The Shoe Project Session 1

Exercise: Write about your favorite food. List the ingredients and include the recipe.

Lal Shaak (Amaranth Dubius)

I don't even remember when I first tasted Lal Shaak. It has always been my favorite ever since I had the sense of myself.  If the side dish was Lal Shaak, baby 'me' never posed a drama in the event of having dinner. But it became a family affair in my teenage when I went to study in a residential school. I have written a letter to my elder sister, that I am missing the meal of rice, beef curry, and Lal Shaak so much. On my next vacation, when I entered through the door- there was a homecooked meal waiting for me at the table- rice so hot that I could see the steam coming out, red spicy beef curry; and glowing in its own glory- Lal Shaak. 

For the next six years, while I was in the residential school, this became our ritual. I love ice cream, chocolate, and all the other stuff, but nothing compares to these simple, innocent leaves. It is to me, the smell of returning home, the love of my parents and siblings, and the sheer joy of food. I love Lal Shaak so much, that if Lal Shaak was a person, I would definitely marry it. 

Ingredients:

Lal Shaak, Onions, Garlic, Oil, Salt

Recipe:

- Wash and remove the roots of Lal Shaak

- Chop Lal Shaak, onion, and garlic 

- Fry the onion in oil until softens, then add garlic

- Once the garlic is golden brown, add the chopped Lal Shaak and salt

- Cover the pan and cook on low heat

- Stir occasionally until Lal Shaak softens and the water comes out of the Shaak. 

- Eat with steaming hot white rice!