Cauliflower and Spinach Simmered in a Coconut Milk Sauce with Black Pepper

This creamy curried vegetable dish just might be a new favorite. It's one of those dishes that tastes so divine that when sitting down to enjoy it, one would think it was complicated — but it's not! In fact, this dish of tender cauliflower and fresh spinach simmered in a fragrant coconut milk curry sauce comes together in hardly any time at all, and it's on the mild side in terms of spicing. It smells and tastes just quite as wonderful as it looks served up on the dinner table.

Take care not to overcook the cauliflower because that little bit of crunch adds a beautiful texture combined with the coconut milk and creamy spinach. Serve as a side along with rice, a legume dish and your favorite Indian flat bread for perfect meal that requires little fuss. You may also want to serve it over rice noodles.

Cauliflower and Spinach Simmered in a Coconut Milk Sauce with Black Pepper

Recipe by Lisa Turner Adapted from 660 Curries Cuisine: Indian Published on August 4, 2015 Tender cauliflower and fresh spinach simmered in a creamy, fragrant and lightly spiced coconut milk and tomato sauce Print this recipe Ingredients: 2 tablespoons sesame oil 1 teaspoon brown mustard seeds 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 2 cups cauliflower (1 lb or 450 g), cut into 1-inch florets 1 clove garlic 1 to 2 green chilies, seeded and finely chopped 1 3/4 cups (14 oz or 400 mL) coconut milk 1 large tomato, diced generous handful of dried curry leaves 1/2 teaspoon turmeric 1 to 2 teaspoons sea salt, to taste 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black peppercorns 1 lb (450 g) fresh spinach, trimmed and roughly chopped Instructions: Heat the oil in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat. When hot, toss in the mustard seeds and cumin seeds and stir for 30 seconds or until the mustard seeds turn grey and begin to splutter and pop. Stir in the cauliflower and sauté until it begins to lightly brown on the edges, about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and chilies and fry for another minute. Now pour in the coconut milk and let it simmer for a few minutes. Add the tomato, curry leaves, turmeric, salt and black pepper, reduce the heat to medium, and cover. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken and the cauliflower is fork-tender. Add the spinach a few handfuls at a time, stirring, until the spinach is wilted. Simmer for another 5 to 7 minutes. Serve hot over fresh cooked white rice or rice noodles. Makes 4 to 6 servings

I'm sharing this with Jacqueline's Weekly Meat Free Mondays event.

Other cauliflower recipes to explore from Lisa's Vegetarian Kitchen:
Mixed Vegetable Coconut Curry
Chickpea Mixed Vegetable Poriyal
Rice and Cauliflower Pilaf (Gobi Pulau)
Thai Red Curry Vegetable Soup

►

Black Bean Salad with Fresh Mango and a Chaat Masala Dressing

Easy bean salads are a perfect choice for summer meals and quite portable too, making them a good choice for potluck dinners and outdoor picnics. When it's hot, many of us don't care to fuss too much over dinner, and this is one of those dishes that comes together in hardly any time at all. This is not a bland salad either as many of the store-bought bean salads so often are. It's no wonder that some folks say they don't like beans — it's all in the preparation and seasoning and imaginative touch that goes into the food, and bean snubbers just might change their minds after feasting on this colorful and refreshing salad.

When I came up with the idea, I had an Indian twist in mind, hence the cumin and homemade chaat masala included in the tangy and zesty lime dressing. The earthiness of the black beans also makes a nice contrast to the succulent and sweet mango and crisp red pepper. There is a medley of color and flavor in this salad and each bite is a pleasing contrast of healthy and refreshing tastes and textures.

The recipe can easily be doubled, and if there are leftovers they keep well covered in the fridge for a day or two.

Note: Chaat masala is a hot, sour and salty Indian spice blend that goes well with cool or tangy foods. It can easily be found at any Asian and Indian grocery store, but I prefer to make my own blends. They take so little time to blend up, keep well in a sealed jar in a dark cool place for a good few months, and are usually far superior and certainly fresher in taste.

