Angeethi: Forgotten Earthen Cooking Stove

India is synonymous with food. Earlier, we used to do traditional cooking but as soon the time passed, we started forgetting it and slightly shifted to modern cooking. One of the many simple daily use objects that have actually been sacrificed at the altar of modern living is the angeethi. This humble angeethi has been a forgotten earthing cooking stove that was adorned at each and every home in North India.

Let us tell you that until the mid-sixties, every single home in Punjab had angeethi whereas now, it is found nowhere except for some rural homes in remote and backward areas. For those who do not about it, angeethis held a special place and was quite significant. Though it was just an unpretentious rustic object, it carried much value. Those mere iron bucket coated with clay was easier to carry and thus, was also called ‘mobile stove.’ That little implement was far more multifaceted than we could ever imagine. The angeethi had a small opening at the bottom to clean ashes and a grill at the center to place the uplas or cow dung or coal in some cases. You just couldn’t imagine the deliciousness of the food cooked on this earthen stove. Besides, it was extremely useful. One could cook literally anything on the angeethi. Right from morning tea to dinner, anything!

Angeethi was not just a cooking device but much more. This cooking device, which has now been forgotten, had a soul of its own and we cannot deny this. Earlier in those days, families used to get together, and then, food was served to each one of them amidst a lot of jokes and chatter. My father recalls the time when he used to have freshly roasted papads and phulkas made on those angeethis. After dinner, they used to have milk which was kept on the flame and reduced to have. This was the ultimate treat for them.

To my father and many others like him, angeethi will always remain a symbol of love and warmth. Angeethis have inspired each of us but seems to have lost somewhere. Those who don’t have angeethi cannot do anything but those who still have angeethis, you can revive your memories by making a soulful tea. Angeethi ki chai is a unique style of making tea. It adds a beautiful aroma and flavour to our loving chai. Follow the steps and feel the warmth. 

Ingredients

  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tsp tea leaves
  • A ginger
  • 2 black peppercorns
  • 1 green cardamom
  • 1 clove

Method

  • Heat the angeethi by activating coal or uplas (depending upon the type of angeethi you have)
  • Place a pan on it and water
  • Add crushed ginger and whole spices to the water
  • Let it boil for a few minutes.
  • Add tea leaves and sugar. Let it simmer for some time.
  • Add milk and let it simmer for 4 to 5 minutes,
  • Serve it hot with some roasted papad.

Enjoy!