Growing up, my childhood was all about logical frugality. We were comfortable- yes, but it was never about lavish living. But I was surrounded by people who were into “in-your-face” opulence. I was (still am) a dreamer and that side of the fence was intriguing to the youthful me. I remember this day like yesterday. I got an opportunity to visit a five star hotel with cousins for a late night snack. The place was fanciful – just like the movies and I was awestruck. The menu arrived and I was asked to take my pick. From a simple horlicks to a club sandwich, everything was preposterously priced. Those days Rs 100 was a big deal and here everything started at that price. The food arrived and it was fine. Was it dressed better? Yes, it looked amazing. But the substance/taste was totally not worth that kind of money in my opinion. That day was an eye opener. Suddenly, that kind of living lost its appeal.
(Image Credit) I started disliking people for whom wealth and superficial elements communicated more than their inner self. I soon realized that I was naturally drawn to people who spoke to me on a “person-to-person” basis. Down the years, I have understood that this part of me overflows in all areas of my life. Including food. More than the looks, the gadgets, its popularity and the source, its the nourishing factor in the food that appeals so much to me. When I read about “Ital” – a Rastafarian concept of cooking (thanks to World Vegetarian Classics by Celia Brooks Brown), I was smitten! Their food language was all this and more. Their cuisine is naturally vegetarian and methods “green”.
This recipe from the aforementioned book adheres to their concept. A simple pilaf (rice) preparation using wholegrain rice, coconut milk and okra is minimally spiced yet flavorful. Its texture is close to creamy similar to Italian Risotto . I saw organic okra at the grocery the other day and wanted to give this recipe a try. My son who doesn’t care for Okra ate it with gusto without realizing it was there!. His comment was henceforth to make this rice every time I had the inclination to feed (torture) him okra ! 
My new kitchen acquisition is a clay pot. In true “ital” style, I (inaugurated) it to make this rice.(...)
Read the rest of Jamaican Coconut Okra Rice at Chef In You
© DK for Chef In You, 2018. |
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