You would think that if you took the same ingredients that you use at home to make a dish then it would come out the same here, right? NO! Tomato puree tastes different here than in the States so one needs to season it differently. In fact, tomato puree is better left not used for any recipe from home. But what do you use instead?
I think my answers have been solved. I was given a cookbook today filled with recipes from the States but using local ingredients. The substitutes and variations on measurements are there. It includes everything from fun drinks like Orange Julius to main dishes like enchiladas and desserts and sides and dips. It’s wonderful. I will no longer have to just make stir fried veggies with some sort of meat. The cook book also gives spice info including the Hindi name.
In addition to the cookbook I have been able to watch my friend cook all week which has given me helpful hints on easy preparation of a variety of Indian dishes. She’s also given me nifty ideas for snacks, lunch, and breakfast. A lot of thinking outside the box and trying new combinations.
It’s been good to hear the struggles of her first year here. It apparently takes 3 to 6 months to really learn how to cook. No wonder so many people higher cooks!
We’ve also had great conversations about the struggles of the first year. It takes time to adjust and it’s a “job” in itself. Other than adjusting and learning Hindi my support system is really encouraging me not to get anxious about “doing” anything. I think I’m starting to embrace this more and more. It really does a number on your identity. I’m definitely not competent at much here. It all makes you reevaluate your values and priorities.
It’s just good to know it’s all normal and one day I will be able to function as well as my friend and her family. I must give it to them. All of them have dietary restrictions. This week with me thrown in none of us could all eat the same thing but we still ate very well.
I discovered that my friend and I both have IBS. This can be a challenge to manage back home but change your entire diet and see what it does to you. She was able to give me some very helpful local remedies. One of them I’ve used back home (peppermint oil) and it helps. In certain circumstances I need something more powerful. That’s where Psyllium Husk comes in. It worked magic on me. I haven’t been this regular since before my IBS meds were taken off the market. I had been able to manage it with peppermint oil and special yogurt in the States but the yogurt doesn’t seem to be working here. Psyllium Husk is basically a type of fiber. You just put a couple of teaspoons in some water or juice and drink it. It’s peppermint oil in the morning and psyllium husk at night
