Fish Curry~ Rice Plate ... A memory that I hold dear to my heart.

“Fish Curry~ Rice Plate ... A memory that I hold dear to my heart." 

To Amma & Aanu: Thank you for shaping my life in most beautiful ways ... 

I love you both beyond words and miss you deeply 

** There are many places in and around Konkan Coastal belt that are famous for fish curry- rice plate and city of Mangalore (my hometown) is one of them. The tender fish simmered just right in rich spicy- tangy coconut gravy is a coastal staple that will be found in many non. veg. eateries, each mastering their own trade secret recipes. The curry usually bright orange- red in color served with steaming hot, unpolished parboiled rice (ukde sheetHa/ Kuchalakki/ Urnoli) that we ate with hands by mixing the curry directly into the rice so that every grain soaks up the spiced flavors holds nostalgic memories to me of my dear Aanu (my dad). I hope this picture brings a smile on his face too remembering those 4 decades old days of both of us relishing the "Fish Curry- Rice Plate" during lunchtime all for Rs.15/- each, served exactly how the picture shows, sigh! Gone are those days, we neither get them for that amount now, nor is dear Aanu here to enjoy the meal.

** Fish curry- rice plate combo was introduced to me by Aanu in mid 1980’s and I have never looked back, he not only loved it, but made me do so too. I believe we never lose the people we love even to death coz once their role in earth is over they move on to new space but leave ample memories behind and through them they live within us and participate in each act we do. Just like this fish curry~ rice plate that brings in loads of memories along with it, especially when its noglekane gashi (lady fish/ kane curry) every time I cook it, aanu’s smiling face appears before me and with every bite I still hear Amma’s voice reminding “jagrate kantu assa” (be careful of thorns) Oh! Yes, I had that habit of choking up on thorns, which always had Amma worried, she always separated and kept them ready for me. 

** Memories of childhood remain irreplaceable and this is just one of them. Now that both Aanu~ Amma are not here to warn, I am learning to be careful and now it is no more about the thorn but the memories of those gentle scolding that chokes me up. I guess “Fish Curry~ Rice Plate” will always be flooded with memories that holds dear to me. This one is from me filled with love to my dear Aanu (dad) who made me learn to eat it and to dear Amma (Mom) who taught me to cook it perfectly … 

** Note : Method of both cooking fish curry and red boiled rice are included in the Blog, just browse through the search/ label option.

Thank You ...

** Disclaimer : These are Just a few thoughts of my own that I pen down from time to time and not extracted from anywhere. I just love going down the memory lane and pen them down or again love writing whatever that touches my heart be it on any subject. Here the subject is of a father who not only taught his youngest daughter the ropes of business but also introduced to good food and to a mother who stood by as a rock, taught to cook and maintain a home, I can never be more thankful to Sri. Hari for such lovely parents. However, this post is not meant to offend/ hurt anybody's sentiments, do excuse if done, as it is not intentional. The picture shared is my own and belongs to me. Having written my thoughts and notes, I always conclude that LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL, there is so much out there to see, learn and enjoy, bad- good days are like a phase that will pass away. Always be Positive, have Faith In God, he knows the best for us, and does so at appropriate time … Stay Safe- Blessed and have a lovely year 2026.