Black Bean Salad with Fresh Mango and a Chaat Masala Dressing

Recipe by Lisa Turner Cuisine: Indian Published on July 27, 2015 A colorful summer salad of earthy black beans and sweet red mango salad tossed in a tangy and zesty lime, cumin and chaat masala dressing Print this recipe Salad: 1 cup dried black beans (3 cups cooked or 2 14 oz cans) 1 large red mango, peeled and chopped 1 small red onion, cut into thin strips or diced 1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into strips 1 to 2 jalapeños, seeded and chopped 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped Dressing: juice from 1 lime (2 tablespoons) 1 tablespoon olive oil (or more as required) 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon chaat masala 1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste Instructions: Rinse the beans and soak in several inches of water for 8 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse, then transfer to a medium saucepan and cover with fresh water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour or until the beans are tender but not falling apart. Drain and set aside to cool. Combine the black beans, mango, red onion, red pepper, jalapeño and fresh parsley in a large bowl. Whisk together the dressing ingredients in a small bowl. Taste for seasoning, and then pour over the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together and then chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes or longer before serving. Makes 4 to 6 servings

This is my contribution to No Croutons Required this month, alternately hosted by Jacqueline and myself. It's my turn to host this month.

Other summery salads you may enjoy from Lisa's Vegetarian Kitchen:
Black Bean and Quinoa Salad with Fresh Mango and a Chaat Masala Dressing
Vegan Potato Salad Dressed with Avocado
Summer Chickpea Salad
Chickpea and Lentil Salad with Zucchini and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

►

Red Lentil and Cauliflower Tomato Pulao

Nourishing and balanced one-pot meals are a blessing, especially when the temperatures are soaring and the desire for cooking is not as pronounced as it is during the cooler months. At the same time, this is a comforting meal that would be satisfying anytime of year.

This straightforward preparation includes lentils, rice, and one of my favorite vegetables, cauliflower. Local produce is just beginning to pop up in the markets and there will be much more to come. In the meantime, this dish with a variety of textures and tangy and spicy Indian flavors has everything you need with most of the ingredients being staples in a cook's kitchen. Each bite is unique and you don't need much else for a thoroughly satisfying dinner. Take care not to overcook the vegetables to maintain freshness and that delightful crunch that really does make each bite a pleasure.

Red Lentil and Cauliflower Tomato Pulao

Recipe by Lisa Turner Cuisine: Indian Published on July 7, 2015 Colorful, nourishing and delicious rice with red lentils, tangy tomatoes and fresh tender cauliflower seasoned with Indian spices Print this recipe Ingredients: 1/2 cup red lentils 1/2 cup basmati rice 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil small handful of dried curry leaves 4 whole cloves 1 small red onion, thinly sliced 1 clove garlic, minced 1-inch piece ginger, grated or minced 2 fresh green chilies, seeded and finely chopped 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander 1/2 teaspoon turmeric 1/2 teaspoon garam masala 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne, to taste 2 medium tomatoes, chopped 2 cups cauliflower, trimmed into roughly 1 1/2 inch florets 2 cups water 2/3 cup green peas, fresh or frozen and defrosted juice from 1 lemon (3 tablespoons) 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt, or to taste 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish Instructions: Rinse the lentils and rice and soak in water for 20 minutes. Drain and set aside. Heat the oil in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. When hot, add the curry leaves and cloves. Stir and fry for about 1 minute. Add the onion and sauté for 5 minutes, until translucent. Add the garlic, ginger and chilies and cook for another minute. Toss in the spices, stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant, and then add the tomatoes. Simmer for another 5 minutes or so, stirring often, until the tomato has thickened. Add the cauliflower, lentils, and rice and stir for another minute. Pour in the water, bring to a gentle boil, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cover. Simmer for 15 minutes. Stir in the peas, gently mix, then reduce the heat to low and cover again. Simmer until the liquid is absorbed and the lentils are tender, about 7 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice, turn off the heat, and let sit for 5 minutes. Toss with a fork and serve garnished with cilantro if desired. Makes 4 to 6 servings

I'm sharing this with Jacqueline's weekly Meat Free Mondays event, and also My Legume Love Affair, a monthly event started by Susan of The Well Seasoned Cook, now administered by me and kindly hosted this month by Jagruti.

