Uppukandam

TRING.

The Bell loudly announced the Lunch Break. Aarav and Shane were studying in the II Std of a reputed school at Chennai. They both usually get up late and have only one glass of milk before coming to school. So they were very hungry now. They were so happy to hear the bell. Both were very good friends and they shared their food and played together. They both lived nearby too.

As soon as the bell was heard, they jumped in joy and took their tiffin boxes out. They opened them and started having. Aarav had brought Chapathis with Paneer Gravy and Shane had brought Sambar rice with some fry. It looked like chicken fry and very tasty. Aarav loved chicken and he wanted to try this. He asked Shane.

“Shane, what is this? Is that Chicken fry?”

“No Aarav, this is mutton. “ Replied Shane.

“But it looks like chicken. It looks so yummy. Can I taste some?” asked Aarav.

“Definitely Aarav. Sorry to have not offered you first” Said Shane.

Shane took a big chunk of the yummy looking fry with his spoon and gave it to Aarav. He popped it in his mouth and slowly started chewing. The meat was so tender and fried to crisp. As he was chewing, it melted in his mouth. He really loved the taste so much and was very happy.

“Shane can you tell me the name of the dish?” Asked Aarav excitedly.

“It’s Uppukandam, Aarav. Mom makes it often as I like them so much.” Replied Shane.

“Oh great. I will ask my mom to make it for me too. I too like it so much.” Said Aarav.

In the evening when Aarav went back home, he excitedly told his mom about the yummy dish.

“It was red like a chicken fry Mummy. When I started eating it, it was so juicy and tender and was very crisp. I really loved it mummy. Please make it for me.”

His mom smiled and said, “Ok fine. Tell me the name of the dish and I will make it.”

“It’s called Uppukandam mummy. It is really yummy. You too will love it.” Aarav was still very much excited.

“Now who wants Uppukandam here?” Called out Aarav’s dad as he entered the house coming back from office.

“Aarav wants it badly. He has tasted it from one of his classmates and he wants to have it now.” Replied his mom.

“It’s been ages I had Uppukandam. I will try to get it here and you cook it.” His dad said.

“But what is this Uppukandam? I have never heard of it. “Replied his mom.

“Uppukandam is one of the delicacies in the Non vegetarian food. It’s dried Mutton. Mutton is cut into small chunks and you apply necessary spices, salt and lots of turmeric and dry it. Some dry in the sun and some dark dry it. Once all the watery content is dried, it gives a chunky flavorful salty mutton. It’s stored in air tight containers and will be safe to eat throughout the year.”

“The spices and salt soaked mutton by itself will be very tasty to eat. You can make fry or semi gravy or gravy from it. Everything will be very tasty.”

Mummy looked excited now. She felt her mouth water. She too wanted to try this dish now.

“You tell me where you get this Uppukandam. I will prepare it.” Asked mom.

“I don’t know if it’s easily available at stores now. I will try to find it out.”

Daddy tried several places but could not get any. He then asked Aarav where he tasted it from.

“I tasted it when my friend Shane brought it dad.” Aarav replied.

“Fine then. I will ask his dad.” Dad said.

Daddy calls Shane’s house and asks to call his daddy. Shane passes on the phone to his daddy.

They both talk and finally Aarav’s dad gets to know the location of the shop that sells Uppukandam.

Daddy and Aarav visit the shop that evening and asks for Uppukandam.

“Sorry sir, our stock is over. It’s being prepared now. Please come back next week.” Said the storekeeper.

Aarav and daddy feels dejected. But there is no other way now.

“Can you please reserve some for me so that I don’t miss it out in the next stock too?” asks daddy.

“Ya sure sir. Please give your details to our master so that he will keep it reserved for you.” Replies the storekeeper.

The owner of the shop comes in and starts taking down the details when he stopped seeing the name of Aarav’s father. He looks at him seriously and then breaks into a big smile.

“Hey don’t you remember me? I am Salim. Your schoolmate. I have started this shop now. It’s been long. How are you? How is your family?” He shouted excitedly.

Aarav’s daddy has found his old friend now. They both started talking happily and after all pleasantries, they shared their number and Salim promised Aarav’s daddy that he will reserve Uppukandam for him. Daddy was so happy and was smiling all the way. On reaching home, seeing his face, mom asked him what had happened.

“I met a dear friend of mine after many years.” Dad replied happily.

“How did you find him?” Mommy asked.

Aarav shouted at the top of his voice, “Uppukandam”.

Pics Credits: Google

P.S. I had a craving for Uppukandam and wrote this story out of blue. J

P.P.S. Uppukandam’s recipes in the upcoming blog.

P.P.P.S. If you want Uppukandam, ping me. I have got a nice stock. J