Meri Khurchan” by Husny Kanwal: Reclaiming Solace in Tradition
“Meri Khurchan” is not a food memoir by Husny Kanwal but an ode from the heart, expressive of the humility and modesty that underlies the traditional cooking method. At a time when speed and convenience seem to be factored in more into our choice of food than authenticity, the piece reminds us of the elation brought on by tested ways of our forefathers.
Kanwal takes us down the memory lane, where this very humble “khurchan” becomes a metaphor for a connection with the past. For many, khurchan is a feast of senses: the crisp, caramelized layers evoke memories of family reunions, relished meals together, and the love that goes into homemade food. Using a metaphor, he masterfully managed to show this sentiment: khurchan represents the bits of life so often overlooked but really holding flavor.
The simplicity is the beauty of “Meri Khurchan”. Kanwal doesn’t burden the reader with complicated recipes or techniques. Instead, it deals with the essence of cooking—patience, attention to detail, and love—that can transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Through her narration, we remember that after all, it is not the sophistication in meals that makes them the best but making them with heart.
Kanwal’s writing is descriptive and full of vivid descriptions of bustling kitchens, fragrant spices, and the rhythmic sound of a spatula scraping the bottom of a pot. It has this almost tactile quality to the descriptions that invites one to not just imagine but almost feel the stove’s heat, smell the rich aromas, and taste the sweet crunch of the khurchan. What makes “Meri Khurchan” so impactful is this sensory engagement with the idea of food as an experience, not as mere sustenance.
Apart from the culinary aspect, “Meri Khurchan” has deeply explored such issues as memory, identity, and heritage. Kanwal reflects on the recipes passed down through generations to show that food is not only a means of sustenance but a holder of cultural identity. In times where everything seems to be at an ultra-high speed and modernity often overshadows tradition, “Meri Khurchan” is a reminder to hold these culinary legacies dear. They are not just recipes; they are stories, histories, and bridges to our roots.
It speaks to each one of us who have ever taken comfort in a familiar dish or experienced the joy of recreating a family recipe, or felt a sense of belonging through shared meals. Her words soothe Kanwal with the reminder that as much as we may move on in life, there is value in looking back and holding dear the simple pleasures of the past.
Ultimately, “Meri Khurchan” is an exquisitely carved piece from Husni Kanwal that appeals for a slow reading to relish the wealth of tradition. It is an odyssey of littleness—the golden bits scraped from the bottom of a pan, which have warmed and lit up our lives like treasured memories. It’s more than a favorite dish that Kanwal reveals to us through her evocative prose; rather, it touches on the timeless power foods hold to bind us to the past and to each other. In our times of giddy pace, “Meri Khurchan” is an enchanting pause to let life’s simple yet profound pleasures be appreciated.
