My Culinary Journey: From Picky Eater to Home Cook

As an Indian, I have a deep appreciation for the diverse cuisines and cultural richness of my home country. Growing up, I particularly loved South Indian food, with its idli, dosa, and vada, and the myriad varieties of chutneys that come with it. However, my preference for these delicious dishes has often been outsourced to my local takeaway and home delivery services such as Zomato and Swiggy.

Discovering Mexican Cuisine

When it comes to other countries' food, Mexican cuisine holds a special place. The aroma of nachos, salsa, and tacos is simply irresistible. While I may not have taken up the challenge of making these dishes from scratch, I still enjoy indulging in the taste of authentic Mexican flavors thanks to my favorite delivery services.

A Childhood Pampered

My childhood was one of privilege; as the youngest of my parents, I was often spoiled and focused on academics. My studies took precedence over cooking, and I primarily relied on domestic help to handle all household tasks, including cooking. For many years, I stayed in a hostel, and later, when I moved into a flat on my own, I found myself relying on outside food for sustenance, but my health suffered. Eventually, I was forced to take up cooking.

The Learning Curve

My first forays into cooking were with simple dishes like pasta, chicken, and vegetable curries. Kneading the dough for rotis and chapatis was less appealing. Over time, as I spent more time at home due to my job and without the help of domestic assistance, I learned to cook more and more. My skills improved to a point where I could confidently prepare dishes like chicken biryani, poha, and aloo paratha.

The Impact of Change

With my recent divorce, I found myself jobless and lost in a sea of uncertainty. I decided to channel my energy into something more fulfilling, which led me to pick up cooking once again. Over the past couple of years, I have made tremendous progress, learning to cook a variety of dishes, including Indian staples like pasta, poha, biryani, and desserts like idli-sambhar. While I may not find cooking as intellectually stimulating as reading, writing, or teaching my child, I certainly enjoy the satisfaction of preparing meals and spending time in the kitchen.

Here are some pictures of the dishes I have cooked to share my cooking journey:

Would you like to share your own cooking journey with us?

Thank you for reading.

Stay Calm!

Anshu