Thursday, September 6, 2007

Kosambari and Random Acts of Kindness



Once long ago I watched a talk show which spoke about random acts of kindness. It really touched a chord within me. We go through life sometimes in such a hurry that we miss a lot of things along the way. We miss a lot of opportunities to help others. Little realising that we need people as much as they need us. One act of kindness performed will come back manyfold even if it is in the form of just smiles. No one need know that we are doing it. It can be our little secret. It is one thing that benefits both the giver and the receiver.

Helping someone disabled cross the street... feeding someone who just needs the next meal... just a smile at people in the lift..volunteer at the school...have a conversation with the elderly at an old age home..just say something nice to everyone you meet today...call a long lost friend.. tell your parents how much they mean to you...there are ways and means. Everything we do need not be linked to money. Each of us has within ourselves the time, patience or talents to give others.

I guess teaching this one value to the kids will help them a lot in the long run. It makes the world a better place to live.

I read on one of these blogs about the blogger helping out in a community kitchen and making things from whatever is available. I am sorry I forgot which one. What a commendable job.. That is exactly what I am talking about. Volunteering your time and effort. Thats all it takes.



Now for the food part... Kosumbri is a salad made typically in Karnataka. It is a salad made up predominantly of lentils along with some raw vegetables and a tadka of mustard seeds.. Garnished with coconut and coriander leaves, it makes a wonderful accompaniment to a meal.

Ingredients
one carrot peeled and grated
one cucumber peeled, seeds removed and grated
3 tablespoons split moong dal soaked for 2 hours
1 green chili chopped finely
1/2 a lime juiced
2 tablespoon grated coconut
1 teaspoon coriander leaves chopped finely
salt to taste

Method

Mix the grated carrot, cucumber, soaked moong dal, grated coconut and green chili.
Add the lime juice and salt when ready to serve ( otherwise the salt will make the cucumber water pour out and will dilute the taste)
Garnish with coriander leaves and serve with a meal.




10 comments:

Anonymous said...

That blogger you mentioned, who helps out in a community kitchen - that's the incomparable Nupur, of One Hot Stove! :) She's truly someone to admire!

Pooja V said...

Any act of kindness is definietly appreciative.
ur Kosambari rocks

Rajitha said...

kosambari looks great.. and as you said even random acts of kidness make an impact...

Anonymous said...

I love kosambari. You can send this to RCI-K. It is hosted by Asha of Foodies Hope.

Raaga said...

Nice post :-)

Kamini said...

Yes Shammi, Now I remember. That post of Nupus really really touched me. It is something that we should try to replicate whereever we are.

Anonymous said...

congratulations on hitting 3000!

TBC said...

I like what you said, especially since most of these don't cost us a thing. I wish people would just start with the simplest thing... smiling .. I mean honestly, is it really that painful?

Padma said...

Well said and its true that these days one can hardly find time for these kind gestures. Really that makes a lot of difference....and that Kosumbari is rocking

FH said...

Thank you Kamini, great entry.I make it often ,looks yum:))