A NEW TASTE

 

LT COL NOEL ELLIS

 

15/I/2025

 

Having been born in Punjab, chole-bhature was part of our staple diet. One was not aware of the cuisine which existed below the Tropic of Cancer. Even if there was a choice, one would stick to what the pallet was accustomed to.

 

Let me share an anecdote of Kapurthala. We had a few members from the Armed Forces part of our church congregation. Major Punnoswami was a very active member. He was an Army Doctor. His wife and two bonny boys soon gelled with us. Mam didn’t understand a word of Punjabi and same was the case with the Major. However, English was the common medium of communication and Dad used to be the translator.

 

One day, the family insisted that we all after the church service visit their home to enjoy ‘dosha’ not ‘dosa’ mind you. We all were super excited about it.

 

Mrs Punnoswami called the bunch of us to the table and served us a dosha each. I must be in class seventh or eighth. I looked at my brother and he looked at me as we didn’t know what to do with what had been served. It was our first encounter with a dosha per se. We were hungry like hell for sure.

 

Inquisitiveness led me to open my dosha. Inside was a filling of potato sabzi. How do we eat this damn thing without a spoon? We were used to eating with our hands, I opened the cover and dived into that funny tasting aloo sabzi. Rest of the kids also opened the ‘wrapper’ and started eating the insides of the dosha.

 

Why did aunty make a crêpe and stuff aloo bhaji inside? None of us relished it. As had been taught to us, I picked up my plate and went to keep it in the kitchen. Aunty was bringing another freshly roasted dosa on a wooden spoon. She was surprised and asked if I wanted more. I shook my head, she asked the other kids, all of them shook their heads in unison. She looked surprised.

 

Why didn’t you eat the dosha son? Dosha what dosha I looked at her curiously. She pointed to the cover of the aloo sabji. I told her we were not aware that this was supposed to be eaten. She almost dropped the dosha she was carrying laughing aloud. We kids looked at each other sheepishly and giggled.

 

Those days, dosa was never on the menu in North India. Idli which also was introduced by our south Indian friends was the most tasteless thing on the other side of River Kanjli. Give me a choice now, I love those steamed roundels. Same was the case with Chinese. Noodles never gave a kick which a lachha paratha could give. Today, noodles are one of my favourites.

 

As time went by, we developed those tastes and now relish them whenever we get a chance.

 

This episode got triggered as I am watching the Kho-Kho world cup on television very keenly. For Indians it is a rural game and was part of every game's period. We used to divide us kids into two equal halves. One team would sit like we sit in opposite directions in the game called musical chairs. Once the game began, we didn’t care which direction we ran. Aim was to touch as many from the opponent's side.

 

Kho-Kho is an acquired taste for all other countries attending the games. Imagine Kenya, Australia, Poland, South African and other teams participating in Kho-Kho. Many of their players are of Indian Origin. Like Maj Punnoswami and family introduced us to doshas, these guys must have introduced this game to their countries. Mind you, I like the teams of Iran and Nepal, they are going to give a tough fight to India.

 

Having watched the game, I was sweating sitting on the sofa. It is a fast and a very strenuous game. Hope it is introduced at the highest level like the Olympics.

 

Like we were introduced to doshas, it is time for the world to enjoy the taste of Kho-Kho too. Do you guys have a similar experience? I wonder!!!!!!

 

JAI HIND

©® NOEL ELLIS