More cauliflower dishes to enjoy:
Aloo Gobi (Curried Cauliflower and Potatoes)
Aloo Gobi with Chickpeas - A Twist on a Classic
Greek-Style Cauliflower Gratin with Feta and Olives
Spicy Urad Dal with Cauliflower and Peas

On the top of the reading stack: Mindfulness for Beginners: Reclaiming the Present Moment--and Your Life

►

Paneer Kalimirch (Paneer Cheese with a Coconut Milk, Onion and Cashew Gravy with Black Pepper and Spices)

Although many of my main meals are vegan, I can never resist the allure of succulent paneer cheese for too long. The cheese does not have a whole lot of flavor on its own — although I do enjoy snacking on little bites of it while I prep a dish — but paneer is a wonderful vehicle for taking on the spices and seasonings present in a dish. It has a texture much like firm tofu, but it's real cheese without the soya. There really is no substitute, but if you want to make it vegan, then use cubes of firm tofu instead.

Traditionally, this dish of paneer cheese simmered in a thick flavorful onion and cashew gravy is made with cream or yogurt, but as there was already cheese in the dish, I decided to mix things up and use coconut milk instead to cut down on the richness. The coconut milk still resulted in a creamy gravy and it was just as delicious as dairy alternatives. It's such an easy dish to prepare and pan-frying paneer ahead of adding it to the dish is unnecessary in this instance. Just cube it and add it to the spicy gravy. As for the spice component, it on the lower side of the spectrum in terms of heat, but as always, most Indian dishes are forgiving, so adjust the spicing to suit your preference and add more onion to the paste if that is to your taste.

Paneer Kalimirch (Paneer Cheese with a Coconut Milk, Onion and Cashew Gravy with Black Pepper and Spices)

Recipe by Lisa Turner Cuisine: Indian Published on June 15, 2015 Tender pieces of paneer cheese simmered in a creamy and colorful coconut milk, onion and cashew gravy Print this recipe Onion-cashew paste: 1/2 cup raw unsalted cashews 1 medium onion, chopped 1 clove garlic, chopped 1-inch piece ginger, chopped 1 to 2 green chilies, seeded and chopped 1 to 2 tablespoons of water, or as needed Curry: 1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 1 to 2 teaspoons fresh cracked black pepper 1/2 teaspoon turmeric 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander 1/2 teaspoon amchoor (dried mango) powder (optional) 2/3 cup coconut milk 1 1/2 cups water, or more as needed 12 oz (350 g) paneer cheese, cut into cubes 2/3 cup green peas, fresh or frozen 1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste 1/2 teaspoon garam masala Instructions: Soak the cashews in hot water for 15 minutes, then drain. Combine the cashews, onion, garlic, ginger, chilies and a little of the water in a small food processor or blender. Process until you have a fairly smooth paste, adding a little more water as needed to help blend the ingredients. Set aside. Heat the oil over medium heat in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan. When hot, add the cumin seeds and fry until they begin to darken a few shades. Stir in the onion-cashew paste and cook, stirring frequently, for 5 to 7 minutes. Now add the black pepper, turmeric, ground coriander and amchoor powder if using and fry for another 30 seconds. Add the coconut milk and water and bring to a boil. Stir in the paneer, peas and salt. Simmer for another 8 to 10 minutes or until the sauce is thickened, stirring occasionally. Add more water for desired consistency. Remove from heat, stir in the garam masala, and let stand for 10 minutes or longer, covered, to allow the flavors to blend. Refrigerate leftovers for 2 to 3 days. Reheat at a low temperature with added water. Makes 4 to 6 servings

Other paneer dishes from Lisa's Kitchen you are sure to enjoy:
Kidney Beans in a Slowly Simmered Tomato Sauce with Shredded Paneer (Rajma)
Indian-Style Macaroni and Paneer Cheese with Spinach
Massaman Curry with Paneer Cheese
Saag Paneer (Palak Paneer)

I'm sharing this with Jacqueline's Meat Free Mondays. Each week Monday, Jac highlights some of the submissions from the week before.

