Who likes cooking?? I think, it’s born skill and necessity which induces person to learn cooking. Born skill as one has to put salt, oil, chilli and other ingredients in proportion properly and necessity as hungry person atleast must know how to prepare rice or sandwitches like things. I had born skill and it was no problem right from my first cooking that I did everything in proportion except little more chilli which was my liking. Starters do such mistakes for which family members suffer.

Cooking was initially matter of helping in need to mother on her getting sick only.. and of course it was geared up after marriage. Indian woman baba!! Indian girls must know making chapatis (I think south Indians don’t prepare it), various vegetables alongwith rice and atleast one type of dal to impress her in-laws family. It becomes matter of appreciation if a girl knows and cooks fancy items apart from cooking these. I was not that type of girl so started learning by observations. I need practicals or atleast observing somebody cooking right from initial stage to finalisation. I learnt Vada-sambar,Uttappa from south dishes and chicken curry from my one of my sister-in-laws who was expert already. Yes, ours was big joint family of 15 with three couples (now a days living with mother-in law and father-in-law is called as joint family). Advantage of such joint family was cooking was shared and I used to get atleast 2 days free to do other works of my liking.

Cooking was not main thing for me as I was serving and appearing for Hindi ’’Ratna’’ exam.after marrige... rather it was must thing to learn. A teenager girl/boy are advised to learn making snacks items initially e.g. sandwitches, Shira-Pohe,Thalipeeth (Maharashtrian girl/boys of course), Omlette (if one likes eggs), Sabudana khichadi (it’s really easy as I did this dish at my VIIth std.at school as Gruhshastra was compulsory subject that time for us being girls’ school) and basic things like Mugachi Khichadi, Rice-dal, phulka (which you may miss otherwise), atleast one or two vegetables. Even spinach soup is easy item. Remember to put little oil as far as possible and remember the things you learnt in Science to keep calories level upto the mark. That’s enough to keep you fresh.

There are fruit-chat to your help and some milk shakes to keep you healthy. Sundays are good for cooking trials. You will be surprised ( I think many Indians) to know that my husband cooks so nicely that he brought his homemade idlis when I was in hospital for my delivery at my second child. Isn’t it exceptional and surprising ? He could not bring sambar that time as hospital was quite away from home and he had to take care of my elder daughter and didn’t ask any lady member of my family/neighbours to help(which is against his nature). Now a days he helps me whenever needed. And to your surprise once agian career minded teenager kids even can cook some nice items whenever they find time. My son likes making cake and pizza in oven and daughter likes making biryani (veg./non-veg). It is good to learn I told na. Thats why I can enjoy reviews on MS and learn cooking my opinions.

And once again I must tell you cooking is not my hobby.. I like to make only must items or selected favourite dishes. Here I can mention that I had given receipe of Pulao (rice) in ’’Madhura’’ magazine of Sakal news-paper and got in prize full box of 20 Rasoi magic masale and appron with Rasoi-magic logo. I feel it was my writing skill which inspired me to write receipe of pulao...otherwise cooking? makes me uncomfortable after half an hour or so. However, I am still in a position to advice because it is the easiest thing to do in this world.

So dear friends, learn cooking as its must part of life and enjoy and let others enjoy. Some more tips- Wash vegetables or meat or fish thoroughly.Vegetables like cauliflower may be dipped in salt water. Take right qty.of item to cook not to worry about left-overs. Soak vegetable in water before cooking even rice or dal which reduces time for cooking. Use non-stick cookware not to use too much of cooking oil. Always use best quality non-stick cookware. Measure oil by small spoons. Put required spices for taste only though many ppl.(esp.we Indians) like spicy food. To maintain food value put lead while cooking.. so use of Pressur cooker is recommended. Put required quantity of water while cooking to maintain taste level. Vegetables/fruits skins may be retained in many cases e.g. carrot, cuccumber, apples (potato even) to get nutrients. Using coconut,cream,tomato,onions, jinger (lahsan sometimes) add to the taste. Tasting food before presentation is allowed. Present food items nicely and with happiness and/or eat food in nice environment e.g. light music. Left overs may be kept in fridge and take care during summer especially. Eating fresh food is always recommended.

So, friends, Be happy and fresh with fresh food.

© Mrs.Medha.