MUMBAI / DIASPORA DATELINE – As the rest of the world moved on from Easter Sunday, the D’Souza household did not. Sources confirm that as of Monday morning, Mrs. D’Souza was still in the kitchen, a hidden bottle of currant wine within arm’s reach, surveying what can only be described as “the aftermath.”
“Everything tastes better today,” she said, gesturing at the duck moile, the sorpotel, and a pot of wedding rice that had somehow multiplied overnight. Nobody questioned it.
In a surprise development, Sunday’s menu had included a last-minute addition: Aunty had quietly made a quail moile – her friend Astrid’s recipe, the one nobody dares tamper with. It was received in reverent silence, followed immediately by second helpings.
The foogias, it must be noted, did not survive the night. “They get over faster than hotcakes,” Aunty said mournfully, as though she had not been warned of this every single year.
The Russian salad has been repurposed into wraps with roti for Monday lunch. Nobody is complaining.
The beef tongue roast was the first dish to disappear entirely – reportedly consumed by the uncles as chakna before lunch had even officially begun. When reached for comment, the uncles declined, as their mouths were full.
Aunty has confirmed she is “thankful” she did not make the fried mutton chops. “Uncle P would have finished everything,” she said, referring to a relative who shall remain unnamed. “You’d think Aunty Z doesn’t feed him at home. Howratt.“
The Easter egg situation was resolved late Sunday evening when Mr. D’Souza was apprehended near the dessert table with marzipan eggs in both hands. He cited no defence. The family cited his diabetes. He cited the marzipan again. A compromise was reached, the details of which remain sealed.
The coconut cake, meanwhile, has been quietly declared even better cold and is being rationed accordingly.
On the matter of gifts, Aunty distributed copies of the Jevayla Ye: Everyday East Indian Recipes cookbook to all departing guests – the budget-friendly Black & White Edition, naturally. Her own Deluxe Edition remains on the shelf, untouched, in a place of honour. She has not commented on the difference. She did not need to.
The extra vindaloo is being distributed to neighbours in tiffin boxes alongside rice, as is tradition. Mrs. D’Souza says this is “just being practical.” The neighbours say this is the best day of the year.
At press time, Mrs. D’Souza had poured herself a glass from the bottle she set aside on Saturday – the one nobody knew about, the one specifically reserved for Monday recovery. She has earned it.
The family wishes everyone a blessed Easter. The kitchen will reopen when Aunty is ready. No further questions.
Want to recreate the chaos at home? Start with the full East Indian Easter Lunch menu – and good luck.
I’m an East Indian foodie and travel blogger from Bombay, India. I love baking, cooking, and making wine at home. But I also love doing stuff around the house and spending time in the Word. You’ll find more info about me here!