Being a kid from the forties, living in the divine city of Ananthapuri and growing up with a dozen siblings, poverty then was an unavoidable factor. I remember Paati saying how she and her siblings used to line up during the noons at Padmanabha Swamy Temple to fill up their tummies. Oh, what an irony, her name is Padmavati. She and her siblings weren’t fortunate enough to even sip milk based tea or coffee. As the sun sets, they take a big vessel and fill it up with water and keep it under the stove to boil it. As it boils, they add the palm jaggery and have it during the evenings substituting the custom of drinking tea or coffee. Losing her father at an early age and living with lots of members in the house, there were days when there were only limited portions available. Nevertheless, despite all the bitter experiences she lived a great life. She had a knack for communicating with others. She had the biggest glee when she welcomed the guests and the rest is history. Be it the soul touching aroma of her home-made masalas or the velvety texture of her filter coffee, she kept on conquering hearts like a pro. 

I was fortunate enough to have had the chance to cook by her side and take lessons. The thought takes my mind to one fine morning, when she taught me to prepare ‘Dhavasa Pitla’ made with brinjal. Dhavasa Pitla is a dish thick in texture, it is basically made with either bitter gourd or brinjal, coconut, and other spices. The masala or spice mixture that my Paati prepares for the Dhavasa Pitla is different from the one she curates for the normal pitla. My all time favourite is the Dhavasa Pitla one. I feel like Paati has prepared a symphony of flavours that just touches my soul and forms a deep connection with my DNA. These are the moments when I thank God a million times for having been born as the granddaughter of Mrs Krishna Iyer aka Padmavati. 

Though her presence is immensely missed by our family and loved ones, she still lives through our most loved memories. 

So, does a position exist that surpasses master or expert? If it does, then it would be Rukmini Paati from our family. Rukmini Paati or Rukku Paati is my great grandmother, mother of Padmavati Paati. She could simply be put as jack of all trades. I remember my Thatha (Grandfather) defining Rukmini Paati as the master of masters in the realm of cooking; like nobody in the family cooks like her. I have heard him repeat it at many occasions, so much so that it registered in my mind as a catchphrase. I haven’t met her in person, but know her from the stories that my aunt and Paati had shared back then. She was undoubtedly one of the most admirable persons in our family. She was bold, dutiful, and a must meet character. Fighting poverty and losing the shadow of her husband, she brought up her children all alone. 

These are the women who I look up to and feel proud to have born in their lineage. 

As we, me and my mother, embark on this journey of culinary bliss, we seek blessings from these bold and pure hearted souls. We are buckling down to deliver you the best. Get ready to tantalise your taste buds.