Swagger

The river

In this post I will be taking you all to my  native place Kerela. Kerela as you all know is a full fledged bounty of nature and my grandparents, Ammamma's and Acchama's place was an abode of nature's bounties. Green paddy fields, coconut groves, mango groves beetlenut groves banana plantations, cashewnut trees, jackfruit trees, coffee shrubs,pepper vines,beetle leaves vines, vegetables, tamarind tree, flower bushes etc. In the midst of all these were ponds, where one can have a bath in the morning as well as in evening. These ponds were usually used by women flock for bathing and washing clothes without wasting one's time going to the riverside. There were wells too which would be attached to the kitchen and one or more well would be there in the mango orchards for watering and irrigation purposes.

Our most enjoyable part of the year was the summer vacation. Vacation in those days meant, visiting our grandparents and most importantly cousins especially, the maternal ones. All my cousins from different parts of the country too, would be visiting Ammamma during summer holidays. Thus a huge crowd. We all enjoyed our holidays sharing clothes,toys,books,singing,howling and crying. Learning different languages were the most interesting part, tamil, marathi, bengali and most common Hindi. The whole house would turn out to be a warehouse of noice,chitter and chatter.

To avoid chaos Ammamma had a disciplined schedule for all of us. All children should get up early by 5.30 and should do their clean up routine,Brushing bathing etc. Modern facilities of pipes and separate bathrooms were not there in my Ammamma's place and not even a electric connection. So the huge crowd of people taking bath in the bathroom were time consuming as well as hectic schedule since water had to be drawn from the well. So the kids battlion was taken care of by Amma who was everyone's adorable(Mausi) Cheriayyamma and also the naughtiest one.The pond being small for the battlion, Amma would gather everyone and would take all of us to the river. The river was a bit far from our house. The track eleven 🚶 was  very interesting with Amma moving ahead and we children at her back chatting and doing all odds without her noticing. On reaching the river 🏞️ we all would jump into the river swimming, shouting, and catching fish 🐟 with the mundu. The best part was the bet on diving. One should dive standing on one's spot and holding one's breath should come out wading🏊 through from the other end. The winner is the one who  can hold the breath longer. Amma the village bele used to be the winner always. After the hectic schedule of bathing and washing we all would be relishing "KANJI" (rice gruel) with loads of ghee (neyyu) kondatam, appalams, papadams, chamandi pudi (chutney) and kadagu manga(tender mango pickle). Oh!! What a lovely break fast that was.

After breakfast everyone (children)should move out and should only be seen at Lunch time. All ladies would take over to prepare the lunch menu singing and sharing their daily experiences and enquiring about other family members etc. Amma used to be the happiest sitting in the warmth of her mother's love as well as love of sis-in-laws. She was a free bird here unloading all her responsibilities, for, the rest of the year she will be doing the same routine work in the confinements of the four walls. Lunch too would be sumptuous with all goodies and everyone would move out for the afternoon slumber.

Evening session was full with activities. Since there was no electricity "Ranthal" lantern were used. All the lantern glasses were to be cleaned with ash to remove the smokiness. All these cleaning and lighting the diyas were done by the children. Diyas would be kept in all corners of the house and also in the Puja room.  Sandhya Aarti would be done by Ammamma alongwith the nama japa by children.

Our holidays were divided into two parts first fifteen days in Ammamma's place and next fifteen days in Acchama's place. Acchama was a  strict personality with loads of love for her grandchildren. She was very possessive of her grandchildren and wouldn't allow us  to play around in the open or inside since she felt we would fall and would hurt overselves. She thought us to be fragile city breeds who wouldn't be able to adjust to village livings. So in Acchama's place we were extra vigilant, while playing and talking. On one such holidays there was an event in my Acchama's place, my great grandfather's 80th birthday. All were busy greeting the guest and feasting, between all these hustle and bustle we kids were brushed aside. Taking this opportunity  all of us sneaked out to the mango orchard and began our naughty activities. My sis was the naughtiest in our group and also a Tom boy. She had a plan  to show everyone that we city brats were no less than the nadan kuttigal( village born and brought up ones). So now, she, with the help of all of us,moved a huge rock and moving it towards the well, plunged it into the well. Splash 💦💧a huge loud noise emerged. We all got frightened and hid ourselves behind the bushes far away from anyone's reach. The sound was so huge that everyone came to the spot and started searching for us. But we due to the fear of us being scolded didn't budge from our hideouts or made any noise. All was panic  striven and thought we might have slipped into the well. Acchama called helpers  who came with buckets and ropes. Amma started crying, hearing her sobbing, my sis too lost her control and strated crying out loudly.  We all came out from our hideouts trembling with fear and sobbing. Everyone gave us a sharp look. Amma cajoled us and took us inside and lol!! Amma the policewali started beating us black and blue. My Tom boy sis got ENTANGLED in her own web of mischief. And all her Swagger faded away with tears rolling down her cheeks.
My little sis our Tom boy is still known by her mischiefs. She was smart enough to avoid Amma's warth and canning. Me on the other side was the (dholki) doldrums of Amma.

