Di-what? Diwali Night!

Diwali-known as the "festival of lights", the most significant spiritual meaning is "the awareness of the inner light".

The Diwali Festival is a yearly celebration that is based in ancient Hindu mythology. The ancient story goes like this... The warrior king Rama defeated the evil demon Ravana of Lanka. This was a great triumph of good over evil and the people of his hometown welcomed his return with rows of clay lamps. The many lights have come to signify this victory of truth over ignorance and remind us all to look for the illumination within.

Was it worth 7$? A small price for the smiles, laughs, flavors, and dances of a beautiful Indian culture. I am still buzzing, (and my mouth is still burning), from the Indian Cultural night that I had the pleasure of going to tonight. I cannot believe that I almost didn't go. I almost stayed in my dorm for a dinner of Starkist Tuna on un-toasted bread... how tragic that would have been.

Instead I devoured mountains of curry covered rice and dishes that had a depth of flavors that I was unable to decipher. Even with the help of my friend Santosh Vummidisindh, I couldn't figure out the ingredients, which when combined became mysterious masterpieces. Each dish represented a rich tradition and history that I could taste.

But beyond the food there was dancing. When Americans think of going to a dance we think the prom, or a club. Our kind of dancing really is just grinding and pursing lips (trying to be sexy), or just jumping around to Sandstorm. Hence, my reluctance to dance when Santosh asked me to join him. I grabbed my camera before I hit the dance floor as a shield to protect me from actually having to dance.

As I started to document the movements with my camera, the infectious jerks and motions got the best of me. In a few songs I became a Bollywood dancing queen! Indian dancing is different. It is freer. There was no one awkwardly standing or second guessing themselves. Everyone was a part of the dance which had choreography and humor. The whitest of white kids (myself included) were not judged by our unfamiliarity with the dances, and everyone was equally getting down.

Mothers with their daughters, teacher with students, friends with strangers were all grooving together. This unity is what I have now come to think of Indian culture. The togetherness of a dinner table. The circle of all the people dancing. My plate of rice and curries that I could mix like a painter's palate. Everything coming together to make something exquisite, and I was lucky enough to be in the mix. My stomach may be satisfied, but I am still hungry for more India.

The Menu that was on the even flyer read:

Aloo Baigon Fry -potato and eggplant curry

Paneer Curry *** FAVORITE*** Thought the Paneer was tofu... WRONG... It is a nonmelting cheese that is made by adding acid to dairy.

Veg Pakora- Popular party snack! These cute little balls reminded me of a spicy hush puppy with little bits of vegetables and mango inside! Delicious.

Jalebi- sweet and scrumptious dishes. One of the most delicious of them is the sugar dipped, beautiful and orange Jalebis., Jalebi is a universal favorite. The unique shape and the lip smacking taste are the reasons why Jalebi is prepared on every festive occasion in the country. Jalebi = deep fried dough of flour, yogurt, and saffron covered in a syrup flavored with rose water.

Fried Dat - A kind of lentil soup.

Methi Paratha- These green tortilla-looking-fellows get their green color from fenugreek leaves, which have a distinct and bitter flavor.

Jeera Rice- Is the staple and base for most curries and Diwali dishes. The aromatic basmanti rice is made with bay leaves, coriander seed (Jeera), cinnamon, and cashewnuts.

Masala- Curry usually incorporating ginger and garlic.

Makhani (Butter Chicken)-

The Butter Chicken was a big hit. Many were left scavenging the tables for any morsels of "That awesome red chicken!" My pallate struggled to identify where the incredible flavor came from. A quick look at the extensive ingredient list made me realize why:

• 1 tablespoon peanut oil
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 1/4 white onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 1 cup tomato puree
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 pinch black pepper
• 1 tablespoon peanut oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water
• 
  

NOT ENOUGH BUTTER CHICKEN

"Can you taste what is special in the rice?"

"Uh... Fennel seed?"