October blew in today, assertively announcing Summer's final surrender. Time to pull out wooly socks and turtlenecks; masalas and crock pots. Time for spicy stews and dals to stave off Autumn's imminent chill.
Having gained some confidence in cooking Indian fare I decided to combine a few of my favourite dishes to make this hearty and flavourful fusion. Here I have blended a chunky Aloo Jeera (potatoes and cumin) with a highly nutricious Mung Dal to achieve a spicy comfort food the consistency of thick stew. Served with homemade rotis and sliced cucumbers, this delicious blend of north and south Indian flavours is bound to warm the chilliest of bones.
In a three quart pressure cooker add one cup of dried mung dal, 5 cups of water, 1/2 tsp of salt, a dash of oil, and 1 tbsp of ginger garlic paste. Set to cook approximately 15 minutes or until the dal is soft to the bite.
In a small pot, peel and dice two medium sized russet potatoes. Set to boil in lightly salted water until medium firm. Don't let the potatoes become mushy or lose their form. Set aside and reserve the cooking water.
Meanwhile, in a fry pan add the following to three tablespoons of cooking oil and set to medium high heat:
1 tbsp of whole jeera (cumin)
1 tbsp of black mustard seed
4 green chilies chopped
4 cloves of garlic finely chopped
1 thumb of ginger root finely sliced
5-10 chopped curry leaves
1 pinch of hing (asafoetida)
Stir until the mustard seeds begin popping and garlic is lightly brown but don't allow the garlic to burn.
Add a tablespoon of haldi (tumeric), 1 cup of frozen green peas and three diced tomatoes. Stir well and allow the flavours to blend over medium heat for about 3 minutes. Add the potatoes, water and all and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes, while adding 1 tsp of jaggery (or brown sugar), and the juice of one lime. Add the mung dal in water and stir. Add salt to taste and simmer on low until ready to serve. Add fresh cut coriander leaf for garnish if desired.
Serve hot with fresh rotis
http://hautedomestic.blogspot.ca/2011/03/spelt-rotis-chapatis.html