On the top of the reading stack: Vegan Everyday: 500 Delicious Recipes

Audio: sweet silence for a change

►

Chickpeas in a Spicy Aromatic Gravy

Though I don't adhere to a vegan diet as I do so enjoy cheese, yogurt and eggs on occasion, most of my main meals are decidedly vegan. That's easy as I happen to enjoy Indian cooking and there is a plethora of dishes that are superb without any dairy. And it is not just Indian cuisine either that can be made without dairy. When a recipe calls for yogurt or cream, I think creamy coconut milk. Traditional potato and Caesar salads can be dressed up with an avocado-based alternative. Just to cite a few examples. But moving along to the recipe… and a short review;

Surely I have enough cookbooks to start a small bonfire. In addition to the books, I have tons of bookmarked recipes and printouts waiting to happen. So I don't really need any more cookbooks, but sometimes there are a few that catch my interest and all restraint is thrown into the wind.

My latest purchase was a copy of Vegan Richa's Indian Kitchen. I have been following Richa's blog for a good many years now, and there is a wealth of creative and innovative recipes to keep me going for weeks on end, but the idea of a hard copy with carefully selected favorites, complete with beautiful photos, all packed into a neat little volume, piqued my curiosity. And I was not disappointed. In fact, it is one of my newest favorite cookbooks. The beauty about Richa's offerings is that they are traditional, creative and geared also toward home cooks. The recipes are easy to follow with the unique twist that Richa adds to everything she shares. Between the covers are recipes for breakfast, small plates and snacks, vegetable curries, legumes, one-pot meals, mains, flat breads, spice blends, chutneys and even desserts.

The first one I tried was this aromatic chickpea dish. The original recipe calls for sorghum flour, and though I have enough different flours to fill a small freezer, this is one I didn't have on hand. I used whole wheat flour instead. At some point, I am sure I will pick up some sorghum, but in the meantime this dish is not only easy to make, but so flavorful that all you need is some rice to balance out the meal. Buttery soft chickpeas are dressed up with an array of spices and seeds that make your kitchen smell so heavenly you can hardly wait to sit down and enjoy the meal. Spicy yes, but not overpowering because of the aromatics, this one can be made soupy or drier, depending on your preference.

Chickpeas in a Spicy Aromatic Gravy

Recipe by Lisa Turner Adapted from Vegan Richa's Indian Kitchen: Traditional and Creative Recipes for the Home Cook Cuisine: Indian Published on May 28, 2015 Buttery soft chickpeas simmered in a rich coconut gravy seasoned with aromatic spices and seeds Print this recipe Curry: 1 cup dried chickpeas (3 cups cooked or 2 14 oz cans) 1 tablespoon coconut oil or other oil 1 teaspoon brown mustard seeds 1 medium red or yellow onion, diced 1-inch piece ginger, grated or minced 2 cloves garlic, crushed or minced 1 to 2 green chilies, seeded and finely chopped 2 1/2 to 3 cups water 1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste fresh chopped cilantro for garnish Spice blend: 1 tablespoon coriander seeds 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 1 teaspoon poppy seeds 1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds 4 black cardamon pods, lightly crushed small handful of dried curry leaves 4 dried whole red chilies, broken into bits 1 teaspoon garam masala 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon amchoor powder (optional) 2 tablespoons whole wheat flour 3 tablespoons dried grated unsweetened coconut Instructions: Rinse the chickpeas and soak in enough water to cover for 8 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse, then transfer to a medium saucepan and cover with fresh water. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until the chickpeas are buttery soft. Drain and set aside. To make the spice blend, heat a medium or large unoiled frying pan over medium-low heat. Add the coriander seeds, cumin seeds, poppy seeds, fennel seeds, cardamon pods and curry leaves. Roast, stirring often, until fragrant and the seeds darken a few shades, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the dried chilies, garam masala, cinnamon, paprika, amchoor powder if using, flour and coconut. Roast, stirring often, for another few minutes. Remove from heat and transfer to a small blender or spice grinder. Process until the mixture is turned into a coarse powder. Set aside. Heat the oil in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. When hot, add the mustard seeds and fry until they turn grey and begin to splutter and pop. Add the onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 to 6 minutes. Add the ginger and garlic to the pan and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Stir in the spice blend and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in 2 1/2 cups water, the cooked chickpeas and salt. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more water to achieve your desired consistency. Serve hot garnished with fresh chopped cilantro with fresh cooked white basmati rice and/or a savory Indian flatbread. Makes 4 to 6 servings

