Rohini's grandmother, Dadiji, was renowned for her exceptional culinary skills, which had been passed down through generations of women in their family. Every Sunday, Dadiji would prepare a sumptuous feast, using recipes that had been treasured for years. The family's Sunday gatherings were always filled with laughter, love, and, of course, delicious food.
One of Rohini's favorite dishes to help with was the traditional Maharashtrian thali, a staple of Indian cuisine. Dadiji would begin by preparing the rice, carefully measuring out the right amount of water to achieve the perfect texture. Next, she would make the dal, a lentil-based stew flavored with turmeric, cumin, and coriander. The vegetables – usually a medley of locally sourced produce – would be cooked in a variety of spices, including the iconic Maharashtrian condiment, kokum. One of Rohini's favorite dishes to help with
The evening was a resounding success, with guests raving about the flavors and aromas of the food. Rohini's puran poli, in particular, was a hit, with everyone asking for seconds (and thirds!). As the evening drew to a close, Rohini realized that she had not only shared her love of Indian cuisine but also kept her family's traditions alive. The vegetables – usually a medley of locally
As Rohini grew older, she became increasingly fascinated with the art of Indian cooking. She spent hours watching Dadiji chop vegetables, grind spices, and simmer curries on the stovetop. Dadiji would share stories of their ancestors, who traveled across the Indian subcontinent, collecting recipes and techniques that were woven into the fabric of their family's culinary traditions. who traveled across the Indian subcontinent
As Rohini grew more confident in her cooking abilities, Dadiji began to entrust her with more responsibility. She would send Rohini to the local market to select the freshest produce and spices, teaching her how to identify the best quality ingredients. Rohini loved listening to the vendors' stories, learning about the various regions of India from which the produce originated.
