Published on : 23 Sep 2025, 4:26 am

When I was in Class 8 in Assam’s Hojai, my great uncle ( moha koka ) arrived from Guwahati unexpectedly while my parents were at work. With no mobile phones back then, surprise visits were common. I made him tea, and when he asked for lunch, I confidently agreed.

My mother had soaked some mosoor dal before leaving. Inspired by my aunt’s cooking, I made dal fritters ( bor ) and simmered them in a curry flavoured with fresh manimuni , bhedailota , curry leaves, garlic, and green chilies from the neighbour’s garden. I also prepared a raw jackfruit seed curry and made fresh paneer for another dish, serving everything with warm rice.

My great uncle ate heartily, smiling, “You cooked all this alone? It’s delicious!” That evening, he told m

See Full Page