I'm sharing this with Jac's Meat Free Monday weekly event and also her monthly bookmarked recipes. Cooks know you can never have enough recipes, though of course, there is never enough time in an entire year to try them all.

More spicy chickpea dishes to enjoy:
Aloo Gobi with Chickpeas
Chickpeas in a Tomato and Tamarind Gravy with Spices
Spicy Sour Chickpea Masala
Spicy Chickpeas in a Tangy Tomato Glaze

On the top of the reading stack: Teff Love: Adventures in Vegan Ethiopian Cooking

Audio: Tim Hecker

►

Savory Fenugreek and Coriander Pancakes

I am passionate about savory Indian flat breads. They are a perfect accompaniment to curries and are easy to make too. They do require a bit of patience however because usually only one can be cooked in the skillet at a time. No matter. The effort is well worth it, and in this case the bread requires no kneading.

These pancakes feature fresh fenugreek leaves — also known as "methi" — an annual herb that I was lucky enough to get my hands on. It is commonly used in Indian cooking and that includes the seed and ground powder from the seed. Slightly sweet, with a hint of bitterness, it is well worth using the fresh herb, but if you can't find it — and this is sometimes a challenge — substitute about 3/4 cup dried fenugreek instead. Most Asian and Indian grocers carry the dried leaves, seeds and powder, and often the fresh leaves. These grocers will also carry chickpea flour and chapati (or "atta") flour, but for 1/2 cup of chapati flour you may substitute 1/3 cup sifted whole wheat flour and combine with enough pastry flour to make 1/2 cup.

Savory Fenugreek and Coriander Pancakes

Recipe by Lisa Turner Cuisine: Indian Published on May 20, 2015 Thin, soft Indian flat breads with a savory fenugreek and coriander flavor Print this recipe Masala paste: 4 to 6 green chilies (or fewer if preferred), seeded and chopped 1 clove garlic, crushed 1-inch fresh ginger, finely sliced 1/4 teaspoon sea salt Pancake batter: 1 cup brown rice flour 1/2 cup chapati (atta) flour* 1/3 cup chickpea (besan) flour 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 1/2 tablespoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon turmeric 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/4 teaspoon asafetida 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt, or to taste 2 teaspoons coconut sugar or brown sugar 2/3 cup whole fat yogurt 1 1/2 cups warm water, or as needed 1 2/3 cup fresh fenugreek leaves (methi), roughly chopped*   3 tablespoons ghee or sesame oil for frying, or as needed Instructions: *Substitutions: Substitute 1/2 cup chapati flour with 2 parts sifted whole wheat flour and 1 part pastry flour. Substitute fresh fenugreek leaves with 3/4 cup dried fenugreek leaves. For the paste, combine the chilies, garlic, ginger, salt and 1 teaspoon of water in a small blender to blend into a paste. Alternately, use a mortar and pestle. Whisk together the flours, cumin seeds, ground coriander, turmeric, paprika, asafetida, salt and sugar in a large bowl until well combined. Stir in the yogurt, 1 cup of the water to start with, and the fenugreek leaves. Stir well to combine, adding more water until the batter is pourable but fairly thick. Line a plate with a large piece of foil. Heat a few teaspoons of ghee or oil in a large heavy-bottomed frying pan over medium heat. When hot, ladle about 1/2 cup of the batter into the hot pan and spread out in a circular fashion with the back of the ladle into a thin 7- or 8-inch round. Cover and let cook for a minute. With a spatula, gently flip the pancake and cook for another few minutes, until the bread is golden brown. Transfer the pancake to the plate, fold the foil over to cover, and repeat the process until all of the pancakes are cooked. Enjoy warm or reheat them in a 175° oven. They are best when served the same day that they are made. Makes about 10 pancakes

