Food & Cuisine
Nafqot ena Amrot
Missing Ethiopian Food
I am very adaptive and have done fine without my grounding comforts often. But of the many soft spots I have, food is the most gripping. Ethiopian cuisine has captured my heart and palate since I could eat solids. It is a critical component of what my upbringing has been like back in Ethiopia. I'm very fond of the aromas and flavors unique to this place. It is hard to find or recreate Ethiopian food elsewhere. I have been aware of this. I have received countless warnings that I will struggle without it if I go somewhere for long. Well, I ignored all the advice. I still think the attachment many have described is exaggerated.
I First Met You Over Breakfast at Ma’s
Getting Acquainted with ‘Fossesse’
Here I am, somewhere near the widening part of the Great East African Rift Valley. It was my long-awaited return to one of my favorite places in the country. The first meal I had at my hotel was the anomaly on the menu. For those familiar with the hotel and resort menus across Ethiopia, the ubiquitous menu items are essentially replicas, so anything else can stick out like a sore thumb. My curiosity led me to order the local delicacy, ‘Fosese,’ and the waiter’s reaction was priceless. It is a beautiful thing when visitors take an interest in your tradition and appreciate it. I really enjoyed the meal, but I am glad he was happy too.
Growing Up with Comfort Food
How ‘Kitta’ Continues to Soothe My Soul
I have been lately reflecting on the generic and proliferated term – “Comfort Food.” I couldn’t find something concrete while pondering on the meaning of this phrase that merges two heart-soothing words. It is one of those things we use and agree upon but can’t place or define precisely. However, I will share a personal story that could help explore a sensible meaning and reexamine “growing up with something.” I was wondering what it could look like beyond mere exposure during early childhood, based on my definition of growing up, which I consider a life-long process. Let’s emphasize progression since the sentimental aspect is evident when discussing this subject..
Olives, Garlic & Parsley
A Healthy Trinity
The beauty of cooking is in its collaborative nature. Man harnesses nature, techniques manipulate flavor, and ingredients harmonize. The latter is the focal point here. Individual ingredients bond with others like atoms to create something entirely new. Flavor combinations are delights, but flavor trios are incredibly dynamic delights. And so, we will explore the gems of the Mediterranean. Admittedly, garlic has made its way into almost every kitchen and cuisine around the world. However, I am emphasizing it because it seems to take on a new identity in this group. Olives, garlic, and parsley are tantalizing partners. They are terrific in their own rights but much elevated and enhanced together.