Over the years, this writer has upped her game from being a last-minute juggler to becoming a proud organiser. Although that journey was fuelled by anxiety — obvious gifts of our fast lives — she quite enjoys planning her days in advance. And given her cathartic relationship with food, the ambit of planning includes homely meals, which help her retain a part of her childhood despite challenging deadlines. So when a picture of someone in the US preparing his cereals for the week went viral on the Internet, we were thinking of questions such as, “How basic is basic?” and “Is being prepared more of a mental relief?” Chefs and home chefs share tips about assembling food that can let an Indian kitchen be the centre of drama even amid a hectic schedule.

Little pockets of flavour
Reetu Uday Kugaji, chef and consultant, @chefreetuudaykugaji

Bhutte ka halwa