How much are you willing to expose?

Have you had that feeling? The one where you wonder - am I the only person in the world who does this? Like, walking the length of the public restroom to find the most inconspicuous stall, hoping that others would go for the more obvious, closer and convenient ones. Trying on clothes and finding it fits but then going back to the display area and picking the same exact piece in the same exact size, except it would be an unopened one (or so I think). Choosing the second to top plate in the buffet table, just in case the top one is dirty.

My guess is that I should stop just about now. Maybe, based on reading the above, you have already concluded that I am certifiable!!

Seriously though, aren't we all in our own way, full of individual idiosyncrasies? Is that not what makes us fun and unique?

I realized that as individuals, we are simply like icebergs, so much more inside than outside. What others see and what we allow them to see is just the tip. There are so many things about ourselves that we choose to keep guarded. Possibly because we assume we will be judged or feel like we are the only ones who think in this way.

In course of chatting with a dear friend, I told her about one of my beliefs (sounds better than idiosyncrasy wouldn't you say?). I must mention here that we were out for an evening walk. She actually stopped in her track and looked at me for a few seconds. Then she hugged me and told me that I have so much more depth than most people possibly realize (yes, I too was wondering at this point whether I had received a compliment or an insult).

To be able to speak my mind and get such a beautiful reaction to the same (yes, I chose to take it as a compliment), made me reflect further. It made me realize that it is better to be yourself and get accepted wholly than live half your life in your head wondering am I the only one doing this.....

Before we get too side tracked with my beliefs, let me share a quick to make and yummy to eat salad recipe with you. This version of Gado-Gado was modified in my head after reading multiple versions of its recipe. Hope you try it too! 

Gado-Gado

 For the dressing:

Fresh Coconut milk 1 and 1/4 cup using 1/2 cup coconut and 1 cup hot water

1 chopped onion

2 grated garlic cloves

1/4 inch grated fresh ginger

1 tsp peanut oil

1 tbsp. brown sugar

1/4 tsp chili powder

1/4 cup peanut butter

1 tsp of vinegar

Salt to taste

Blend the coconut and water and strain the milk. Heat the oil and add the onions and garlic to it. Cook till the onions become transparent and then add the milk and the ginger. Stir continuously and allow to come to a boil. Add the remaining ingredients and allow to cook for 2-3 mins till it thickens slightly. The dressing will be poured on the salad while it is still warm.



Salad:

 1 package tofu sliced and cooked in 2 tsp of peanut oil

1 cup red cabbage sliced thinly

1 cup potatoes sliced thinly and cooked till crispy in peanut oil

1/2 cup sliced green beans

1 cup carrots thinly sliced

1 cucumber sliced

1/2 cup bean sprouts

2 eggs hard-boiled

2 tbsp. of roasted peanuts

Some cilantro for garnish

Take the cabbage and bean sprouts and place in boiling water for a few seconds and drain and cool immediately. Par boil the carrots and the beans.

 



Arrange all the veggies and the tofu in a platter and place the sliced boiled eggs in the center. Sprinkle with peanuts and cilantro. Pour the warm dressing on top and enjoy this heartiest of salad!!

 

When you eat this salad, each bite will delight you with its texture, taste and flavors. A lot like people....the more you meet them and talk to them, the more depth you see in them and the more pleasantly they surprise you.