt on the meat and keep it aside for 10 minutes

Wash off the salt and then marinate the meat with turmeric powder, chilli powder, garam masala, and ginger-garlic paste

Keep the marinated rabbit meat in the fridge for 4 hours.

The marinated rabbit meat can be cooked on the grill for up to half an hour to almost an hour.