Meghdutam, Monsoons and Mutton bhuni khichuri

हे मेघ, मित्रता के कारण, अथवा मैं विरही हूँ इससे मेरे ऊपर दया करके यह अनुचित अनुरोध भी मानते हुए मेरा कार्य पूरा कर देना। फिर वर्षा ऋतु की शोभा लिये हुए मनचाहे स्थानों में विचरना। हे जलधर, तुम्हें अपनी प्रियतमा विद्युत् से क्षण-भर केलिए भी मेरे जैसा वियोग न सहना पड़े।

O clouds, in honour of friendship, Or because I am separated from my beloved Take pity on me And in keeping my humble request Please do my bidding. After that, in all glory of the monsoon Roam around your favourite places, O clouds May you never face the pain of separation From your beloved – the lightening.

The above is the Hindi and English translation of the last para of Kalidasa’s epic and beautiful poem – Meghadutam. The story of a Yakshya, exiled by Kuber, the God of wealth to central India. He pines for his wife and begs the clouds to take message to her at Alakapuri in Mount Kailash. In enticing the clouds, Yakshya describes the beautiful locales and scenes the clouds will witness on their journey to the north.

His description of the moisture laden clouds, blooming flowers and lush creepers, birds flying home, women with their curls wet in the rain, rivers overflowing with water and Yakshya’s pining is one of the most beautiful odes to the Indian monsoons. And how can one not fall in love with the poignant breeze, the sombre clouds, and the rain in all its forms – intense, soft, harsh but always giving. Where would we be, if year after year the oceans did not yield to the collective prayers of our parched lands. Bear with me, if I am hopelessly poetic tonight. After all, it is rare to see two nights of rains in June in Delhi. Rarer still to see yourself reflected in a puddle as you step out for office but not to get stuck in water logged streets.

This year, monsoons have been just beautiful rains. And when it rains, can khichuri be far in a Bong psyche. So today, I came out of office with two things in my mind – the beautiful, mellow Meghadutam and a promise to myself to make a bold mutton bhuni khichuri. Can I ask for more? I am only human, so I am greedy. I wish I had the tin roof from my childhood that created music out of raindrops.

Mutton bhuni khichuri

Mutton: 250 gms or 6 medium pieces;
Ginger- garlic paste: 1 tbsp
Red chilli powder: 1 tsp;
Coriander powder: 1 1/2 tsp;
Turmeric: 1 tsp;
Salt to taste;
Fresh curd: 1/2 cup 1.

Marinate the mutton with all the ingredients and pressure cook with a little water till well cooked.
Moong daal: 1/2 cup;
Masoor daal: 1/2 cup (washed and drained);
Rice (joha or gobindobhog; washed and drained): 3/4 cup;
Potatoes: 4 (halved, boiled and peeled);
Pearl onions: 10;
Green peas: handful;
Bay leaves: 2;
Panchphoron: 1/2 tsp;
Turmeric powder: 1 tsp;
Mustard oil: 1/2 cup;
Ghee: 2 tbsp;
Whole black pepper: 6-8;
Sugar: 1 tsp 1.

1. Dry roast the moong dal till brownish and wash;
2. Heat half the mustard oil in a big pan and temper with bay leaves and panchphoron;
3. Add the rice and two daals; saute till the rice is translucent.
4. Add enough water, turmeric powder, salt and cover and cook till grains are cooked though but not mushy;
5. Heat the remaining mustard oil in another pan and temper with black pepper; add the pearl onion and potatoes. Add a little salt and turmeric and saute till potatoes are browned;
6. Add the mutton with the juices and stir over medium heat till the oil floats on top. Add it to the rice and dall; mix well. Add sugar;
7. Cover and coak over very low flame for about 10 minutes;
8. Heat the ghee in a small pan; temper with whole green chillies and add to the khichuri. Serve hot.