Other savory Indian breads to enjoy from Lisa's Vegetarian Kitchen:
Besan Roti
Fenugreek Roti
Chickpea Flour Pancakes (Pudla) with Crushed Peas, Ginger, Chilies and Cilantro
Mixed Lentil and Rice Indian Pancakes

Audio Accompaniment: Ben Harper

►

Savory Chana Dal Fritters with Tomatoes and Spices

I don't typically deep-fry foods as I generally prefer baked versions of savory appetizers to keep the mess and grease down. But there are exceptions. Like these Indian spiced chana dal fritters for example. As it turns out, these light, crispy and spicy fritters weren't very oily at all, and I enjoyed them for lunch smothered with a homemade chutney. Crispy on the outside but delightfully moist and airy in the inside, these easy-to-make fritters are a treat indeed. And very addictive. They are best served warm and fresh out of the pan, but they do keep well covered in the fridge for a day or so. Simply heat them up covered with foil in the oven in a low temperature preheated oven and enjoy them again.

I served these with a fresh coconut chutney with tamarind and cilantro.

Savory Chana Dal Fritters with Tomatoes and Spices

Recipe by Lisa Turner Adapted from Lord Krishna's Cuisine: The Art of Indian Vegetarian Cooking Cuisine: Indian Published on May 4, 2015 A blend of chana dal, tomatoes and Indian spices turned into light, crispy golden-brown fritters — delicious served with a chutney for lunch or as an appetizer Print this recipe Ingredients: 2/3 cup chana dal, rinsed 1 1/2 tablespoons ghee or other oil 2 to 3 green chilies, seeded and minced 1-inch piece ginger, grated or minced 1/2 tablespoon coriander seeds 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds 1/2 teaspoon turmeric 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1/4 teaspoon cayenne 1/4 teaspoon asafetida 2 medium tomatoes, seeded and diced water as needed (about 1/4 cup to 1/3 cup) 2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon arrowroot powder 1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste peanut oil or other high-smoking point oil for frying Instructions: Soak the dal in enough water to cover for 5 to 6 hours. Drain, rinse again, and transfer to a food processor. Heat the ghee or oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. When hot, add the chilies, ginger, coriander seeds and fennel seeds, and fry for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the turmeric, cumin, cayenne, and asafetida, stir a few times, and then add the tomatoes. Simmer, stirring often, until the tomatoes are reduced to a fairly thick paste. Set aside to cool a bit. Add 4 tablespoons of water to the dal in the food processor and pulse for 3 to 4 minutes, stopping often to scrape down the sides as needed and also adding a bit more water as need. You want a smooth and airy batter. Add the tomato mixture, arrowroot and sea salt, and process for another 30 seconds. Scrape the batter into a bowl. Heat 2 1/2 inches of oil in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan or deep frying pan over medium heat. When the oil is hot, drop a small bit of the batter into the oil. When the oil is ready, the batter should rise immediately to the top. Carefully lower several portions of about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the batter into the hot oil, taking care not to crowd the pan. When the patties begin to rise to the surface, gently move them around to brown evenly. This should take about 3 to 4 minutes, until crisp and golden. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Repeat with the remaining fritters. They can be kept warm in a 225° oven until the fritters are finished. They can also be reheated for a few minutes under the broiler. Serve hot or warm with your favorite chutneys and sauces. Makes about 12 fritters or 4 servings

Sharing this with Jacqueline's monthly bookmarked recipe event, also with Srivalli of Cooking 4 All Seasons who is celebrating 8 years of blogging.

