Savouring the Stove: My Favourite Culinary Creations

What’s your favorite thing to cook?

Savouring the Stove: My Favourite Culinary Creations

Cooking is not merely a task; it is an art, a meditation, and at times, a thrilling experiment. The sizzle of ingredients meeting a hot pan, the wafting aroma of spices dancing in the air, and the gentle simmer of a well-balanced dish—these are symphonies that the kitchen orchestrates. While I do not claim the title of a seasoned chef, I do take immense pleasure in cooking certain dishes that have stood the test of time in my repertoire.

The Perfect Brew: Chai with a Twist

A day feels incomplete without a well-brewed cup of chai. Not the mundane dip of a teabag in boiling water, but a carefully concocted infusion of robust Assam tea leaves, crushed ginger, cardamom, cloves, and a hint of cinnamon. The trick lies in allowing the tea to brew slowly, coaxing the spices to release their hidden magic. Served piping hot, this beverage is more than a drink—it is a comfort, a conversation starter, and a wake-up call to the senses.

Eggs: The Undisputed King of Versatility

If there is one ingredient that I hold in high regard, it is the humble egg. A soft, fluffy omelette with finely chopped onions, green chillies, and coriander is my go-to breakfast. When the mood strikes for something heartier, I prepare a masala scrambled egg, gently folded with tomatoes, turmeric, and a touch of garam masala. But the pièce de résistance is an egg curry, where boiled eggs luxuriate in a rich, spiced tomato and onion gravy, best enjoyed with piping hot rice or chapatis.

The Rustic Charm of Dal

A well-cooked dal is a dish that nourishes both body and soul. Be it the creamy moong dal, the robust chana dal, or the ever-reliable toor dal, this staple finds a place on my plate in various avatars. Slow-cooked with garlic, cumin, and dried red chillies, it transforms into a meal that is simple yet deeply satisfying. The best part? A drizzle of ghee on top elevates it to pure bliss.

Rice: The Quintessential Comfort Food

Rice, in its many forms, is a delight to prepare. A fragrant jeera rice, where cumin seeds crackle in ghee before being enveloped in fluffy grains, is the perfect accompaniment to any curry. When indulgence calls, a one-pot pulao, brimming with vegetables and infused with whole spices, is my go-to. Cooking rice is not merely about technique; it is about striking the right balance—neither too mushy nor too dry, but just right.

A Sweet Ending: Kheer

A meal often feels incomplete without a hint of sweetness, and nothing captures this sentiment better than a well-prepared kheer. Slow-cooked rice, simmered in milk, and sweetened with sugar, adorned with cardamom and nuts, is a dish of pure nostalgia. The trick lies in patience, allowing the milk to reduce and the flavours to meld beautifully. Served warm or chilled, this dessert is always a winner.

The Joy of Cooking

Cooking is not a mere necessity but a journey—a journey of experimenting, learning, and, most importantly, savouring. While I may not have a Michelin star to my name, I take pride in the dishes I prepare. For in every plate served, there lies a story, a memory, and an unspoken warmth that only good food can offer.

And so, as the ladle stirs and the flames flicker, I find solace in the kitchen, one dish at a time.