My nose catches the initial scent of my mother’s cooking. As I lay in my room, I am interrupted by the smell of onions tossed in olive oil. My stomach begins to grumble so I run downstairs and hop on the counter of my kitchen as I watch my mother cook a typical family meal: snake gourd with yogurt rice and mango pickle.
My eyes fixate on the pan. I watch as the snake gourd, mustard seeds, green chilli, and garlic flakes are added in next. I am asked to do the stirring at this point and try to do so while dodging the popping oils coming my way.
Meanwhile, my mother prepares the cumin and red chilli peppers by grinding them with a mortar and pestle. She always allowed me to do the honors of adding salt since she says I have a keen eye and taste for the perfect amount. While I stir, the smell of spices waft out from the kitchen and fill the entire house with its distinct aroma. I pass over the baton also known as the wooden spatula to my mother and head over to the coconut grater. As I sit down for a therapeutic grating session, my father and sister are called downstairs to prepare the table.
We barely eat meals together but when we do, it’s always this one. I believe this is so since this is a common favorite we share. It’s not often my family comes across a dish we all love since my sister is a vegan, my mom a vegetarian, my father a pescatarian, and I a meat eater. Nonetheless, our different dietary preferences have never stopped this meal from being a staple and a favorite. My mother finishes the meal and the odor of the final product replaces the previous one.
Serving the meal is my duty. In fact, I have gotten quite good at knowing each of my family members serving sizes since they are all quite particular. First, I mix the yogurt into the rice and leave a portion of white rice separate for my sister. Second, I add the prepared snake gourd and top if off with some cilantro. Third, I place mango pickle on the side for its sweet and spice.
Lastly, I serve myself and sit down to take a bite. My taste buds are ready to take this meal in. Feelings of nostalgia, satisfaction, and love overcome me as I get ready to indulge in this meal. The first and last bite never seem to disappoint; this meal even to its end is as delicious as its beginning.
There is a certain comfort in this meal and its consistency in my life. Since my adolescence, I have experienced the stages of this particular meal and its stimulation of my senses. I will always be a lover of this meal and make sure that its recipe lives on.
I thought it was sweet when you talk about how snake gourd brings your family together. I also really like that you explain how this dish is meaningful to you. Maybe you could elaborate more on its significance or role in your life. For example, does it spark a love for cooking or remind you of a specific memory?
ReplyDeleteI love this post Sanjana! I especially loved when you explained how although everyone in your family eats different types of food (vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, and meat), this is the one meal that brings everyone together. I'd love to know more about the history of this dish. Did you grandparents used to make this or is it something that you don't know where it came from, but you just know the impact? Regardless, great blogpost!
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