Other Indian savories to enjoy:
Chana Vada (Chana Dal Peanut Patties) with a Tamarind Chili Sauce
Potato Patties Stuffed with Spiced Green Peas (Aloo Matar Tikki)
Vegetarian Samosa Cakes with Tamarind Chutney
Samosa-Style Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Audio Accompaniment: chirping birds

►

Spiced Red Lentil, Barley and Vegetable Soup

There are times when you don't plan ahead for dinner and you have to make do with staples, unless you want to run out to the grocery store, but that is not always a viable or preferred option. This is one such soup that I put together one afternoon employing the use of odds and ends of produce and basics that I usually always have on hand. The addition of barley and coconut milk add a silky texture to this earthy soup packed full of plenty of root vegetables and robust tomatoes.

Feel free to use whatever vegetables on hand to include in the soup, such as bell peppers, parsnips, green beans, corn and potato, to name just a few. The soup is best with about 3 - 4 cups of vegetables.

Yes, the weather has turned cool again, but I do enjoy soup year round.

Spiced Red Lentil, Barley and Vegetable Soup

Recipe by Lisa Turner Cuisine: Indian Published on April 21, 2015 Hearty and nourishing soup of lentils, barley and vegetables simmered in a lightly spiced broth of tomatoes, coconut milk and Indian seasonings Print this recipe Ingredients: 4 to 6 sun-dried tomatoes 2 tablespoons coconut oil or other oil 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin seeds 1 teaspoon brown mustard seeds 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds (optional) 2 bay leaves or a small handful of crushed dried curry leaves 1/4 teaspoon asafetida 1 medium onion, diced 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated or minced 1 clove garlic, crushed or minced 3 to 4 green chilies, seeded and minced 3 to 4 cups assorted diced vegetables (I used 2 large carrots, 2 stalks of celery, 6 small Brussels sprouts and 2/3 cup frozen peas) 1 teaspoon turmeric 1 teaspoon ground coriander 2/3 teaspoon paprika 3 medium tomatoes, finely chopped 2 teaspoons tamarind paste 2/3 cup red lentils, rinsed 1/3 cup pearl barley, rinsed 2/3 cup coconut milk 5 to 6 cups water, or more as needed 1 teaspoon garam masala 1 to 2 teaspoons fresh or dried fenugreek (methi) leaves 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt, or to taste fresh cracked black pepper juice from 1 lemon (3 tablespoons) Instructions: Soak the sun-dried tomatoes in 1 1/2 cups of hot water for 30 minutes. Drain, reserving the soaking water, and chop. Set aside. Heat the oil over medium heat in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan or soup pot. When hot, toss in the cumin seeds, mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds if using, and bay leaves or curry leaves. When the mustard seeds turn grey and begin to splutter and pop, quickly stir in the asafetida and then add the onion and sauté for 5 minutes. Add the ginger, garlic and chilies and stir for another minute. Now add the chopped vegetables and stir for another 5 minutes. Toss in the turmeric, coriander and paprika, and stir for another minute. Now add the fresh tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes and tamarind paste to the pan and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until thickened, stirring often. Stir in the lentils and barley and pour in the reserved sun-dried tomato soaking water, coconut milk and 5 cups of water. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the lentils and barley are soft. Add up to 1 cup more water if needed. Stir in the garam masala, fenugreek leaves, sea salt, black pepper and lemon juice. Simmer for another few minutes and serve hot. Makes 6 servings

More lentil soups to enjoy from Lisa's Vegetarian Kitchen:
Turkish-Style Lentil Soup
Creamy Brown Lentil, Barley and Mushroom Soup
Lentil Soup with Prunes and Apricots
Greek Lentil Soup (Fakes)

►

Fresh Coconut Chutney with Tamarind and Cilantro

I virtually never purchase chutneys because they are so easy to make at home. The additional plus is that the cook in their own home kitchen can control the quality and portions of ingredients that go into the mix.

This particular fresh green chutney was made to accompany some fried Indian savories. Tamarind and coconut adds some natural sweetness with some earthy cilantro added to the mix with spices and chilies. This is a versatile chutney that goes well with anything that needs a bit of dressing up.

