Describe a special meal that someone made for you

In life, food often serves as a bridge to connect hearts and create cherished memories. In Indian Punjab, where hospitality is paramount, meals are not just about sustenance but about love and togetherness. One memorable meal that stands out for me was lovingly prepared by my grandmother.

It was during a chilly winter evening last December when I visited my ancestral home in Amritsar. My grandmother, known for her culinary prowess, decided to prepare an elaborate meal as a welcome gesture. She spent the entire afternoon in the kitchen, carefully crafting each dish with her seasoned hands and traditional recipes.

She cooked a lavish spread of classic Punjabi delicacies. The highlight was “Makki di Roti” (cornbread) and “Sarson da Saag” (mustard greens), accompanied by freshly churned butter and jaggery. She also made “Amritsari Kulcha” stuffed with spiced potatoes, served with tangy chickpea curry, and topped it off with a delightful “Kheer” (rice pudding) for dessert. She chose these dishes because they are my favourites and represent the essence of Punjabi cuisine.

The meal was nothing short of a feast, but it was the love and effort she poured into it that made it truly special. I was deeply touched by her gesture and felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude and warmth. As the saying goes, “the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach,” and that meal certainly filled my heart with joy.

The experience was not just about the delicious food but also about the emotional connection and the comfort of home. It reminded me of the importance of family and tradition, making it a meal I will always treasure. This meal, cooked with so much care and affection, was a testament to the love and bonds that hold our family together.

Follow-Up Questions

1. Should students learn to cook at school?

Without any second thoughts, I believe students should definitely learn to cook at school. Cooking is a fundamental life skill that promotes independence and healthy eating habits. In Punjab, where food is an integral part of our culture, learning to cook traditional dishes can also help preserve our culinary heritage. Moreover, cooking classes can teach students about nutrition, food safety, and the importance of a balanced diet. It’s an opportunity for students to understand the value of homemade food over fast food, which can significantly impact their long-term health and well-being.

2. Do you think people’s eating habits would change as they get older?

Absolutely, people’s eating habits do tend to change as they age. Youngsters often prefer fast food and snacks due to their busy lifestyles and social influences. However, as people grow older, they become more health-conscious and start to prefer nutritious, home-cooked meals. In Punjab, it’s common to see older individuals enjoying simple, wholesome dishes like “dal” (lentils) and “sabzi” (vegetables), often cooked with less oil and spices. This shift is usually driven by the need to manage health conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, which become more prevalent with age.

3. Do people in your country like to learn to cook from TV programmes?

Certainly, in India, many people enjoy learning to cook from TV programmes. Cooking shows featuring famous chefs and home cooks are very popular. These programmes not only introduce viewers to new recipes but also offer tips on cooking techniques and presentation. Channels like Food – Food and shows like MasterChef India have a substantial following. They inspire viewers to experiment with different cuisines and improve their culinary skills, making cooking an enjoyable and creative activity.

4. What kinds of fast food are popular in India?

In India, a variety of fast foods are popular. Items like “samosas,” “pav bhaji,” “bhel puri,” and “chaat” are widely enjoyed as quick snacks. Additionally, Western fast food chains like McDonald’s, KFC, and Domino’s have a strong presence, especially among the younger population. In Punjab, local fast food includes “Amritsari Kulcha,” “Chole Bhature,” and “Paneer Tikka,” which are not only delicious but also reflect the region’s rich culinary traditions.

5. Are there any people who wouldn’t eat meat for their whole lives?

Unquestionably, an array of people in India choose to lead a vegetarian lifestyle, sometimes for their entire lives. This is often due to religious beliefs, cultural practices, or personal health choices. In Punjab, for instance, many people follow a vegetarian diet, especially those who adhere to Jainism, certain sects of Hinduism, or Sikhism. These dietary practices are deeply ingrained in the cultural and religious fabric of the region, promoting compassion towards animals and the belief in non-violence.

6. What do you think about vegetarians?

Vegetarians often have my admiration for their commitment to a diet that excludes meat. Their choices are usually influenced by a variety of factors, including health benefits, ethical concerns, and environmental considerations. In India, being vegetarian is quite common and is often associated with a respect for all living beings and a holistic approach to health. The vegetarian diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes, can be highly nutritious and beneficial for long-term health. I believe that vegetarianism is a commendable lifestyle choice that reflects a conscious effort to live in harmony with nature and other living beings.

USEFUL VOCABULARY

·        Hospitality: The friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers.

·        Paramount: Of the utmost importance or significance; primary or supreme.

·        Sustenance: Food or provisions necessary for survival; nourishment.

·        Ancestral: Relating to or inherited from one’s ancestors or forebears.

·        Culinary: Related to cooking or the kitchen; involving the preparation and cooking of food.

·        Prowess: Exceptional skill or ability, especially in a particular field or activity.

·        Gesture: A movement of the body or hand that expresses a feeling or intention; an action performed to convey meaning or emotion.

·        Seasoned: Experienced, skilled, or knowledgeable, especially through long practice or exposure.

·        Lavish: Characterized by extravagant or luxurious expenditure or display; abundant or generous in amount.

·        Delicacies: Delicious and often rare or expensive food items; gourmet or exquisite foods.

·        Churned: Stirred or agitated vigorously, especially in the context of making butter or cream.

·        Jaggery: A type of unrefined sugar made from the sap of various palm trees, gurh in Punjabi.

·        Tangy: Having a sharp, pungent, or pleasantly tart flavour.

·        Essence: The intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something; the most important or central aspect.

·        Feast: A large and elaborate meal, typically prepared for a special occasion or celebration.

·        Poured: Emptied or dispensed from a container, often in a steady stream or flow.

·        The way to a person’s heart is through their stomach: A saying suggesting that preparing and sharing food is a way to win someone’s affection or favour.

·        Testament: Evidence or proof of something; a sign or indication.

·        Fundamental: Essential or basic; forming a necessary foundation or core.

·        Substantial: Considerable in importance, value, or amount; significant or ample.

·        Ingrained: Deeply established or firmly fixed, often in the mind or behaviour.

·        Compassion: Sympathetic concern for the suffering or misfortune of others, often accompanied by a desire to alleviate it.