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To most people – freedom might mean different things – given how deeply emotional the association can be. No matter which way one might perceive the importance and need for independence, having a moment to finally experience it can be quite overwhelming, no matter at what phase of life one might get to taste it first. In the quest for said feeling, turning to the kitchen or spending solo time cooking or enjoying meals that would otherwise seem ‘out of bounds’ for a number of reasons, make most sense to have.
Whether it’s that extra slice of cake or a plate of pasta made with the truffle oil you’ve continued to refrain from buying at the supermarket for ages, food is a reward that offers gratification almost instantly. This 78th Independence Day, Slurrp speaks to individuals whose first break of freedom remains rooted in the joy of cooking and eating meals that became synonymous to their idea of individualism.
Sameer Sthalekar
31, Mumbai
Q. What defines ‘freedom’ for you? Could you tell us a little bit about your first experience of such a feeling?
Defining freedom would be putting it in a box – I feel freedom is a feeling not constrained by words. Freedom is an experience and it may differ for people depending on where they come from in life. The first feeling of freedom I had was when I started doing the one thing I enjoyed the most – driving. It instilled a sense of confidence and freedom in me; the freedom of being independent of guardians to accompany me everywhere and I could be where I wanted to be.
Q. What are your earliest memories of cooking a meal for yourself/someone you know?
When I was around 17, I started my cooking journey with a very simple preparation of a tadka rice recipe that I love. My mother was a guide the first time and I immediately picked it up and was quite confident with it the following time. She loved the way I handled the recipe by myself, which also boosted my confidence with cooking.
Q. Has food played a role in instilling a sense of independence for you? If yes, how?
Yes, the choice to eat what you want and when you want is true independence. Starting to cook on my own, what I liked consuming and I wanted instilled a deep sense of independence in me. I felt liberated that I could prep, cook and savour food of my choice. Cooking has been one of the biggest contributions of instilling a sense of independence in me.
Q. Do you have specific foods that you prefer to enjoy eating in solitude? Could you tell us a little bit about them and why you seek comfort in them?
Red sauce pasta, potato-based snacks and a really good pizza is something that I relish eating in solitude. There is something very comforting about these three foods in particular, that I can't put into words but they add to my inner peace with each bite and make me feel very comforted whilst spending time alone. Pasta is also something that I always cooked when I’ve been by myself as it is quick, hassle-free and flavourful. That feeling adds to the experience of solitude and sets the stage for an evening of peace.
Q. How has your idea of freedom evolved through the years? What are some of the things you associate most with the emotion currently?
Over the years the feeling of freedom has matured into more of an expression of self – an uncensored expression of one's own sexuality or even an expression of dissent. I seek freedom from pothole-ridden roads, availability of basic civic amenities, clean air, safe and inclusive public transport. I wonder how many women in this nation feel independent in the truest sense with everything that has been going around. Although we have been free for more than 75 years now, it's the women that should really have the chance to talk about what this freedom means and feels to them.
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Garima Johar
24, Mohali
Q. What defines ‘freedom’ for you? Could you tell us a little bit about your first experience of such a feeling?
I was raised in a joint family and for me freedom was always an attempt to be on my own – be it getting a room for myself or not having to share my favourite piece of cake. The first time I felt the sense of freedom was when I stepped into college, where I spent years trying to figure out my likes and dislikes.
Q. What are your earliest memories of cooking a meal for yourself/someone you know?
The earliest memory of me cooking has to be tea. My parents have a habit of resuming work after having a cup of tea in the evening. I remember on one of my summer vacations during the seventh or eighth grade, my younger brother and I made bed tea for my parents. We continued doing that for the entire month and let them just sleep for an extra ten minutes while munching on biscuits and namkeen as they had their tea, was a happy time of the day.
Q. Has food played a role in instilling a sense of independence for you? If yes, how?
Yes, food has always played a role in helping me feel a sense of independence. There are several incidents that I can think of. First off, I loved cold coffees and frappes and looking at the price columns of menus at coffee chains just freaked me out. But when I got my first paycheque at an internship I had, I bought one for myself. I mean paying rent and living on my own didn’t make me feel as independent or happy as much as pampering myself with an overpriced latte or cake does; and having a sweet tooth, I often take myself out on pay day to enjoy a good croissant, brownie or a chocolate lava cake.
Q. Do you have specific foods that you prefer to enjoy eating in solitude? Could you tell us a little bit about them and why you seek comfort in them?
I enjoy eating desserts in solitude; I like to bake with music playing in the background. The alchemy of mixing certain flours, sugar and butter to create such good treats, is something that makes me happy about investing my time to bake them. So, the comfort is both in enjoying the process of making some from scratch, licking the batter when nobody is watching and finally digging into the baked treats.
Q. How has your idea of freedom evolved through the years? What are some of the things you associate most with the emotion currently?
Earlier I used to think that being able to get a chocolate without asking for permission from my mother was freedom. Now it’s more about sustaining, investing for the better, having choices and being able to freely choose from them. But I still think having the freedom of buying myself a bar of chocolate was a better time.
