Not one to Mince Words!

I heard two simultaneous grumbles in my drawing room. I recognised one to be coming from me and when I looked up for the second sound, I saw that familiar sheepish grin from my 8-year-old! I told you he is always hungry, with or without me. Our eyes met and he giggled his sweet smile guiltily and I knew it was time to go for my everyday pilgrimage. My lovely kitchen, here I come! As my hunger pangs were pounding hard all the way from my stomach to my brain. I decided to listen to them for once. I was raking my brain toward how to quickly go in and come out of the kitchen and yet be able to satisfy both me and my hungry bird. Today like any other day I wanted something that is quick, healthy yet yummy for my son’s tummy for if he ends up eating it all, I knew I was my safest bet. I went towards my fridge with fingers crossed. I was hoping to see that one raw material that can help me churn out a mouth-watering quickie. Saw that small box of minced chicken in the freezer. The bulb suddenly lit up and my eyes darted towards lazily lying potatoes in my pantry. I picked 2 small ones and quickly peeled and cut them into small cubes. They were ready to be soaked in cold water. While I was warning my son away from playing his hand-hopscotch with them, I finely diced one small onion and kept aside two chopped ones as well. I added quick dash of sunflower oil and let it burn till smoke and aroma filled my nostrils awake.

In went diced onions and stirred away till golden-brown. Off went the potatoes along with them, red chilli powder, salt to taste, earthy turmeric and some coriander powder. I further added curd, and ginger-garlic paste to bring out that age old aroma that never fail to remind me on home. I added some water and stirred till all flavours became one. While my mum’s age-old spatula was doing its magic, in went that mince-meat along with chopped onions, some coriander and to green chillies roughly broken into two. On came the lid with gas on simmer for 10 mins or so. After 15 minutes as my safe side, I then opened the lid approximately and put the flame on high and dried the remaining water.

With his unique pitter-patter, the small excited feet below the growing legs of my son came running towards the kitchen. I knew I had picked up his curiosity. Seeing that toothy smile I knew I have won my case. The moment he picked up that sour bread at the far corner of kitchen counter, it was confirmed that he was ready to dive in my small effort to lure his experimental taste buds.That expression of pure glee and imaginative drool lines along his smiling lips is a strong give-away of his happiness and acceptance. He sniffed the air and unlike his obedient self very timidly brought his plate up the counter-top to peek into the simmering delight. Potato mince meat was ready for my baby potato! That is all that a mum needs…Sigh (my contentment breathed for myself)!