Methi Fish (Fish with Fenugreek Seeds)
Yesterday was my nephew’s birthday. Sis prepared quite a spread all by herself, ignoring my helping hand. There was pulao, chicken in cream, fish in mustard sauce, vegetable stir-fry, chana dal and salad. Everyone was happy with the food and recounted how she had always been a good cook and had taken over the kitchen duties from our mom at such an early age. At that time, I was to be found with my nose buried in books, lost in my own imaginary world. Cooking came to me much later. The first time I cooked a dish was when I was in the ninth standard. My aunt had met with an accident and had to be hospitalized. I had to look after the house while the rest of the family was in the hospital. Mom had hurriedly cooked rice and dal for lunch before leaving. I was happy with the arrangement as that meant I could devote more time to my books. And then the phone call came. One of my aunts, or xoru maami (younger aunt) as we called her, was arriving to visit the hospitalized aunt. ...