Podi, also known as gunpowder or chutney powder, is an Indian spice mix made with dry spices, chillies, legumes (dal) and salt. There are endless variations which might also include sesame seeds, fenugreek seeds or tamarind, to name just a few. The coarsely ground powder can be sprinkled over rice, added to a dhal or…… Continue reading curry leaf powder
Tag: indian food
tomato kasundi
Kasundi is an Indian tomato relish that’s not only good with Indian food. Try it on a burger or with any grilled meat and you won’t be disappointed. In a medium pan, over low to medium heat, warm 3-4 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Add 2 tablespoons of ground cumin, 2 tablespoons of ground coriander, 1…… Continue reading tomato kasundi
wholemeal naan
Simple but delicious, this Indian wholemeal bread is an authentic and satisfying addition to any Indian meal. In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine 2 cups of wholemeal flour, 1½ teaspoons of dry active yeast, 1 teaspoon of sugar and salt to taste. Add 2 tablespoons of yoghurt or buttermilk and knead for…… Continue reading wholemeal naan
sour chick pea curry + vegetable korma
Indian vegetarian food is so complex and satisfying. This unusual sour chick pea curry is from a recipe by Madhur Jaffrey. Soak and cook 1½ cups of chick peas (garbanzo beans) in the usual manner or use 3 drained cans of chick peas. Finely chop 3 onions and remove 2 tablespoons of the onion into a…… Continue reading sour chick pea curry + vegetable korma
goat curry in a lentil sauce
The lentils in this curry break down to make a delicious gravy which complements the sweet goat meat. In a heavy saucepan place 1½ kilos (3lbs) of goat meat cut into pieces, ½ a cup of yellow split peas, ¼ of a cup of red lentils, a cinnamon stick, 3 whole star anise and 6 cloves. Add…… Continue reading goat curry in a lentil sauce
prawn, okra and tomato curry
A deliciously spicy and slightly sour curry. This curry was made with a hot Balti style curry paste. In a saucepan, melt some ghee and gently fry a diced onion, 2 finely diced cloves of garlic and a similar amount of finely diced fresh ginger. When the onions become translucent add 4 tablespoons of the…… Continue reading prawn, okra and tomato curry
vegetarian curries
Another curry feast, this time vegetarian. This hard-boiled egg curry is adapted from a Reuben Solomon recipe. First, hard-boil 6 eggs and run cold water over them. For the sauce, heat ghee or vegetable oil and gently fry 2 onions, 3 cloves of garlic and a knob of ginger, all finely diced. When soft and starting…… Continue reading vegetarian curries
curry
Here are a few simple curries which, when served with rice or fresh roti or paratha bread, make a feast! Given to me by a friend, this recipe for oven-baked chicken curry has many ingredients but is not as complicated as it seems. First, place 8-12 skinless chicken pieces of your choice into a baking…… Continue reading curry
biryani
This meal is great for crowds and can be prepared in advance. You will need cooked Basmati rice, cooked brown lentils (these taste good with the addition of fresh ginger and turmeric during cooking), hard-boiled eggs and one or two curries of your choice. In my latest version I used a Madras-style minced beef curry and…… Continue reading biryani
michelle picker cooks 