Now why would anyone like to know my favorite food items ? Lemme guess. Oh no, I can’t imagine. OK. Maybe if I ever walk into your home and you want to be really nice to me, then you will know exactly what to feed me. Right ? So here goes :
1. Aloo / Paneer ka parantha
Soft, thick aloo or paneer ka parantha, soaked in butter served with pickles and dahi. Aha ! When I had gone to Karnal for a professional visit, I was served this breakfast every day. I eat this sparingly nowadays (diet reasons) but whenever I can lay my hands on this, it’s sheer bliss….
2. Chocolate cake
Somebody hold me as I go weak in the knees and fall… Thick, rich, creamy chocolate cake which melts in your mouth ! This is a regular feature on every birthday of mine. And the darker the chocolate, the yummier it is. It’s so intoxicating that the moment you will take one forbidden bite of this, you will close your eyes in ecstasy.
3. Dal-chaawal (the way Mummy makes it)
My mother is a cook to end all cooks. She can make the simplest dish so heavenly (I know everyone feels like that about their mothers). This was the regular feature at lunch time when I would come home from school. It spelled comfort and security. Even today, when I tell my mother that I am coming home and she asks me what I would like to eat, my answer is ‘the usual !’ and she knows what I mean. Mummy ! Bhookh lagi !
4. Pizza
Regular size, lots of cheese, the works. You know how this one rolls out. It strikes home, right away. The no-fuss, tastiest meal in the world is pizza. Its popularity is only complemented by its simplicity. Show me somebody who will say ‘No’ to a straight out of the oven, hot, piping pizza with yummy cheese and toppings and I’ll show you a dinosaur.
5. Gajar ka halwa
Red, hot and very sweet. The aroma of milk and carrots in the air. A cold, chilly night. And hey, I am in heaven. Whoever invented this gajar ka halwa deserves to be lauded ! It’s a sure fire hit as a sweet dish on wintry nights. Bachao !!
6. Burgers
There is something about a thick, juicy burger that gets me off and running- to the land of calories, unfortunately. Just seeing a burger is enough to make me forget every resolve to diet. Especially if it has lettuce and thick ketchup adorning it. Help !!
7. Jalebi
Shapely, hot and sweet. No, I am not describing Bipasha Basu. I am talking about good ol’ jalebis and also their cousins called ‘Imartis’. These sweet little things can murder you, especially if eaten when you are very hungry. Or when you are tired. Or when.. oh, hell, why d’you need an excuse ? Just go right ahead and dig in.
8. Macaroni and Pasta Salad
This is the only salad I am fond of. Otherwise I am not much of a salad person. I feel a good diet can be followed without the hassle of going off in a deep end of low calorie diet. Yet, a rich, creamy macaroni and pasta salad in cheese sauce gets me begging and asking for more. Koi hai ??
9. Trifle pudding
Close your eyes and lick those fingers… this one will transport you to heaven. Especially if it has a generous helping of fruits and is topped with strawberry extracts. Especially if it is chilled and creamy. Especially if…oh, forget it.
10. Samosas
I am in heaven the moment I espy this little full-of-calories devils. I have bid a sad goodbye to them ever since I have started counting calories but once in a while, they can’t hurt, can they ? They are great to eat with tea and ketchup on a rainy evening. I am off now… just to check it it’s raining !!
Er… did I hear thunder outside ?