PANDEM KODI PULUSU | CHILLU GARELU | VILLAGE COOKING | Andhra style | Cooking and Eating

Father and Daughter Cooking and Eating Naatu Kodi Curry and Chillu Garelu in Village Style

In the heart of a traditional Indian village, where the air is filled with the earthy aroma of nature and the sound of birds chirping, a father and daughter share a special moment in the kitchen of their modest home. The bond between them grows stronger as they work together to prepare a rustic, flavorful meal—**Naatu Kodi Curry** (Country Chicken Curry) and *Chillu Garelu* (Crispy Fried Lentil Fritters), two beloved dishes that connect them to their roots.

The Setting: A Rural Kitchen
The kitchen is a simple space, with walls made of clay, and an open hearth where the fire crackles. A cast iron stove and clay pots sit atop wooden counters, and the earthy fragrance of spices fills the air. There is no rush here—just the serenity of the village, where every task is done with love and care.

As the father gathers the ingredients from their little garden and the nearby market, his daughter helps him prepare the cooking space, lighting a small flame under a large iron pot. The father, with years of wisdom, smiles warmly as he begins to explain the process of making **Naatu Kodi Curry**.

Naatu Kodi Curry: A Dish of Tradition
**Naatu Kodi**, or country chicken, is known for its distinct, rich flavor. Unlike the farmed chicken, this bird roams freely, foraging for food, which imparts a unique taste to the meat. The father skillfully chops the chicken, while his daughter assists by washing and prepping the fresh, locally sourced vegetables—onions and green chilies.

As the chicken pieces sizzle in the hot oil, the father adds a generous amount of ginger-garlic paste, followed by turmeric, red chili powder, and a special mix of homemade garam masala. The spices swirl into a fragrant mixture, filling the kitchen with warmth. The daughter stirs the pot carefully, knowing that this dish requires patience.

Next, the father adds water to make a thick, savory gravy, and they let the curry simmer for a while, watching as the meat softens and absorbs all the flavors. Their laughter and conversation mix with the bubbling sounds of the curry. It's a moment of pure togetherness, cooking not just for nourishment, but for tradition.

Chillu Garelu: A Crispy Delight
While the curry simmers, the daughter gets ready to make the **Chillu Garelu**—small, crispy fritters made from a seasoned batter of urad dal (black gram), spices, and rice flour. The batter, made by soaking the dal overnight, is thickened with finely chopped onions, green chilies, curry leaves, and a dash of salt.

The father watches closely as his daughter drops the first dollops of batter into the hot oil, turning them into golden brown, crunchy fritters. Their shape resembles small, round dumplings, and the sound of sizzling oil fills the air. Together, they prepare a plate full of **Chillu Garelu**, perfect for dipping into the curry.

The fritters are crispy on the outside but soft and airy on the inside, adding a perfect contrast to the hearty, spicy curry. The father smiles as he praises his daughter's skill in frying, a task she has perfected over time.

The Meal: Sharing and Bonding
Once the *Naatu Kodi Curry* is done, rich in color and aroma, and the *Chillu Garelu* are perfectly crisp, the father sets the table on a bench under the roof outside their house.

The daughter serves the curry with Garelu. They sit together, enjoying their meal, exchanging stories about the past, and laughing over small moments of joy. The simple act of cooking and sharing food brings them closer, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

This isn't just about the food; it's about heritage, family, and the joy of being together in the moment. The flavors of *Naatu Kodi Curry* and **Chillu Garelu**, cooked with love and care, are a celebration of the village's traditional cuisine—a reminder of the connection between food, family, and the land.

Conclusion
In the village, cooking and eating are more than just a necessity—they are rituals that bind families and generations. As father and daughter cook together, passing down recipes and traditions, they create not only a delicious meal but also a deep connection to their roots. The taste of *Naatu Kodi Curry* and **Chillu Garelu**, prepared with love and shared with family, is a reminder that the simplest moments are often the most meaningful.