"Amma's Palakkadan Meen Puli: A Taste of Kerala's Culinary Heritage"
Culinary Exploration After Marriage - Adapting to New Tastes and Traditions
Getting married is undoubtedly a sudden exposure to new things: food, culture, lifestyle. This is universal across gender, communities, and regions. It also means a lot of effort to get acquainted with and start loving the host of new things in life. It’s not that one does all of it spontaneously, nor are you forced into it. With time, you get used to it, some you learn to brush away with a smile, and some you adapt to with a smile. Getting to love new food and new tastes is always an uphill task. A dish that you never had in life might be a favourite in your in-law’s house. Either your mother-in-law cooks it with pride or tries to teach you with precision. That is how heirloom recipes are preserved and passed on. Humans are by nature flexible and adaptable, and often we begin recreating such dishes that were once new to our taste buds with minor changes to suit tastes.
Bagara Baingan - A Royal Hyderabadi Delicacy
Today, let's take a delicious journey into the rich culinary heritage of Hyderabad with a dish that's bound to make your taste buds dance - Bagara Baingan. If you're a fan of brinjals a.k.a eggplants/aubergines, this one's going to be your new favourite. And if you're not, well, prepare to be converted!
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| "Indulge in the Exquisite Flavours of Pegaga Masak Lemak Chili Api" |
Pegaga Masak Lemak Chili Api: A Culinary Nod to Health and Heritage
Ah, the infamous memories of being nudged into eating something for its alleged health benefits! That's exactly what comes to mind when I think of Vallarai Keerai (Indian Penny wort). My experience with this green was less than fond, and I suspect many of you can relate to these childhood recollections.
Introducing Pegaga - the Indian Penny wort, or Vallarai Keerai, as it's known in Tamil, is a green that’s woven into the fabric of many childhood memories, including my own. Back in the day, this leaf was almost a celebrity in local communities across India for its reputed health benefits, particularly its ability to boost memory power. My mother, ever the health enthusiast, believed fervently in its benefits. As a result, Vallarai Keerai featured prominently in our meals, often paired with green moong beans to soften its bitter notes. As a child, I wasn't a fan—mostly I’d just gulp it down to avoid the formidable gaze of my mum. While I can’t vouch scientifically for its memory-enhancing properties, it certainly quickened my pace at finishing meals—I was quite the slow eater back then!
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"Unlock the Secret: Egg Drop Curry - A Palakkad Delight from my Mom's kitchen". "Eggsquisite Memories: The Tale of Mom's Magical Egg Drop Curry" |
In the cosy kitchen of our modest home, a small room bursting with the aroma of spices and love, my mom orchestrated culinary magic. Our house, though compact, was the setting of countless memories and anecdotes from my childhood. It was a humble two-room haven where the drawing room seamlessly transformed into a dining room at mealtimes, a study when we pored over our books, and welcomed guests with open arms, only to become our bedroom as night fell. This versatile space, though limited in square footage, was boundless in warmth and memories, playing a pivotal role in our lives.
