BY AMAL BUMBIA (staff writer)
in wisps
dense steam rises from the pot
which heats on low flame
of mild blue and thin orange streams
mellow
is the aroma,
perfume of soft rice
and warm spice
onions in hot oil
brown alongside fresh ginger and garlic
had we allowed our minds to wander,
to be distracted by the harsh sizzling of the onion
or the chaotic state of our kitchen
knives out
vegetable scraps
chicken defrosting
they would have burned
i open the spice cabinet
garam masala,
chili powder,
coriander,
cumin,
others i do not recognize
my mother adds
spoonful after spoonful
into plain yogurt
it flavors
the aromatics
potatoes and chicken
and sweet tomatoes
aalu bukhara
this dull orange paste
they stew together in the pot
basmati rice
rinsed
starchy water remains
soft in scent
as the rice is brought to a boil
in order to be layered with the chicken masala
red and orange colorings
they garnish the top of the rice
alongside fresh coriander
and dark fried onion
the biryani is complete.
