We take for granted and celebrate the cultural, lingual and food diversity of our beloved country. But, it almost always baffles an outsider, witnessing the sheer amount of diversity existing with such a harmony. I always feel lucky to have witnessed this diversity firsthand. Amongst various unifying factors, our love for food tops the list. Right from love for idli & dosa in the south, to the obsession with paratha in the North; the fascination of vada pav, dhokla, pav bhaji in the west to the fondness with rosogulla, luchi-aloo dum in the east; this love keeps us connected as across the country.
I recalled an old joke that goes like: a South Indian can make dosa with anything edible, the same way a North Indians can make paratha with anything edible. On close inspection, you will find this statement to be true, as if someone took the joke seriously. It is common to find a variety of Parathas in a typical north Indian menu, some of which are traditional while others are a result of experiments.
Our topic of exploration today which is of, of course, paratha that too from my grandma’s repertoire of recipes. Grandmothers always hold a notable place in our hearts through their unconditional love and indulgent pampering. I have many fond childhood memories of my maternal grandmother. Vacations at her place always meant delicious food, especially fish. She had a superpower that enabled her to prepare a wide variety of fish cuisines. Well, sorry for my ramblings of fish, but it is a weakness that I can hardly control. During one such trip to my grandma’s, an 8 yr. old me demanded something different from a fish cuisine (I guess it was one rare occasion when I was fed up with it). While my mom was growling on me for making such a demand, that too on a short notice; grandma sprang into action immediately. Somehow, she sensed the requirement of my palate and these parathas for a snack. A delectable, juicy layer of keema tucked between the crispy outer layer, dipped in a spicy chutney; I could still somehow remember the taste. While it is difficult for me to portray that unconditional love of the most wonderful women in my life, it is easy to adore her remembrance by recreating her recipes and memories. So, today I share this Keema Paratha from my Grandma’s recipe book.