Catavino is Back in Spain: The Customs, Culture and Cuisine of India(4)

Bengali cuisine is also characterized by the ample use of dairy products such as milk (typically goat), paneer, ghee (clarified butter also used in the wedding ceremony as a sign of lasting hope when thrown on the fire), and yogurt are all common ingredients which can be found for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Most curries (known as “gravies”), are also commonly dairy based and use common spices such as chilli pepper, black mustard seed (rai), cumin (jeera), turmeric (haldi, manjal), ginger (adrak, inji), and garlic (lassan, poondu) , as well as leaves such as coriander, fenugreek (nenthi) and mint.

As for etiquette, we found many contradictions throughout our stay in India. Although told to never eat with your left hand as it is used to “clean” parts of the body, we noticed several business men using both hands while eating. Forks and knives are commonly offered at both events and restaurants, but it is perfectly normal to use the traditional Indian bread as a “scoop” to absorb and pick up your food. And although your hands will be “deliciously dirty”, it is perfectly acceptable to be messy even in the heat of a conversation. We were also told that meals are traditionally eaten “Indian style” on the floor or on low stools; yet we never experienced this. We did see many flexible people casually sitting on their haunches throughout the region while chatting or eating, rather than on a chair, but did not actually partake in this traditional ourselves.

As said, our experience was incredible, awe inspiring and provided plenty of food for thought. We have come back to Spain with new appreciation for what we have, which includes a very low pollution rate next to India, clean streets, more equality among genders and less poverty. However, there are many similarities between the cultures as well, such as a strong familiar base and a strong appreciation for food and music.

We already find ourselves missing India, the warm and loving people, the incredible historical monuments and the rich cuisine, and look forward to returning in near future. However next time, we¡¯ll head out of the city and towards their diverse green regions, which is slowly incorporating our favorite green plants ‡° grapevines!

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