The kids are extremely frustrated with the vegetarian diet that we have taken it upon ourselves to follow till Easter Sunday. While pious Orthodox Christians (those with will-power) go on a vegan diet -- the church providing us only black coffee after Mass during any fasting period, which are quite numerous for us -- the four of us on Vinod's strict orders observe a "pathi noyambu" or 25-day fasting.
While I am at my wit's end cooking up vegetarian Kerala dishes and Mira in particular skipping lunch to avoid eating the "boring" fare, I must say I am doing pretty well. For a week, we were on a drumstick festival - muringakka sambar, muringakka theeyal, muringakka pacha curry, aviyal - as Vinod had got a whole bunch really cheap from a local farm. Otherwise, drumstick cost so dear I dont buy them often.
When Ash went to meet a few school friends on Saturday, he chose a veg pizza. I am glad he doesnt try to cheat, and follows the house rules. Though I am not personally impressed by the religious aspect of fasting, I tell him one can observe it to improve will power, shed excess fat and cleanse the system.
His friends think that observing a vegetarian diet is the toughest thing for a non-vegetarian. I think the toughest penance is observing a dawn-to-dusk fast.
Anyway, we are not doing a hardcore fasting until Passion Week - that is, we are consuming eggs. Omelettes make life and lunch bearable.
I have other reasons to be happy - it is easier to plan Vinod's lunch box during Lent. Curd, buttermilk and pickles replace fish and buttermilk curry. And the house doesnt stink of fried fish and cooked meat - which is quite an embarrassment here as most flats have the kitchen nearer the entrance than at the rear of the house.
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