“A LESBIAN LOVE LETTER TO KHICHDI.”
BY NATASHA TAHEEM (she/her)
@natasha.taheem
Artist Bio
“Natasha Taheem is a Birmingham-based artist whose practice centers on craft-based processes like woodblock printing, drawing, and ceramics. They employ these mediums as tools for self-honouring and fostering chosen family.
Informed by a tailoring background, Natasha brings an inherited connection to craft and material to their contemporary storytelling. Her engagement extends beyond her studio into socially engaged art projects. As the founder of Queer Mehndi Nights, Natasha has worked with organisations including Action for Refugees, Journey, The Hospital Rooms, National Trust, and Sense. And is currently holding residencies with Grand Union and Shout Festival.
Their art is a celebration of brown queer joy, a reflection on belonging, and an ongoing dialogue between heritage and identity.”
“A Lesbian Love Letter to Khichdi.”
I came out to myself as a lesbian two years ago & spent most my time running away from Birmingham to escape my family & community.
I would take the train to Leeds, London and Cardiff on rotation, crashing on sofas and surrounding myself with friends who knew me best during a time where I didn’t recognise myself. I fled to Brighton to see Pride weekend, greeted by a tumble of rainbow flags, feather boas and sparkles. I felt a comfortable distance from my British Punjabi upbringing in Birmingham.
I would take myself for long walks down the promenade & on my first night I passed a curry house. Choked up in an earthy cloud of tadka. Fragrant spices swirled around me followed by a wave of anxiety. I spent the following months avoiding Indian food, it made me feel home sick.
I took myself to sea that evening to daze into the abyss. Salty tears ran down my cheeks and plopped onto the pebble beach. I felt guilty for cutting my parents out. My fear of being rejected by them had pushed me to reject parts of myself. Holding space that encompassed all parts of my being felt impossible.
Growing into my queerness, my appetite for home food crept back. Khichdi was the first dish I started cooking, it’s the kind of bowl food your Badi Mum dishes out to you when you are sick, its the dish my partner requests on a Wednesday night, it’s a hug in a bowl.
Ingredients
1 cup Yellow lentils
1 cup Rice
5 cups Water
Sliced garlic
Chilli
Crushed black pepper
Turmeric
Cumin seeds
Salt
Vegetable oil
Method:
In a large pot, add lentils rice and water, salt and turmeric to taste. Bring to a boil then cook slow and low stirring until creamy. Add less water for a thicker consistency and more for thinner.
For the tadka, in a small pan heat up oil and fry the garlic till golden (careful don’t burn) add cumin and crushed black pepper, followed by chillis (it will foam and sizzle). Pour hot oil into your lentils.
Eat plain or garnish, my twist on this classic is a jammy boiled egg, coriander and pink pickled onion.