Before I share the recipe I want to take this chance to talk about racism from my point of view and how I can relate to it.

“I can’t breathe”

The words were never new; we just happen to revisit what happened to Garner in Staten Island with Floyd in Minneapolis. Back then we were not hit by COVID-19 and we did not have as much time to protest and make things change. In a way, COVID-19 has come as a blessing in disguise giving us that time to reflect on greater racial justice movement. All lives matter, sure! But you have the right to say that only when you start treating the minorities the same way you do with everyone else.
Being an Indian I was always taught to be proud of the diverse population that I belong to, but little do we speak of all the underlying issues that are brewing in this diversity. Apart from the racial and caste discrimination one of the biggest issues that India has been facing for ages is colorism. India has Rs. 5000 crore (~$660 million) market for fairness products and these companies have always been advertising that you need to have a fairer skin to get good jobs, find love and be respected in the society. And what has made things worse is that these products are being marketed by the likes of some of the biggest names of the Indian Film Industry. The world knows how obsessed Indians are about arranged marriages and fun fact: we have online matrimonial sites. You think Tinder is degrading? Talk about having to list the complexion of your skin on one of these sites to find yourself a match. Tinder has 57 million users around the world while a single Matrimonial site in India has over 20 million users. Racism comes in many forms and ways; it can be public and obvious or disguised and subtle. You, me, and all of us have contributed to the plague of racism and it will take you, me, and all of us to stand together and bring an end to it.

For the recipe:

Ingredients:

• Broccoli (cut into florets)
• Garlic (2 tablespoons; minced)
• Lemon Juice (1 teaspoon)
• Vinegar (1 teaspoon)
• Ginger Powder (1/2 teaspoon)
• Chili Powder (1 tablespoon; or to taste)
• Salt and Pepper (to taste)
• Olive oil
• Parmesan (grated)

Directions:

Add everything in a bowl except for the Parmesan and give it a good mix.

If you’re using an oven: Preheat the oven to 425^o F/220^o C. Arrange the florets on a baking tray and roast for 16-20 minutes until cooked through.

If you want to roast on the hob: Place a pan on the stove and once hot add the florets, cook till they are nice and crispy.

Move the cooked broccoli into a bowl and generously add Parmesan cheese.