What foods would you like to make?

On July 21, 2023, the prompt had given this topic. At that time, I had written an article in Marathi on my blog. Due to the language barrier, perhaps I didn’t receive many likes and comments back then. That’s why I am now republishing my Marathi article — which was originally published two years ago — by translating it into English with the help of ChatGPT.

• Today, I’ve firmly decided not to write on the usual headache-inducing topics like unemployment, inflation, inequality, economic exploitation, meager salaries despite working for an entire month, or the daily struggle of meeting the growing needs of a family. Let’s do something different today…
  So, let’s take up a topic that most Indian men — especially Maharashtrian men — tend to dislike: “Which dish would you enjoy cooking?”
  This question might be even more unwelcome for those men who’ve never even glanced at the kitchen. For people who don’t consider cooking to be an important or enjoyable subject, this may seem dull and uninteresting.
  Compared to Western countries, a greater proportion of Indian men fall into this category. Many still believe that tasks traditionally done by women should only be done by women. A large section of Indian men still thinks that cooking food is the primary responsibility of the women in the house.
  So, when someone asks, “Which dish would you enjoy cooking?” — the common reaction might be: “Now what’s this new nonsense?”
  Of course, the younger generation is an exception. Thanks to courses like Hotel Management or various culinary programs, they now see cooking as a skill that can lead to a good job — even in five-star hotels — and they look at it with appreciation.
  But the hard truth is: most men in the 45–50 age group can’t even make themselves a cup of tea.
  Now, coming to the real point…
  There come certain days in everyone’s life when the expert cook of the house is absent. In such situations, you are the one who must take care of your own meals.
  Even though ready-made food is available outside, and hotels are everywhere, if it’s the end of the month and your wallet doesn’t permit hotel food, it feels awkward to go eat at a neighbor’s or a friend’s place.
  So, what then — stay hungry?
  That’s why you must learn at least one or two easy, low-effort, quick-to-make recipes.
  Sure, an egg omelet with bread can help you “survive,” but it won’t satisfy your hunger.
  It’s okay if you can’t make roti or bhakri — you can always buy them from a food stall if needed.
  But you must at least be able to cook one sabzi (vegetable dish) on your own.
  And if you don’t want to deal with any complicated recipes, at least one simple, hassle-free dish should be part of your emergency survival kit.
  Only then… will you not stay hungry.

• According to my understanding, it’s hard to find a Marathi person who doesn’t like dishes like vangi bharit (mashed brinjal), besan pithla (gram flour curry), along with shenga chutney (peanut chutney), curd, and bhajis (fritters). All of these are not only delicious but also very easy to prepare.
  You can make vangi bharit by roasting the brinjal and peeling off the burnt skin. But an easier way is to steam-cut brinjal pieces in a spoonful of oil, add chopped onion, coriander, the right amount of red chili powder and salt, then top it with a tempering of mustard seeds, and finally mash it with a spoonful of curd. And there you have it — a tasty vangi bharit! (I can make this myself, by the way!)
  Pithla — made from gram flour (besan, i.e., chickpea flour) — is also a very simple recipe. Mix the flour in the right amount of water without letting lumps form (use more water if you prefer it thinner). Add chili powder and salt as per taste and blend well. Heat oil in a pot or pan on low flame, then add mustard and cumin seeds for tempering, and pour in the gram flour mixture. That’s it — pithla is ready!
  It’s a simple process, yet so satisfying.
  As for bhakri or roti, you can always buy them from outside — they are easily available.
  The very confidence that “I can cook at least one dish” keeps you from feeling lonely when no one else is at home.
  That’s why, even if all your family members are away, you can enjoy your solitude by making something simple for yourself.
  So then — when you’re home alone, will you try making at least one easy dish?
  What’s the harm in giving it a try?

:-Mukund Madhukar Hingne.