Besan Ka Cheela

Morning walk needs to be an essential part of day’s routine for all, young and old alike.

 

Shekhar, a 76-year-old retired teacher, gets up early, does a little exercise, cleans teeth, shaves, and goes to the nearby park for a brief stroll. Apart from cooperating with his grandchildren's choice of ordered outside food, occasionally, he tries to consume a balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables. His mantra has been `roti peeo, paani khao’, mainly to chew solid food till every bite becomes liquid within the mouth cavity. He doesn’t drink or smoke, consumes adequate water, and enjoys a sound sleep.

 

While Shekhar indulges in a short brisk walk, the other day he found that a middle-aged lady (let’s name her Shikha), ahead of him, while walking at a normal pace, loudly explaining a recipe to someone on her cellphone. He lowered his own pace and started walking behind Shikha, keeping a safe distance.

 

Using a cellphone most of the time (whether it be while going to catch the chartered bus while fetching a pack of bread from the neighborhood shop, or while being out on a morning walk) seems to have become a fashion.

 

But, although Shekhar had to walk at a slower pace, he thanked his stars for learning a mouth-watering recipe, with which he could surprise family-members, including his wife Sheela.

 

On coming back home, he announced that simple and tasty breakfast would be prepared by him, and Sheela provided the necessary help. The following ingredients were put aside: half cup each of besan, sooji and rice flour; two tablespoons of curd; chopped vegetables and onion; adrak and masale (namak, garam masala, and heeng); and a pinch of khaane ka soda. Water was added to the mix of everything in a bowl, so as to make a loose paste. A non-stick pan was heated, a little oil was spread all over the surface. The heat was turned to medium setting. A small quantity of batter was poured and spread evenly. Some oil was sprinkled on top. The cheela was allowed to cook for 3-4 minutes and was flipped quickly. It was cooked till both sides were crispy brown. The process was repeated with the remaining batter. One Besan Ka Cheela each was served to every family member, hot, with chutney/tomato sauce as per individual choice.

 

Everyone enjoyed the not-so-new preparation (but it was special as it was prepared by the head of the family), and Shekhar learnt that the blatant use of a cellphone can sometimes have its brighter side as well!