Its during these "under the weather" times that you remember some people. Like Grandma. Who turned 86 this month (my talented photographer-brother took this picture). Growing up, she gave me warm back rubs when I woke up in the middle of the night, and held my head when I threw up.
I suppose this is poor man's food, but Mai (aka Grandma) made the below concoction when we had a fever. We eat it with paiz (Konkani word for par-boiled rice in starchy water). "Eat" is the wrong word...you just stick your finger into the "juice" (all this is going to make a lot more sense once you read the recipe).
Meet-Mirsang (Konkani phrase for Salt-Chilli)
Statutory warning: Do NOT try this if your stomach lining is not used to spicy food.
One green chilli
One dried red chilli
A tiny ball of tamarind (enough to be smooshed into an teaspoon measure)
Salt to taste...and then another pinch (your tastebuds are usually dead when you are sick. My Grandma says sea salt tastes much better...)
Cut the chillis in half. Add all ingredients in a bowl. Add two teaspoons of water. Mash everything together. Done!
So, they say starchy, bland food is good for you when you have a fever. So eat this concoction’s LIQUID with some watery rice. Just for a little flavor. If it is too spicy, which it might be, add more water. If you need more salt, add more salt. Whatever your taste buds are calling for.
The truth of the matter is...I tried making it the other day. It worked, but really didnt taste like the way Grandma makes it. Well.
