The Mistress of Spices
Spices rule. They have the power to heal, cure and restore happiness. Every spice has its own unique sizzle just as there strong and distinguishable flavor. Each spice has an inimitable magical power that can be used to cure those distressed and has hidden meanings - Turmeric, the hope for rebirth; chili, the cleanser of evil; fennel, to cool tempers; - so believed Tilottama (Tilo) who is Chitra Banerjee's 'Mistress of Spice'. A magical figure that runs a grocery store and use spices to help the customers overcome difficulties.
Tilo and I are very much alike we both share the candid feeling of concern towards others, the love for food, and nonetheless we both believe in the majestic powers of spices, however we use them for very different purposes she uses them to sooth life and I use them to color mine.
Unlike Tilo's enchanted and dramatic spice-love tale, my absolute love for spices started when I used to tag along my mother for the monthly groceries to a reedy spice market where as far as one could see were heaps of different colored spices waiting to be touched. I was like a kid in a candy store, as my mother would describe it. The vivacious red of the chili's inviting yet ever so threatening, the pulsating yellow of turmeric and the jaded dried herbs resting in jars: there different textures and ever so mystifying flavors always stunned me.
What further continues to amaze me is the way different mellow herbs and expressive spices that individually taste distinct combine together and develop an interesting flavor, which can vary with ratios, types or simply because of the way, they were stored-sun dried or salted. Somehow explained to me the mechanism of life and the beauty of co-existence .As how we sometimes overpower like pepper or even with a sprinkle of thyme extenuate the presence of others.
In my quest to reveal the regal potential of spices, I discovered my enduring love for food and cooking. Food brings me happiness. I believe food has the power to bring people together and not just loved ones but complete strangers can become friends over a bowl of soup. For someone like me who has an infinite love for travel unfortunately accompanied with finite funds: food helps me travel the world within the bounds of my kitchen and gives me a glimpse of a country on a plate; a tomato pasta sauce has perhaps told me more about the blithe Italians then any traveling book.
As far cooking is concerned for me, the magic begins when the spices hit the wok. When the hot oil reveals the innate potential of the spices, indicating that it is just a matter of the right medium that instigates the inner potential of an individual to be fully exposed and the rest is recipe.
Tilo said that every person has a spice of there own that defines there personality and now I can not help but wonder about a spice that delineates me .It has to be garlic, of all the spices the most universally loved with it's quality of getting along pretty much with every other spice and leaving behind a lasting impression. However, if excessively used it can take control and can give anyone a good jolt. Garlic can assimilate with the rest of the flavors or can stand out depending on what the victuals require. A fiery personality characterized by charm, fun and wit yet smart warm and friendly, it has an all-embracing aspect: yes, Garlic has it all.
