(google images)
Enveloped
in the whiff of the warmth
I
sought to visit sepia(d) moments
In
cumin seeds tap dancing in oil
Puffed
nostrils felt the heat, yet
Shrunk
back wanting the fingers to
Check,
re-check the checklist
Safeguarded
in ‘historic’ notes
Born
of a chef’s wand
Check..check..check…fingers
browse
Through
shriveled yellow(ed) pages
Of
a novice diary – her making into a chef
Ah!
There!! –
TOMATO PUREE boiled to
Welcome
1
tsp grounded pepper
1
tsp black cummins,
PINCHED with asafetida
Secrets
of success
Scribbled,
jotted, scratched, BOLDED, circled, underlined…
Mother’s
sermons for the novice
Before
she climbed the aisle
Into
her Man’s stomach…
Ticking
off one by one …I move down…
1 tbsp of jaggery / sugar
Salt
to taste
Seasoned with coriander
One sliced green chilli with sputtering cumin seeds
for company
And
Rest
is history and experience! she waved.
The
hot waves from the vessel dances
Jostling
memories, to find
That
one ingredient, amiss
Which
one, which one?
The
clock ticked the moment
Of
serving pride to Mom and devour sepia clicks
An
‘emergency call’ to Dad
Let
out the ‘process followed to the point’ in one breath
Spilled
despair of the enigmatic touch
And
the imminent loss of my sepia….
‘Love, my dear, your mom’s love’, he replied.
ah yes that is the one ingredient that makes all the difference in the world
ReplyDeletea bit of momes love...i like how you did this akila....
I like the aroma:)!!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this. especially vivid 'lines such as 'cumin seeds tap dancing in oil.' I also love the association between home cooked meals and love, which is one I really resonate with.
ReplyDeleteVery clever and full of ingredients, i like this.
ReplyDeleteOh this is really sweet.......the most essential ingredient!
ReplyDeleteWe follow many recipes in life..perhaps love should always be the essential item! Very warming write..
ReplyDeleteAnd I love this! Brings back all the memories of meals and moments spent in kitchens of those who love me, too. Precious, this piece. And happy-making as well!
ReplyDeleteyes the perfect touch to any recipe. I have a handful of my grandmother's recipes just to remember that one key ingredient
ReplyDeleteIt is what I answered when asked what special I added to my dish that is so tasty ~ Love
ReplyDeleteMom's love is always the best ingredient... unfortunately, with my mom, there was usually a little vermouth spilled into the dish, unintentionally!! Love the recipe idea, and this was altogether wonderful. Amy
ReplyDeleteUmmmm.....that was a delicious take, akila! Lovely...
ReplyDelete