Self clicked pictures

Cheera Avial/ Green chaulai saag

Green Chaulai is a very good source of  Vitamin 'C'. It contain good dietery fibre which is very good for digestive health and it's laxative properties gives a relief to constipation. It's  a complete meal with immunity boosters. 

Ingredients

1. Green Chaulai- 1 kg

2. Raw mango - 1small

3. Green chillies- 5

4. Grated fresh coconut, a cup

5. Turmeric powder-1tsp

6. Shallots-5

7. Cummin seeds-1 tsp

8. Coconut oil-1 tbs

9. Salt to taste

10. Water- half glass. 

Methods

Clean the Chaulai nicely. Chop the green chaulai and raw mango into small pieces.

In a large pan put the chopped chaulai along with chopped raw mango, salt, turmeric powder and half glass water.  Cover and cook until done. It should be cooked well but no extra water. If you find it watery do drain the extra water. Grind together grated coconut, greenchillies, shallots and cummin seeds to a coarse paste.

Add this coarse paste to the cooked Cheerai/Chaulai, mixing well,cook for two minutes on a low flame. Remove from flame and add 1tablespoon of coconut oil.

Your Cheerai Avial is ready to be served. You can serve it as an accompaniment or with steamed rice.

Pic courtesy Google images

Kulthi/Horsegrain/(Muthira and raw papaya puli)curry.

Horsegrain/Kulthi dal is a staple food mostly consumed in Southern parts of India. This miracle food is a rich source of vitamins and fibre. It is a very good food to keep your Kidneys healthy. One should include this health booster in one's menu. In Malayalam it is known as Muthira.

Ingredients

1. Kulthi dal- 100gm

2.Rawpapaya-50gm(half papaya)

3. Green chillies-2

4. Whole red chillies-2

5. Grated fresh coconut- a cup

6. Tamarind pulp- 2 tbs

7. Cummin seeds- 1 tsp

8. Tumeric powder-1tsp

9. Salt to taste

10.Shallots(Madras onion)-6

11. Coconut oil-2 tbs

12. Water - 4 glass

Method

Clean dal dry in a sieve (chalni) and remove any impurities present in it. Heat a wok/kadai and dry roast the dal on low flame for few minutes until you hear crackling sound. The dal breaks open while roasting.

Transfer it into a bowl, let it cool. Take a lemon size tamarind and soak it in lukewarm water for 10minutes. Extract the pulp and keep aside. 

Cut the raw papaya into small pieces

Grind together grated fresh coconut, green chillies, whole red chillies and cummin seeds  in a mixie. Keep aside.

 

Wash the roasted Kulthi dal nicely. In a cooker cook the Kulthi dal alongwith the raw papaya pieces, adding tumeric powder,salt and two glasses of water, six whistle. Transfer the papaya  kulthi dal mixture into a pan. Dilute the tamarind pulp with the remaining two glasses of water. Pour the tamarind water into the pan of papaya dal mixture, mix well. Place the pan on stove and let it boil for ten minutes. Add the grounded masala(gratedfreshcoconut,red chillies,greenchillies,and cummin paste) to the pan and boil further for 5 minutes. Switch of the flame.  

For the tempering chopp the shallots finely into small pieces.

Take a tempering pan, pour two tbs coconut oil, when hot add the chopped shallots and fry until brown. Pour this tempering over the curry and mix well.

Kulthi dal raw papaya puli is ready to be served.

(Pic courtesy Google images)

