Before actually penning down this piece, I wondered, what exactly is my favourite cuisine? Well, there were many items on the menu card, but honestly, nothing could captivate my heart. I realized, that the answer to ‘what’s my favourite food?’ would not matter because I could not find that belongingness in any other cuisine which I draw from my Mumma’s homemade food. No other recipe can match the level of that home cooked food which is full of candidness and love. Just like the shining sunrays, my Mumma (enthusiastically), would prepare a tasty treat for breakfast. The menu varies, but ‘mumma ke hath ka poha’, is just wow!! I can guarantee you one thing – ‘that taste’ has its own uniqueness and is unbeatable and unmatched at the same time. Preparing a ‘fruit bowl’ is her favourite task to do. With all her love, she adorns it with different fruits and then, she simply places it in front of me and her eyes are always giving clear, strict instructions to finish it up…every small gesture is full of love.
Even after asking- “What would you like to have for lunch?”, she would go on and prepare it by her choice. I know, it’s a very common thing our mothers do! Vegetables like- bottle gourd, pumpkin, ridge gourd, etc. are the ones which are less liked by children and in my case, I almost hated them! But ‘mom’s magic’ could not be defeated by my whims. With her warm and soft hands, she would crumble rotis into the sabzi, pour a good amount of ‘ghee’ and then with her sparkling eyes, she would say – “now eat this and let me know if you like”. My reaction – “Can I get some more please… And, add a little bit more ghee!”. Honestly, nothing tastes more delicious than that. What one dish should I pick when I love everything that she cooks!