Nostalgia and Flavor: My Mom’s Biscuits and Gravy and a Homemade Bhindi and Janhi Curry

What is the most cherished dish from your mother's cooking? For me, it's the humble Biscuits and Gravy, a meal that evokes childhood memories and a sense of home even now.

Why My Mom’s Biscuits and Gravy Still Tastes Like Home

My mom didn't do a lot of home cooking when I was growing up. Most meals were premade, frozen, or eaten out. However, there were a few dishes that she made, and the Biscuits and Gravy was one of them. It wasn’t just any biscuits or gravy; the biscuits were homemade, and the gravy was made from scratch with a bit of seasoning. This meal is one of the few I still look forward to today, even though I can make a much better version myself. It’s a reminder of the simple pleasures of childhood and the love that went into each bite.

A Homestyle Bhindi and Janhi Curry: Loving Home Cooking

While I have fond memories of my mom's homemade Biscuits and Gravy, another dish that holds a special place in my heart is the Bhindi and Janhi Curry. This simple yet flavorful dish is a true testament to the skill of a homemaker. Here is a recipe for a delightful Bhindi and Janhi Curry:

Ingredients:

Chopped potato Chopped bhindee (ladyfinger) Chopped tomato Chopped janhi (ridge gourd) Mustard seeds Garlic paste, onion, and jeera (cumin) paste Salt Turmeric Oil Red chilli powder Chopped onion

Process of Making the Dish:

Heat a pan or kadai and add 1 tsp of oil. Cook the bhindi and janhi for 5 minutes, then remove them to another plate. Take the same pan or kadai and add 1 tsp of oil. Heat the oil, then add chopped onions. Fry until they turn a nice reddish-brown color. Remove the onions and add chopped potatoes. Add the mustard paste, turmeric, red chilli powder, salt, and a little water. Cook for 7 to 8 minutes, checking frequently to ensure the potatoes are boiling properly. Add the half-cooked bhindi and janhi. Cook for another 3 to 5 minutes. Add the chopped tomatoes in the last stage. If you add them too soon, the vegetables may take longer to cook. Cook for another 5 minutes, then check if the vegetables are fully cooked. Serve the Bhindi and Janhi Curry with rice or roti. This dish is highly tasty, and my brother and I still love it.

Homemade Cooking: A Treasure of Taste and Memory

Even now, when I cook for my daughter through my YouTube channel, nish-cooks, I try to create dishes that remind me of my mother. The taste of food cooked by hand is immeasurable. Whether it's a simple dish or a complex recipe, the love and effort that go into it are always evident. My mother's cooking was not only delicious but also filled with a love that transcends the mere taste of the food. Her cooking was a treasure that I store for my daughter.

After the sudden loss of my mother at a young age, her food became a cherished memory. Simple or special, every dish she cooked was tasty and filled with love. Today, I carry on her tradition through my cooking and hope to pass on these treasured memories to my daughter. With each dish I prepare, I remember the hands that once held the same kitchen tools with a bit more strength and warmth.

Thank you for taking the time to read about my culinary journey. I hope you enjoy the recipes and memories as much as I do.