This is a story of last winters, It was just another cold but cozy afternoon, and I was playing around with ChatGPT to find answers for some of my exam topics. But what happened next took me on a heartwarming journey back to my childhood.
As I was typing, I suddenly remembered the amazing aroma of my Nani ji’s kitchen. Every winter vacation when we used to visit her at my hometown Uttarakhand, she used to cook her famous CHOLE PALAK (chickpea and spinach curry), a dish that was more than just food—it was love served on a plate. Missing those days, I just asked ChatGPT for the recipe. I thought I might get a basic answer, but what I got was way more than that. Along with the recipe, there was a picture that looked exactly like how my Nani ji’s curry used to look like. My heart jumped with joy and nostalgia.
Excited, I decided to make the curry following ChatGPT’s recipe. The ingredients list brought back so many memories: chickpeas, fresh spinach, onions, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, and all the spices that made Nani ji’s kitchen smell like heaven.
I started by soaking the chickpeas overnight, just like Nani ji taught me. The next day, I heated some oil in a pan and added cumin seeds. The sound of them popping brought a smile to my face. I cooked the onions until they turned golden, then added garlic, ginger, and green chilies. The kitchen filled with a familiar, comforting smell. As I added the tomato puree, I felt like I was right back in Nani ji’s kitchen, eagerly waiting for her to finish cooking.
With each step, I felt more connected to my roots and to her. I added the soaked chickpeas and let them cook, then mixed in the fresh spinach. The final touch was a sprinkle of garam masala and fresh cilantro, just like Nani ji used to do. Although during all this process my mother was there beside me to help me out but mostly I was trying it on my own and following my mother’s instructions.
When I took the first bite, it was perfect. The chickpeas were tender, the spinach was earthy, and the spices blended beautifully. It tasted just like Nani ji’s curry. It was as if she was there with me, guiding me through the recipe.
This experience reminded me of how powerful food can be. It connects us to our past and our loved ones. I was also amazed at how technology could bring such a personal, emotional experience into my life.
I’m sharing this story with you not just because of the delicious curry, but because it shows how food and memories are intertwined. If you ever miss a special dish from your past, I encourage you to try making it. You might find yourself on a wonderful journey back in time, just like I did.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup chickpeas, soaked overnight
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, pureed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 2 green chilies, chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 2 tablespoons oil
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Recipe:
- Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Once they splutter, add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Add garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Sauté for a minute.
- Stir in the pureed tomatoes and cook until the oil separates.
- Add turmeric, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well.
- Add the soaked chickpeas and enough water to cover them. Cook until chickpeas are tender.
- Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted.
- Sprinkle garam masala and mix well. Let it simmer for a few more minutes.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice or roti.
I really enjoyed the making and the authentic taste of this super tasty dish. So, I wish you also try it out and serve it with love to your dear ones. It is not only good in taste but has a high nutrition value.
hooked on healthy meals
