It was Friday, a cloudy and rainy day, the kind that invites nostalgia and childhood memories to take over. Rainy days were always a special time, a time when Nani’s kitchen would come alive with the comforting smell of Piyaju and Cha. Those days seem like a distant dream now, but I decided to bring back those cherished moments from the past by cooking rainy-day comfort foods.
Back in the day, rainy Fridays meant waking up to the soothing sound of raindrops pitter-pattering on the rooftop and the sight of my father and brother rushing to catch the Jummah prayers amidst heavy rain. The air was cool and crisp with a hint of petrichor. Nani would be in the kitchen from morning making Bhuna Khichuri and Beef Curry for lunch as well as frying up crispy Egg Piyaju (egg and onion fritters) in the evening – those delectable fritters that seemed to have a magical power to warm both the heart and the tummy. Alongside, a pot of cha, the quintessential Bengali tea- a long loving affair, would be brewing.
Fast forward to 2023, and rainy days are quite different. No longer do we gather around the dining table as a family, sharing stories and laughter while enjoying Nani’s lovingly prepared food. Instead, the connection is virtual – Instagram stories of rain-soaked windows and cups of coffee or tea replace the physical togetherness of yesteryears. We share snippets of our lives through Instagram stories, we give more importance to reels than real. That reminds me if you want to see recipes and inspiration- do visit The Wannabe Cook’s Instagram.
Longing to recreate the magic of those childhood rainy days, I went into our food group, “The Wannabe Cook,” seeking inspiration from fellow food enthusiasts. This Group is very helpful as there are like-minded people- all sharing their love for food and their home-cooked recipes. With a simple question, “What are you craving in this gloomy weather?” I was flooded with responses that transported me back in time.
Faizal Hafiz shared a picture of a steaming bowl of Chicken Noodle Soup, its warmth and comfort evident even through the screen. Shahmahbuba Dina shared an image of a plate of Khichuri with Chicken Curry.
Momotaj Begum Urmi’s craving for Bhuna Khichuri with Kosha Goru brought back memories of rainy afternoons spent with a bowl of flavorful Khichuri and Jhaal Beef (spicy beef), the ultimate comfort food. Asma Kausar’s wish for Chui Jhaal with Spicy Hash Bhuna (spicy duck curry with chui jhal) ignited curiosity, and a quick search revealed ‘Chui Jhal’ (piper chaba) is one of the most popular and unique spices in the southwestern region of Bangladesh. It is often used in dishes to enhance the taste, making the food more spicier.
Other members chimed in with their cravings, including Rahat Bin Yousuf and Monoara Bena’s longing for Momo, and Wahida Anjir’s desire for Khichuri, Kala Bhuna, and Chingri Bhorta, the latter being a savory shrimp mash (this should be a good addition to our recipe list). Each craving held a story, a memory, and a connection to the rainy days of the past.
Inspired by these responses, I looked through our website’s collection of recipes, eager to recreate the dishes that held the essence of those lost days. I started making Khichuri and Gorur Mangsho (beef curry). I definitely couldn’t bring back the taste of my Nani but having these recipes on The Wannabe Cook’s website helped me to start this rainy day tradition for my own family.
As I relished the comforting flavors of khichuri and gorur mangsho, the soothing melodies of Nazrul songs played softly in the background, making the raindrops outside sync with the music and creating a symphony of nostalgia and emotion. I quickly called my ma (mother) to catch up on old times and talk about the long lost days, and to get the recipe for her special milk tea.
But the journey didn’t end there. With the rain still drizzling outside, I took an old recipe from ma and whipped up a batch of Jackfruit Leaf Fritters, just like Nani used to make. And to complete the experience, a cup of piping hot tea that filled the air with its invigorating aroma. As I sipped on the last bit of my hot tea, I was reminded of another constant companion – cha. The steaming cup of cha, infused with spices and a hint of sweetness, is every Bengali’s best friend, especially on rainy days. It’s the beverage that starts conversations and stories.
So, as we continue to navigate the modern world, with its virtual connections and digital bonds, let’s not forget the simple joys that rainy days and comfort foods bring. What’s your favorite rainy-day comfort food? Is it the memory of your grandmother’s special dish, or perhaps a modern twist on a classic recipe? How do you bring a piece of the past into your present?
