Ali’s Bakr-id spread

Ali did it again. His family had been celebrating Bakrid and he offered to get us some of the home-cooked, celebratory repast. And so last night’s dinner turned to be one massive overload. As usual, there were the maida pooris dripping with butter. And for the first time in 4 years, a ‘mutton kheema’ curry. Not the usual mince meat kheema that is a staple in dhabas across our land. This was small pieces of mutton, about a quarter inch square, curried in a heavenly mixture of spices and stock. After that was the trademark Biryani that Ali’s family has clearly carried from the days they first probably came south with Tipu Sultan or the Bahmani kings. Every year for the last 4 years, about 3 times a year, I say a fervent thanks to my God for making that Deccani migration happen. I said it again last night.