Kurma
Whenever we hear the word kurma, we might imagine something different. To others it is the tasty creamy curry that is cooked during family functions. To others it is a reminder of ancient tales in the Indian mythology. Surprisingly, the term has an origin in both food and spiritual culture. It is time to explore both sides in a manner easily understood, and perhaps it is even time to invoke a few good memories in our own lives.
Kurma as a Dish
Kurma is a dish that we, in India, have all tried at least once, at home or in a restaurant. It is a meal that is celebratory and yet it is prepared on normal days when we need something to celebrate. Kurma is typically prepared using a thick gravy of coconuts, cashews, onions and spices. It may be vegetarian, containing vegetables such as beans, carrots, peas, and potatoes, or non-vegetarian, consisting of chicken, mutton or even eggs.
I recall as a child having my grandmother pick me up and bringing me to lunch in her kurma on Sundays. She would roast freshly ground coconut with roasted spices and the aroma would permeate the entire house. Before the curry arrived on the table, our cousins and we would be staring in the kitchen hoping to be served. I still remember that home-made kurma, which is consumed with hot chapati or appams.
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Nowadays, recipes have changed and most individuals use the commercially prepared kurma masala powders to ease their work. The nature of the food is similar, though, a comforting meal with a party.
Indian Cuisine types of Kurma.
Kurma is not a recipe. As a matter of fact, it varies region by region:
- South Indian Vegetable Kurma - This is typically prepared with coconuts, green chillies and fennel seeds. It goes well with idiyappam, dosa or chapati.
- North Indian Shahi Kurma - Creamier, along with curd, cream and dry fruits. It is a royal type of food, usually eatted on a wedding or a festival.
- Hyderabadi Kurma - Spiced, tangy and slightly with tomatoes, nuts and aromatic spices.
- Non-Vegetarian Kurma- Kurma made of chicken, mutton or fish is common in most households. This low cooking is a source of rich flavours.
The local culture/ingredients leave their mark on each version, so that kurma can be a dish that feels like home but tastes like home in any part of the world.
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Kurma in Mythology
The term Kurma also is closely related to Indian mythology. Kurma is the Sanskrit word meaning tortoise. As the Hindu tradition puts it, Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of a tortoise in the second avatar. This is called the Kurma Avatar.
It is said that, when the gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras) desired to churn the ocean (Samudra Manthan) in order to get the nectar of immortality, they required a firm foundation. Lord Vishnu became large tortoise and placed Mount Mandara on his back to enable the churning to occur without sinking of the mountain.
This story is an allegory of patience, strength and balance. The Kurma Avatar also teaches us about stability in life just as a tortoise would put its home on its back and go on slowly yet steadily.
Food and Faith: A Lovely Relationship.
And yet, what is curious, both this word kurma means a rich curry and a godlike form. Food and faith are very much intertwined in most Indian families. Even cooking is regarded as a kind of a sacrifice to the deity. When we cook such a meal as kurma, and we share it with our family, it is not food anymore, it is a sharing of happiness and companionship.
Indicatively, vegetable kurma is used in most South Indian temples, during festivals as prasadam. The preparation that used to be a temple dish entered households and restaurants and became one of the most common dishes.
Health Benefits of Kurma
In addition to taste and tradition, there are a variety of health advantages of kurma:
- Kurma vegetables is a nutritious meal containing vitamins, minerals, and fibre.
- Coconuts and cashews are a good source of healthy fats and they also provide energy and make you satisfied.
- Such spices as fennel, cinnamon, and cardamom are beneficial to digestion and bring natural warmth to the body.
- Kurma can be included in a healthy diet when it is cooked in a moderate manner (neither too oily nor too heavy).
Naturally, of all the good stuff, it is all about moderation. Eat kurma, but also combine it with lighter food.
Kurma in Modern Kitchens
Nowadays, there are no recipes confined to traditional recipes. Food lovers are also very creative with it. For example:
- Paneer kurma packed into roll/ wraps as office lunch.
- Vegetable kurma to serve pasta or noodles.
- Kurma pizzas with spicy curry sauce base instead of tomato base.
This demonstrates how a conventional dish may keep abreast with the current lifestyle, and still not lose its spirit.
A Personal Note
To me, kurma is not merely some food or mythology. It is a recollection of the equilibrium we all attempt to achieve in life. On the one hand, the hot spicy curry makes me refer to my home and family. On the other side, the Kurma Avatar story helps me to be patient when I am in a hurry or when I am impatient.
Whenever I make kurma, I can be a bit closer to homemade and comfort. Perhaps, this is what makes it timeless, even in this modern world that is fast paced.
Final Thoughts
Not a curry, not a story but a connection between taste, culture, and spirituality, Kurma is. You can eat it on your plate or read it in the scripture, but one thing is that kurma is capable of feeding the body and the soul.
Next time you are having a plate of kurma, you should take time and reflect on the trip that it has made. Whether it is offered at temples in ancient times or dinner tables in modern ones, it comes along with a few tales of patience, celebration and sharing.
In case you enjoyed reading this paper, please share it with your friends and family on social media. Who knows, perhaps, someone will be inspired to make kurma to-night or discover more about the Kurma Avatar by your post! And in the event that you like such easy, social food and culture field trips, you can also subscribe to our blog to get more tech and lifestyle related stories.
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