Chapter 03 / The kitchen

I cook theway I paint.

By feel, slightly too fast, and always for more people than are actually coming. Cast iron does most of the work. Nothing here is a recipe blog — just what gets made.

Cast iron pan surrounded by fresh herbs and bowls of spices

The regulars

Sunday Mutton Curry
Cooked low until the bones give up. Non-negotiable weekend ritual.
3 hours
Burnt Garlic Noodles
The default when I get home late. Garlic browner than anyone recommends.
15 minutes
Focaccia, Slowly
Mostly waiting. The dog watches the whole proof like it's television.
Two days
Filter Coffee, Twice Daily
Decoction the night before. Frothed hard between two tumblers.
10 minutes

House rules.

01Salt earlier than feels right
02One pan, if possible
03No measuring cups after 8pm
04Feed the animals first, or there is no peace