Culinary Signature

The curry is cooked, and now awaits

The tempering that gives it its distinctive taste

I heat the oil, add seeds of mustard and cumin

I watch them crackle and then throw in

Some fragrant curry leaves and few red chillies dried

Then add the sizzling mixture to the curry set aside

Aromatic spices bloomed in hot oil impart

Their flavor to the dish, to warm both the palate and the heart

The aroma of my tempered curry serves as the indication

That food is ready, it is an invitation

For my family to gather at the dinner table to eat

Tempering is the last step that denotes cooking is complete

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What is it about “Tadka” or tempering that has inspired me

To wax poetic about it- it is not just a technique culinary

It has cultural significance- each region of the Indian subcontinent

Has a different blend of oils, spices and other condiments

Not only that, every family tweaks the tadka to suit its palate

Thus the humble tadka the diversity of Indian food celebrates

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I learnt from my mother, she learnt from her mother before me

The tadka I grew up with is a signature of my family

The aroma of fresh tempering brings childhood memories to mind

And to pass on this unique recipe to my child I am inclined