Click.
Imagine being at the receiving end of that phone call, just ahead of fixing up a shoot for a segment. Well, I didn't have to - imagine, that is. This is exactly how Samuel Hallegua greeted me when I called him. Not his fault, since I had called up during a fast through which the Jewish community of Kochi - some seven families - don't meet outsiders.
So when I arrived at my hotel in Kochi - also the former home of the Koder family in the city - let's say I was mildly agitated. (No, it had nothing to do with the chembana and Manaan ersatz coffee I had in Periyar forest.)
But my host Vicky (his name - NEVER an abbreviation for mine) came to the rescue. It turned out he had inherited the hotel building through his brother-in-law, a Gentile who grew up in Jewtown. And it was with his help that I arrived at Samuel's home - only to be greeted by a sign reading "DO NOT DISTURB BETWEEN 1 PM AND 4 PM".
For all the apparent crustiness, Samuel in the flesh turned out to be helpful and full of information and insight (Thank God… and all of them, for that!).
Jewish dietary norms, Samuel told me, are very strict. They bar consumption of the flesh of an animal with cloven feet, or fish without scales. And of course all animals consumed by them have to be kosher. They also do not allow meat and milk to be incorporated in the same dish.
But with an impish smile, Samuel told me that no one had ever prohibited adding coconut milk to meat.
Yes, the Jews of Kochi definitely have a unique cuisine. The fact that there are so few of them left in the area means these recipes are slowly disappearing. Many dishes are losing their individuality, including Pastel.
Now the dish may not look like much, but it was the mix of spices and the simplicity of the dish, which really made it one of the most delicious snacks I've ever had.
I'm hoping that if the Halleguas are watching, I'll get to eat a feast cooked under Queenie Auntie's supervision the next time I'm in Kochi. Till then, Shalom!
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