Changing times have redefined the kitchen workspace. Technology has converted our modest kitchen into a ‘Super Specialty Kitchen’. There is a gadget for every need. Modern appliances can almost make human hands extinct, so to speak. In modern times, when everything is so round-the-clock, these appliances are a welcome change and in fact, they are great devices to work out, if you missed your gym.
I am sure most of us have seen these tools in our kitchen, while growing up. Like vintage – these tools are now getting a facelift and finding places in several modern kitchens. The physical health benefits are most obvious. Do not look further than your kitchen for those well -toned arms. The texture and form of the spices, flour or batter that is ground in these are definitely more aromatic and filled with natural goodness.
1. Chakki/Enthiram (Dry spice and flour grinder): The most joyful times were the weekend afternoons when my siblings and I sat around the Chakki. One of us dropped the whole grains in the center of the stone. The other two sat in the opposite direction. There was perfect coordination from the grain drop to the stone-grind process. We took turns to roll the stone with the help of a stick that was attached to the top of the stone. The grinding noise was musical in many ways. Watching the flour/ground spice spill from between the two stones was joyful reward for the hard work.
2. Aatu Kal (Idli /Dosa Batter Grinder): The literal translation is a ‘stone that you shake or move’. Typically, mixed lentils are soaked overnight and then dropped in the hole in the center of the stone. You then use a large oval stone to grind the contents to a smooth paste. This was always tricky for us as kids. It needed great strength to grind. Then there was the skill of moving the grinding stone and pushing the coarse batter back into the hole. All this had to be done in a rhythmic motion for a sustained period, to derive the best batter.
3. Ammi Kallu (Wet Masala Grinder): This is primarily used to grind wet spices. A large rectangle stone on which the spices are placed and an oval rolling pin to grind the spices in a forward and backward motion. The tricky part for us was to ensure we use the stone to pull the spices without using hands. As kids, this kept us engaged for a long time.
4. Hamam Dasta (Traditional Mortar and Pestle): Made of cast iron or wood, there were always two sizes in our household. We always chose the taller one instead of the shorter. I recall, my father getting an additional pestle so that we would not fight over taking turns to pound the spices.
5. Makhan Phirni/ Mathu (Butter Churner): This was the most delightful part of helping in the kitchen. The milkman would get the cow to our home, every evening. He would milk the cow in our presence. The aroma of creamy fresh milk wafted through our home and it also tasted heavenly. My grandma would then use clay pots to set the curd/yogurt. We would be handed the phirni to churn the curd. As fresh butter formed on the top, it was so inviting to lick it off with our fingers.
I am sure there are many more ‘Grandma Gadgets’ that are specific to each household. They must hold endearing memories for you just as they do for me.
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