The Umbrella

On this father's day remembering my Acchan I would like to write down some memorable moments of my life. I don't know why a single day is being marked as a remberance for your loved ones?  For, the one who dwells in your heart doesn't need a day to be remembered. He is always there, alive, in some part of your brain. Don't know why so?? But I feel, the connectivity, or the bond is never broken, may be the soul is always connected. My Acchan as I have introduced to you all before, was a big hearted man, always loved and adored by everyone in our Kudumbam. He was that "Umbrella" who will protect his near and dear from the showers of pain and sadness even if the umbrella has a hole in it. He was so generous that he will give away whatever he has to the one in front of him even if he doesn't have enough for his family. He always used to count the needy first, than his needs. He is still remembered and loved by all. I would love to pen down an incident. This was the year I think may be 1977 or '78 when a major flood took place in Calcutta. The life in the city came to a stand still. It was pouring day in and out for weeks and the whole city was completely submerged in water and all places where the eyes can see, was water, water and only  water. The city was completely water logged and the water level on streets rose to a height of around second floor buildings. This was the time when boats were sailing on the roads helping out the estranged souls, and were also, giving out the medicines, to be safe from cholera. As kids we were all excited and really enjoyed the sight of boats on roads. All the houses on the ground floor and first floor were evacuated and people were shifted to care centers and shelter homes.  The situation was such that no daily commodities was reachable and the livelihood of the citizens came to a complete halt. It was during this period that my cousins, who were staying seperately after getting jobs  were finding it difficult to survive these odds. Their house, where they used to stay, all got submerged and they got stuck themselves in their offices. Their only ray of hope was my Accha. Their "Umbrella." They called him for help with utmost difficulty since telephone lines too were disconnected. My acchan made arrangements for their safety and when the water level receded, approached them to come over to our house. Our  home being on the third floor of the building was not much effected. So my cousins along with their room mates arrived and stayed in our home. The availability of gas or gasoline too was very difficult. Amma, and we all for the first time in our life used the chulha. Aduppu or wooden fire place of kitchen in Kerala, was entirely different from a Chulha. Chulha once ignited burns out the coal very easily, so one has to be ready with all the preparations of cooking first and then set up the flames of the chulha. It cooks very quickly and your meal get ready in no time. The best part is that it gives out warmth while cooling down  thus a remorse, from the dampness, because of continuous raining. We used to cling around, Amma in the evening when she used to make dinner to get the warmth from the chulha. My Amma did the cooking for everyone with whatever little could be managed by Acchan. The prior indication of rain and storm in the papers helped Amma to arrange for the groceries primarily, and all such necessary stuffs were stocked in advance. Thus we all, though having tough times, could have our stomach full. It took a month or two to get the life back on tracks. All my cousins and their friends were happy and were very obliged. They thanked my Acchan and Amma. Life went by as usual and years passed by, we all sisters by now were married and settled. 

It's so happened that my Amma and Accha were on a trip to Kerela.  Oh! I forget to mention one wonderful habit of my Acchan. My Acchan was a person living in the present. He never plans anything. He goes on with his life, as the life takes him. My Amma and Acchan were on their return journey to Calcutta, as said, my Acchan checked the tickets only when he reached the station and lol !! The tickets were not confirmed and more over the boarding station too was very far. They had to board a local train to reach their boarding destination. Now  Amma was loosing her cool  and Accha was trying to find a solution. In this haphazard situation of theirs out came a solace to them in person and helped them. Any guess??........

As said by the learnt, your good deeds always comes back to you as your karma. This person was none other;  He was one of those friends of my cousins who took shelter in our home during floods.  He was stationed as a Station Master in that Railway Station. He was overwhelmed seeing my Amma and Acchan. He now arranged a stay for them in  the Railyatri Niwas and also booked a confirmed ticket for them for their safe journey. The "Umbrella" was once again unflured but this time the other way.

I never liked Accha's haphazard way of handling things. But he always used to just smile and say "take it easy". Life is just to live so live fully. Acchan lived his life fully, being just simple, loveable and caring for others. And I am still trying to imbibe these values into my kids and myself for  experiencing life better. May be, because of this lively spirit, I could withstand this lockdown period so cooly.

Kadachakka/Breadfruit Masala curry

 

Breadfruit

Breadfruit/ Kadachakka in Malayalam is mostly found in the tropical area of the globe.This belongs to the family of mulberry and can be eaten as raw vegetable or as fruit when ripened. This veggie is a good source of Phosphorus,maganesium,

Zinc,iron, maganese and calcium. It is a complete meal in itself and boosts immunity. Being ethnic the availability in the local market is difficult. One can buy this veggie from online sites.

Ingredients

1. Kadachakka/ Breadfruit- 1

2. Corainder seeds -4 tbs

3. Whole Red chillies- 4

4. Pepper corns- 1/2 tbs

5. The three C Powder- 1 tsp

6. Grated fresh coconut1cup

7. Shallots- 5nos

8. Ginger- an inch

9. Curry leaves a few

10. Turmeric powder-1tsp

11. Mustard seeds-1tsp

12. Salt to taste

13. Coconut oil -2 tbs

14. Water- 3 cups

Methods

Cut the breadfruit into small pieces

boil it with two cups of water in a cooker adding tumeric powder and salt, two whistle. For the masala, dry roast the coriander seeds, whole red chillies, pepper corns and the (cinnamon,cardamom, clove,) the three 'C'.

and dry grind it in a mixie to a powdered form. Keep it aside. Wet grind together grated freshcoconut,shallots and ginger to a fine paste.

