Operation Rice Bowl: A Lenten Tradition
India
Take this virtual tour of India and learn more about how CRS-supported
schools are helping young people receive a good education.
A Story and Recipe from India
My name is Pailash, I am 14 years old, and I live in Calcutta in India.
When I was very young I got polio and the muscles in my legs were paralyzed,
so I cannot walk. I am an orphan, and for many years I survived on the streets
by selling newspapers. I only earned about 50 to 100 rupees a day ($1.00
to $2.50). I got very tired after the long day's work, and was always worried
that someone would take my money while I slept.
One day a friend took me to a school here in Calcutta that is supported by Catholic Relief Services. Here at the school, I have finally found a safe place to call home, and I no longer worry about being hungry because I receive meals every day. My favorite subject is math and I play the bongos in our school orchestra. I like the drums because God gave me nice hands. My favorite song is "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands". Next year I will graduate from this school and transfer to an all boys' high school. There I will learn skills for a trade and then I will be able to find a job and earn a good living for myself.
Kadai Aloo (Potato Curry - serves 6)
4 large potatoes, cut into cubes with skin on
- ½ tsp ginger
- ½ tsp coriander
- ¼ tsp turmeric
- ¼ tsp pepper
- ½ tsp cumin
- juice from ½ lime
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 jalapeño peppers, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tomato, diced
- 2 Tbsp oil
- Salt (to taste)
Boil potatoes until soft, then drain water and allow to cool. Mix all dry spices and lime juice in a bowl with potatoes, and set aside.
In a large pan, sauté garlic, onions, red pepper, and jalapeños in oil until they are tender. Add tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes. Add seasoned potatoes and cook for 5 minutes or until mixture is hot. Add salt to taste. Serve hot.
Optional: Garnish with chopped cilantro.
