How To Eat Indian Food With Your Hands
I've shared with you guys before on what happened when I met my in-laws for the first time. I was thrust into a situation with dozens of new people, new traditions and customs, and a boyfriend who forgot to give me a little heads up on what to expect.Thankfully, my in-laws were all amazing and very gracious. They continued to give me little hints and tips all weekend on what was going on each day. One of the first things they shared with me is the fact that they all ate Indian food with their hands.I was more than eager to try (while secretly insecure because I had no idea what I was doing.) I wanted to give the best first impression possible, but now I was asked to be vulnerable and attempt something I would probably be horrible with at first.I quickly learned that being in an interracial relationship meant I would be in vulnerable positions like frequently. It wasn't just on my part either, it was just as much for my husband. There were times we would just have to remind each other to trust us and then try something new. These moments have always brought us closer together over the years.Looking back on my first time using my hands to eat Indian food, I didn't do as horribly as I thought. They taught me the etiquette you were supposed to have while doing it and helped me get the hang of it. A few years later I was able to teach my boys the same thing.Now it's become a normal part of our family's routine, granted a few of us enjoy it more than others. To be honest, it's become such a normal routine for us that we don't even bring out silverware when we eat Indian food for dinner. We dish up the plates, find our seats at the table, and dig in.Sometimes we find our four-year-old sneak away to find a fork and we just smile.
(Read more about our kid's thoughts on hand feeding here...)
Now it's your turn! If you’re going to try Indian food, make sure you try the whole experience! You learn more about other cultures by stepping in and trying new ways of doing things.
4 Steps To Eat With Your Hands
1. Using only the tips of your fingers, mix your main dish/side dish with yogurt/rice, in a separate place on your plate.2. Scoop up your food into a ball. The yogurt or rice will help you to do this.3. Using the tips of your fingers and your thumb, pick up the ball of food.4. Now, use your thumb to push the food into your mouth.See, that’s not too tricky! The more you try it, the more comfortable it will feel and the better you will do it.