Pangs of hunger

The title of this blog sort of reminds me of the movie title "Days of Thunder". But that is a long shot I think.

I'm going to talk today about how much our choice of food influences where we are and what we do. If you think about it, would you like to live in a country that didn't have masala dosa or idli anywhere? It's one thing if you can make it - it's another if you can't!! Former President A P J Abdul Kalam never went abroad because his funda was simple - Where would I get my sambar idli from?

I too love South Indian food - particularly the idli. It's made out of rice and is truly delectable. Being a Punjabi, I sit and usually at South Indian restaurants end up eating two breakfast items - Masala dosa and a plate of idli for lunch.

According to wikipedia, idli has a long history, being mentioned as far back as 920AD in some texts. These days, you can buy idli in a packet - already the batter has been made - you just have to cook it. Instant idli so to speak. It's quite economical and tastes brilliant. My mouth is watering just as I write this blog. For someone who has never eaten idli, I would strongly encourage you to.

It's funny though how much food influences our lives. It's a common denominator with everyone - though I have come across a very thin senior who himself said "I do not like the taste of food." I can't understand that. I love food. I even like shows about cooking. There is one called "Top Chef" hosted by Padma Lakshmi. Initially I couldn't understand how you could have a cooking competition. But after watching the show, it's really quite engrossing - seeing the challenges and the way the chefs in a short span of time are able to come up with unique dishes. Sometimes the materials are so zany, you wonder how they came up with the items in the first place.

Cooking is another form of creation. Being an artist (lazy one at that), I can understand how one can take components and create a piece of art. It's an endeavour that requires all your senses, and perhaps why I like watching cooking shows.

Maybe I should start on a madhubani now. I have all the ingredients. Except maybe the will to do it.

True with most things in life I suppose.