Life's A Khichdi

Dear One,

One of my favorite past time is experimental cooking. Well, experimental because, I start with something in mind but end up with a gastronomic innovation. Also because, I make it a point to experiment my fusion dishes only on close family and friends, lest they disown me someday.

Yesterday, I felt like making a simple khichdi for everyone. So I prepared myself and the kitchen after much haranguing with mum to leave her prized domain. She finally relented, but kept mumbling under her breath for the temporary loss of daily monopoly. Women can feel threatened when a man tries his hand (and also succeed to an extent) in her area of expertise. Nevertheless, I felt elated and started my culinary journey of sorts.

The wok was set and the gas was lit to burn bright. In went an assortment of whole spices sizzling in a dollop of hot melted ghee. Next came the turn of the humble onions. They crackled with a ferocity of sworn enemies meeting after a long time, as the moisture in them hit the hot wok. The rice and lentils too were popped in with a dash of salt; and it was solemnly covered with water and left to soulfully simmer away. The gentle fire beneath crackled with excitement as it started to work it's magic.

In a short while delicate aromas started wafting around with careless glee. Moods were instantly lifted by the  delectable fragrances. All the raw ingredients were cooked to perfection and together they metamorphosed into a delicious dish fit for urban kings (and queens too).

Life's too like that. It is a combination of various ingredients sorted and doled out in right measures to get the desired outcome. It has to be heated in the fire of adversities to release all it's hidden flavors. Without adversities you will remain kinda half cooked. Don't forget to add loads of ghee...oops I mean love, to make it a truly enriching experience. A word of caution though - go less on the salt of anger, greed and jealousy, else it will spoil the whole dish.

The proof of the khichdi is in eating; so also, the proof of life is in living. Live as if there is no tomorrow and eat as if there is a tomorrow.

One last pointer - Don't complicate life by adding too much masala to it. Keep it plain and simple. May the fragrance of your beautiful life spread far and wide as my khichdi. (:-)

Peace in yourself - Peace in the world.