Chef at Large

Apart from being prepared for a situation where you simply must cook, is there any other reason why you should take up this dreary pastime?

Of course there is. I remember the exact moment when I was truly hooked. Before then, I was experimenting with making spring rolls, perhaps the odd adventure with beaten egg in a frying pan and so on. My brother, his wife and some friends dropped in for dinner unannounced one evening. As it so happened, I had a few whole pomfrets, that were purchased that evening from the fish market. Made a few cuts, rubbed in some pepper and sea salt and let it lie. Then gently sauteed them whole in butter and olive oil. Afterwards, chopped up some chives and added it to the stuff left in the pan with some seasoning (I later learnt, thats called deglazing) and poured it over the fish. Served each person with a whole pan fried fish with some fresh bread straight from the oven.

When it was served, for about 15 minutes after that, all one could hear were the soft sounds of people eating. Water being poured into a glass, the occasional tinkle of cutlery against glassware, buttered knife gently scraping against a piece of toast, the odd chew… total silence otherwise. That hooked me. It was amazing how an unassuming but fresh fish and good quality ingredients, combined well, could subdue a room of people.

In a baser sense, it could also be the appeal that good food extends to most people and indirectly, the small sense of power it gives you. The magic of transforming a few vegetables, water and seasoning into a steaming tureen of soup or flour, yeast and water into fresh, hot bread - I don’t think thats meant for everyone and if you’re one of those who can do it, are humbled by it and can appreciate it, I believe it is something to be thankful for.

… and that my friend, is why you should cook.

 
- Sid 

You may also like these posts:

• Sidewok - Khan Market, New Delhi
• Low Fat Spread - Hummus
• Traditional Kerala Mutton Stew
• Vegetable Dumpling Soup
• Chicken in Black Bean Sauce with Vegetables