My Love for Mom's Cooking: A Journey of Appreciation and Taste
As a teenager, I never appreciated my mom's cooking. To me, home-cooked meals were just a bland alternative to the delicious fast foods I could buy or make myself. But as I grew older and especially after getting married, I began to recognize and cherish the unique flavors and love that my mother pours into every dish she prepares.
My Mom's Cooking: A Childhood Tidbit
During my school days, I often brought two lunchboxes. One kept as a spare, just in case my packed lunch was damaged. My friends couldn't resist the sight of my colorful, homemade lunches, and I always hoped they would return in one piece. However, my mother's meals often fell short, relying heavily on boxed or canned meals. Nowadays, I prefer to eat my own meals or buy fast food instead.
College Years and My Lunchbox
As a college student, I still sometimes bring lunch. My schoolmates ask about the contents, hoping to see something special. But my appetite for my mother's cooking hasn't diminished; it has only increased. Food that fills the stomach but not the soul becomes a poignant reminder of the beautiful meals that my mother prepares.
Spiritual Fulfillment through Grandma's and Mom's Cooking
My mother and grandmother are the best cooks in the world. When I eat their food, it not only satisfies my stomach but also my soul. Grandmother's dishes especially have a unique charm that can't be replicated. My mother's chicken biryani stands out as the best, and I eagerly come home to enjoy it even when I eat out elsewhere.
Understanding and Appreciating Mom's Efforts
Only after marriage did I truly appreciate my mother's cooking. Before that, I took it for granted. However, every meal my mother prepares carries an extra level of love and effort. Despite her age and illness, she always cooks full meals for lunch. Each dish is a labor of love, a testament to her commitment to our family.
Some of my mother's best dishes include:
Puttu Tomato Soup (a traditional breakfast dish) Rice Kongura Pachadi (a flavorful condiment) Vegetable Kurma (a vegetarian dish) Pesarattu with Rava Upma and Ginger Chutney (a vegetarian meal) Udhi Gaaralu (a traditional rice preparation)Each of these dishes evokes feelings of nostalgia and homesickness, reminding me of the love and care that my mother puts into every meal she prepares. Despite the challenges and the time she dedicates to cooking, her efforts are always appreciated.
In conclusion, my love for my mother's cooking has evolved into a deep appreciation for the effort and love that goes into each meal. Whether it's a simple home-cooked meal or a grand feast, every dish she prepares brings a smile to my face and fills my heart with joy.