When the temperature drops, I always crave my mum's homemade soup. She would throw in everything. Any vegetables that were looking sad in the fridge went into the pot. She added leftover roast chicken and those last few chili peppers from different packets.
The secret was the dumplings - light, fluffy clouds that soaked up all the flavours.
I tried making it last week. It wasn't quite the same, of course. Maybe because I measured everything instead of just throwing it in by feel like she did. Or perhaps it's because I wasn't eating it at our old dining table. The steam fogged up the windows while rain pelted down outside. Only Fools & Horses played on the TV.
Today's Memoir Prompt: What meal brings you the most comfort on a cold winter's day? What memories surround it?
Picture a cold winter’s day, the kind that makes you crave warmth and familiarity. What meal immediately springs to mind when you think of comfort? Is it a hearty stew, a bubbling shepherd’s pie, or perhaps a simple bowl of tomato soup with crusty bread?
Describe the preparation process. Did someone else make it for you—a parent, a grandparent, or a partner? Or is it something you’ve learned to make yourself over the years? Reflect on the smells wafting from the kitchen, the sounds of bubbling pots, and the satisfaction of the first bite.
What memories does this meal bring back? Was it a regular fixture during your childhood winters? Or did it accompany a particular event, such as Christmas or a snow day? Is the recipe cherished for its sentimental value, having been passed down through generations? Or is it something you stumbled upon and made your own?
Beyond the food itself, explore the feelings it evokes. How does this meal wrap you in a metaphorical blanket, offering not just physical warmth but emotional comfort? Think about why this dish stands out above all others. Consider what it tells you about your relationship with food. Reflect on your connection with family and the rituals of winter.