Open the cooker, transfer the cooked Kadachakka to a large pan, add the powdered masala, stir and let it boil for two minutes on a low flame.  When the masala is blended nicely add the wet paste (grounded coconut shallots and ginger) add a glass of water and cook for another two minutes. Remove from flame. Take a tempering kadai. Put two tbs of coconut oil. When hot add the mustard seeds one whole red chilli and curry leaves. Let the mustard splutter, pour this tempering on to the curry stir nicely.

Your Kadachakka masala curry is ready to be served. You can serve it with steamed rice or rotis.

👇

These trees are in plenty in Kerala and South Konkan areas of India. It is known as Bakri-chajar in Hindi.

Pic courtesy Google images

Broad beans in curd gravy/ Charu Kootaan.

Broad beans belong to the family of beans with lots of nutritional value. It's full of fibre, veg protein and is a good source of folate, phosphorus,manganese,maganesium, iron, calcium vitamin B-6 and B-12. It's a complete immune booster. Include this wonder veggie into one's meal. 

Ingredients

1. Broad beans- 250 gm

2. Green chillies- 5

3. Grated fresh coconut- a cup

4. Cummin seeds-1 tsp

5. Sour curd- 2 cups

6. Raw rice- 2 tbs

7. Salt to taste

8. Pepper powder -1/2 tsp

9. Hing Powder- 1/2 tsp

10. Tumeric powder-1 tsp

11. Coconut oil- 1 tbs

12. Water- 2 cups

13. Curry leaves a few

Method

Clean and cut the broad beans into two.

In a pan boil the broad beans  adding two glass of water,salt and turmeric powder. Cook till soft. Keep aside. Soak two tablespoon of raw rice in water for half an hour. Grind together grated fresh coconut, green chillies,cummin seeds and soaked raw rice to a fine paste.

Beat the two cups of sour curd nicely. Mix the grounded masala into  the beaten curd, keep aside. Place the pan of cooked broad beans on stove pour the masala curd mixture boil for two minutes add hing and pepper powder. Switch off the flame add curry leaves and coconut oil. 

The Charu kootan is ready to be served. Serve it with steamed rice.

Pic courtesy Google images

The Morning Alarm

Once again taking you all to my nostalgic lane. Out of so many favourite pastime one of my pastime was watching the market activities sitting on my window pane. Yes "window pane" in those days houses used to have large doors and windows with broad window panes where one can sit and sip down their favourite beverages. Kolkattians are in the habit of buying their veggies, fruits and fish early in the morning. As such the market footpaths or the outer market as one would say was the place of hawkers. These small scale vendors used to lay down their products very early in the morning. The first thing in the morning was the ice truck which was unloaded on the road in front of the ice shop. These ice slabs were very heavy and were covered with saw dust,  and unloading the same was a real thing, for the labourers used to unload it by pulling it down with an iron hook and then again pulling these into the shop. These ice slabs were then supplied to the cold drink shops, fish and meat markets to preserve their goods, since, there was no refrigerator or cold storage then. The saw dust covered ice looked very dirty and I never used to like it. I always used to think why it is covered so??🤔later as I grew up I knew 'saw dust' slow down the melting process. This ice truck after arrival used to ring a bell,and the truck's reverse turn also had a rythm by the cleaner boy, who used to bang his hand on the sides to give direction to the driver, this was my Alarm Clock for this truck used to reach daily exactly by 5am in the morning. The next is the 'Phool Wali' who used to lay down her flowers ,mogra, genda, jaba phool, tulsi etc, she will be calling out " phool niye nau takhoorer janne"5takka ek mala"..... this voice will be curbed by the banana vendor. "Ek dozen kola,  du takka, du takka kheye dekhun ekdum misti". (One dozen bananas only for two rupees its very sweet like rasogulla) All these noices, rather, I would say melodies, used to break my slumber and I  used to jump out of my bed to have the view and relish the morning. The spirit it gave was immence, for I used to get inspired by them,  I always wondered how dedicated these people are,  to make a livelihood they never missed their time or duty. The best part was the radio played by the tea stalls. Oh what a wonderful mornings were those. Songs of old hindi movies used to reach my ears mixed with all those chaos around. I an ardent lover of music used to relish the melodies flowing out,  and my storage book,  my mind,  used to download all those wonderful songs in my memory bank. Those days,  all songs of Lata ji was on my tips.,I used to remember every line and just hearing the background music,  I could guess the song. Listening to these radio melodies, I grew up and hindi movie songs are a part of me now.  The repeated hearing of these songs daily made me a small gayika. And this is still a part of my daily routine. Without music and melodies I find myself listless.  My radio is always humming songs for me through out the day. And I pay my tribute to Mohd Rafi ji, Kishore Kumar ji, Mukesh ji, Manna dey ji ,Talat Mehood ji, Mehendra Kapoor ji and all  others. I  really  miss those wonderful mornings which were filled with innocence and tension free.

Pic courtesy Google images