Fresh Coconut Chutney with Tamarind and Cilantro

Recipe by Lisa Turner Cuisine: Indian Published on April 4, 2015 Simple versatile fresh chutney with coconut, tamarind and fresh cilantro Print this recipe Ingredients: 2-inch piece tamarind pulp 4 tablespoons fresh cilantro (coriander), trimmed and chopped 2 tablespoons coconut sugar or brown sugar 2 to 3 green chilies, seeded and chopped 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste 1 cup unsweetened dried grated coconut 2 tablespoons ghee, coconut oil or sesame oil 1 teaspoon brown mustard seeds 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 1/4 teaspoon asafetida small handful of dried curry leaves, crumbled Instructions: Soak the tamarind in 1/2 cup of hot water for 20 to 30 minutes. Press the tamarind with your fingers to remove any excess seeds and tough fibers. Drain through a sieve, collecting as much of the pulp as possible. Combine the tamarind pulp, fresh cilantro, sugar, chilies and salt in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Add the coconut and process further until everything is well combined. Transfer to a bowl. Heat the ghee, coconut or sesame oil in a small saucepan or frying pan over medium heat. When hot, add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds and fry until the mustard seeds turn grey and begin to splutter and pop. Toss in the asafetida and curry leaves, stir a few times, and pour over the chutney. Stir and serve with your favorite Indian flat breads or savories. Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 2 to 3 days. Makes about 1 1/2 cups

Other chutneys to enjoy from my vegetarian kitchen:
South Indian Tomato Chutney
Green Mango Coconut Chutney
Easy Spicy Tomato Chutney
Cashew Chutney (Kaju Chatni)

►

Brussels Sprouts Kulambu (Brussels in a Spicy Tomato Sauce)

Brussels sprouts might not be native to India, or that commonly used there to this day, but their rather strong and earthy flavor is perfectly complemented by Indian spicing. I had some brussels on hand in the fridge that originally I was simply going to steam and slather with some butter and salt and pepper, but when I got to thinking about a side that would compliment some fried dal cakes, I couldn't resist dressing them up with some tomato, tamarind and spices. This dish is ideal served over rice, along with appetizers and a legume main.

Kulambus — or kuzhambus — are native to South India and Sri Lanka. Usually made with dals, this dish features vegetables as the starring ingredient in a tomato-based curry.

Brussels Sprouts Kulambu (Brussels in a Spicy Tomato Sauce)

Recipe by Lisa Turner Cuisine: South Indian Published on March 30, 2015 Brussel sprouts simmered in tangy and zesty tomato and tamarind curry sauce Print this recipe Ingredients: 2 tablespoons coconut, olive or sesame oil 1 teaspoon brown mustard seeds 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds 1 1/2 teaspoons split skinned ural dal, rinsed 1/4 teaspoon asafetida small handful of dried curry leaves, crumbled 1 large shallot, diced 3 medium tomatoes, seeded and diced 1/2 teaspoon turmeric 2 teaspoons sambar powder 1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste 1 teaspoon tamarind paste 3/4 to 1 cup water, as needed 2 cups brussels sprouts, halved or quartered Instructions: Heat the oil over medium heat in a large saucepan . When hot, add the mustard seeds, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, urad dal, asafetida and curry leaves, and fry, stirring occasionally, until the mustard seeds turn grey and begin to splutter and pop. Add the shallot, tomatoes, turmeric, sambar powder and salt, and simmer to thicken, stirring occasionally, for about 5 to 7 minutes. Add 3/4 cup water to the pot along with the tamarind, and simmer for another 5 minutes. Raise the heat slightly, bring to a boil, and stir in the brussels sprouts. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook until the brussels are tender — about 10 minutes. Add a bit more water if necessary, if the curry is too thick. Serve hot with fresh cooked white rice. Makes 4 servings

Other recipes featuring brussels sprouts:
Brussels Sprouts and Mushroom Gratin with a Dijon Mornay Sauce
Brussels Sprouts Lasagna
Brussels Sprouts Risotto

On the top of the reading stack: various cookbooks

Audio Accompaniment: Biosphere and Deathprod - Stator

►