Kalamata's Kitchen

I chanced upon the much IG-ed “Kalamata’s Kitchen” at the library today and the reason for its popularity is obvious! Kalamata, our protagonist, is nervous the night before the first day of school. She goes to her “safe space” – under the table – with Al Dente, her stuffed alligator. As her mother gets busy cooking dal for dinner, the fragrant spices take her on a magical and comforting journey. The comfort food no doubt makes her feel brave and triumphant, ready to face the world!

I love how the author has focused on one particular but indispensable aspect of dal-making – the “tempering”, also called ‘phoron’ or ‘chonka’ or ‘tadka’. The spices used for the tempering makes a huge difference to the flavour. Also beautiful is the way spices have been described – ‘dazzling yellow turmeric’, ‘curls of cumin’, ‘fresh smell of blooming curry leaves’ and ‘mustard-seed fireworks’. Do also read the “Taste Bud Pledge” and take a look at the different ways ‘tempering’ is described in India. If you are feeling brave, try out the Dal recipe too!

I can’t wait to read the next book in the series, “Kalamata’s Kitchen: Taste Buds in Harmony”, releasing later this month.