Paratha: A Culinary Tapestry of Heritage and Wisdom

Every Sunday brings a special treat that I eagerly anticipate: my grandmother's mouthwatering paratha. If you haven't had the pleasure, paratha is a delightful, flaky flatbread, popular in South Asia, especially in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal. It's crafted from whole wheat flour, a pinch of salt, water, and a touch of ghee or oil. You can enjoy it plain or stuffed with a variety of fillings. Let me tell you, my grandmother's paratha is unparalleled, and I'm not just saying that.

Bright and early, she's up, kneading the dough by hand, expertly adding just the right blend of water and flour for that perfect softness. She then shapes the dough into small, round balls and skillfully rolls them into thin circles. A layer of ghee or oil graces each circle before she folds it into a neat triangle or square. Another gentle roll ensures the layers remain intact. She then griddles the paratha, flipping it till both sides turn a glorious golden brown and get irresistibly crispy. A final touch of butter or more ghee on top, and it's ready to be savored.

Now, when it comes to pairing, I've got two favorites: nihari and a divine French omelet. Nihari, a flavorful stew of slow-cooked meat infused with spices like turmeric, ginger, garlic, red chili, and more, is a cherished breakfast dish in Pakistan. As for the French omelet, it's a marvel of eggs, whisked with a hint of salt, pepper, and a touch of milk, then cooked in butter until it's beautifully fluffy and moist. You can have it as is or toss in some cheese or herbs for an extra touch.

The magic happens when the paratha meets these dishes. It's tender, flaky on the inside, and delightfully crispy on the outside. Its buttery goodness just melts in your mouth. Nihari brings the heat and spice, with meat so tender it falls off the bone, an intricate, aromatic flavor that wakes up your taste buds. Then there's the French omelet, light and airy, with a creamy, velvety texture. Its delicate flavor is a soothing balm for your palate.

The combination of paratha, nihari, and French omelet is nothing short of heavenly. It wraps me up in warmth and joy. It's a tribute to my grandmother's love and thoughtfulness. It anchors me to my Pakistani roots and heritage.

As I write this, I'm savoring a paratha lovingly made by my grandmother. She continues this tradition every Sunday, even though I'm all grown up now. She says it's her way of showing just how much she cares. Every time, I thank her for her boundless kindness and generosity. I make sure she knows just how much I love her right back.

For me, paratha isn't just a dish. It's a symbol of my grandmother's wisdom and elegance. It encapsulates the pure wonder and joy of my childhood. It's woven into my very identity and soul.

Paratha, my friend, is truly a lifelong treasure.

Now to the fun part

Paratha Vs. Eastern Philosophy

Eastern philosophy encompasses a wide range of philosophical traditions originating from East and South Asia, including Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Indian (such as Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist), and Islamic philosophy. While these traditions offer unique perspectives on reality, knowledge, ethics, aesthetics, and spirituality, they also share common values and themes.

One such theme, akin to paratha, is the principle of balance or harmony. Many Eastern philosophies highlight the significance of finding equilibrium between opposing or complementary forces like yin and yang in Taoism, dharma and karma in Hinduism and Buddhism, or reason and revelation in Islam. Paratha serves as a tangible representation of this balance, blending diverse ingredients and flavors seamlessly. Achieving the perfect paratha also requires a balanced mix of water and flour for a soft, pliable dough, as well as a measured amount of ghee or oil for that desirable flakiness and crispiness.

Diversity or pluralism is another theme resonating with Paratha. Numerous Eastern philosophies recognize the diversity among human beings, encompassing their cultures, religions, languages, and viewpoints. Moreover, they hold a deep respect for the diverse facets of nature and its myriad manifestations. Paratha stands as a symbol of this diversity, as it can be crafted with various fillings and in assorted shapes to cater to different tastes and preferences. Beyond its culinary aspects, paratha mirrors the rich diversity found in South Asian cuisine and culture, with regional and communal variations adding to its charm.

Paratha Vs. Teachings of Buddha

Buddha, in the 6th century BCE, emerged as an illuminated teacher, establishing Buddhism in ancient India. He imparted wisdom regarding the nature of suffering and the path to transcend it through the Middle Way, the Four Noble Truths, and the Eightfold Noble Path. These profound teachings, often referred to as Dharma, encompass the essence of truth and universal law.

A principle of Buddha's teachings, akin to paratha, is impermanence or flux. Buddha illuminated that all aspects of existence, including our physical form, mental state, and emotions, are transient and subject to alteration. He emphasized that attachment to impermanent entities leads to discontent and suffering. Paratha beautifully mirrors this concept, crafted from perishable components that naturally transform in quality and composition over time. The very act of cooking it on a griddle brings about a metamorphosis in its shape and texture.

Additionally, Buddha's doctrine of interdependence or causality finds resonance in the essence of paratha. He expounded that every facet of our world is intricately linked through a web of causes and conditions, with our actions bearing consequences for both ourselves and others, shaping our karma or destiny. Paratha serves as a tangible embodiment of this interdependence, born from ingredients reliant on a host of factors including soil, water, sunlight, as well as the efforts of farmers and traders. Furthermore, how we prepare and consume paratha significantly impacts our health and overall well-being.

Paratha Vs. Gandhi

In India, there exists a plethora of eminent personalities who have left indelible marks in diverse domains encompassing politics, science, arts, sports, and more. Among them, Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948) is a luminary, renowned for spearheading the Indian independence movement against British colonialism. Revered as the Father of the Nation, he staunchly advocated non-violence, civil disobedience, and social equity.

A facet of Gandhi's life that resonates with Paratha is his embodiment of simplicity and humility. Gandhi's existence was marked by an unassuming lifestyle, characterized by frugality and minimalism. He adorned himself in plain attire crafted from hand-spun cotton known as khadi. His dietary preferences leaned towards unpretentious vegetarian fare, often prepared by his hands or his devoted followers. Paratha, a staple in his meals, epitomizes this spirit of simplicity and humility, fashioned from basic, readily accessible, and economically viable ingredients.

Additionally, Gandhi's life imparts a lesson in fortitude and valor. Confronted by a tapestry of trials – from poverty and discrimination to incarceration, acts of violence, and even attempts on his life – Gandhi remained resolute. He orchestrated a series of pivotal campaigns and movements, including the historic Salt March, the Quit India Movement, and the Non-Cooperation Movement, in staunch opposition to British dominion. He exhibited unwavering courage and tenacity through it all, steadfastly upholding his principles and values. Paratha, too, embodies this spirit of mettle and endurance, forged from elements that endure intense heat and pressure, offering sustenance and vigor to confront life's adversities.

In the humble paratha, we find more than a delectable flatbread; it encapsulates generations of love, tradition, and wisdom. Much like the profound teachings of Eastern philosophy, Buddha's timeless wisdom, and the indomitable spirit of Gandhi, the art of crafting a perfect paratha embodies principles of balance, impermanence, and interdependence. It stands as a testament to the beauty of diversity and the power of simplicity. As we savor each mouthful, we partake in a legacy that transcends the kitchen, weaving together the threads of our identity, culture, and values. The paratha, in all its flaky, buttery glory, is truly a lifelong treasure.

Peace Out