I often talk about my Mom's garden so just thought of sharing a few of her rain drenched garden pics.
 |
| Bleeding Hearts |
Bengali
Ilish Macher Matha die Pui Shaaker chorchori (Malabar Spinach cooked with Hilsa Head)
12:15 PM
In Bengali homes Hilsa is a prized catch during Monsoon. Though Podda’r ilish (Hilsa from the river Padma) is known to be the king of all Hilsas but the scarcity and huge price of this fish makes it an unrealized dream for most Bengalis. These days the Hilsas has just started making their most awaited appearance in the market and the Bengali babus or bhadrolok (gentleman) are getting crazy over it. Last week while doing my grocery shopping I heard someone saying how he is planning to go to Raichak and Diamond harbour over the weekends to get the freshet of the catch directly from the fishermen. I can totally imagine him driving 50 kms at the crack of the dawn to lay their hands over the catch of the day. The price would be soaring over there but who thinks of that. A good Sorshe Ilish will compensate everything.
A few days back someone asked me what I like to cook the most, my reply was ‘ bread’. Yes it might sound weird but that’s what I love to prepare when I want to vent some energy or anger out. If you have ever tried doing this then you would know how therapeutic this whole process is. The mixing, kneading, proofing and shaping provides immense satisfaction.
As much as I love Monsoon I hate to admit that am not that fond of fried stuffs that’s generally served during the season. I have always averted these as a weight watcher and now that I have grown double in size I still cant make myself love it. Its never regular on our plate rather we indulge in it very occasionally.
Monsoon, probably the most desirable season for all Indians, not also gives us respite from the dreaded summer but also strengthens our economy. If you don’t agree then think of those hot and humid summer days when even thinking of going out in the scorching heat makes us sick. and then that beautiful sound of roaring clouds as if murmuring the good news of bringing the respite from heat. Those gray clouds surrounding the sky and the light and shade giving almost a surreal feel even in the brightest of afternoons. That invigorating smell of damp earth after the very first shower of the season, the crisp air overturning our umbrellas, huddling under any shade and acquainting a stranger, those lightening in the sky tearing the deep dark night and finally drifting to a comfortable sleep listening to the rhythm of dancing raindrops. . Its magic engulfs and includes us all.
Monsoon for us is a season on which we survive and sustain. Being pre dominantly an agriculture-based economy a good monsoon boosts our economy and strengthens are socio economic standing. We pray for good monsoon and worship the rain God to be kind. We celebrate many festivals welcoming this life thriving season.
And last but not the least with providing a cooler and more comfortable climate it revives our taste buds. After the dreaded summer we get our appetite back and delve ourselves into the seasonal food it brings with it. Monsoon is sheer magic to enjoy fried goodies, like pakoda, cutlet or kebab. Masala tea or filter coffee never taste as good as its in monsoon. Reading never seems so enjoyable when paired with a hot cuppa. Many lazy afternoons are shared with friends and family with good food and rain as a backdrop.
Various parts of India celebrate this season with various types of delicacies. Some parts enjoy Hilsa (fish), some prepares khichdi and some serves pakodas and bhajias. So when Jagruti allowed me to host her JCO for monsoon I was ecstatic to realize that this will allow me to learn about many unknown-unheard ritual, culture and especially food from your kitchen. A big thank you to Jagruti, who is the brain behind this event. Every season is going to have different theme and some wonderful bloggers are going to host it. So friends join me this season and lets celebrate the season that brings a smile to all of us.
Now the Rules:
1. Now that the theme is Monsoon so please limit recipes that has some kind of reference to this season. If you are linking any of the fried stuff or hot beverages you don’t need any reason but for other recipes I would request you to please mention how it is significant. Would love to share your nostalgic memories.
2. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian recipes are welcome. So bring on all
those kebabs and indo Chinese fries.
3. please link in recipes that has been published during the event’s time
period. No archived or reposted recipes please.
4. Posts must be linked to this announcement page and to Jagruti’s page.
5. You can link as many recipes as you desire.
6. The usage of logo is not mandatory but requested.
7. The time limit for this event is 1st july’12 to 30th sept.’12.
8. Non- bloggers please come up with your unique recipes and mail me your entries to ahomemakersdiary@ yahoo. In
Sorry to change the procedure here. To participate 1. Please mail me to ahomemakersdiary @ yahoo. in with 2. your Name: Your Blog's URL: Recipe Name: Recipe Link: picture of the dish not more than 300 px in width. |
Happy Cooking!
Posts
