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Saturday, January 23, 2010

Conscious Curry


It seems like winter is the season to be curry, or to be making curry that is. With more of a renewed effort to purchase smarter, following the viewing of Food Inc., we have eaten considerably more protein filled vegetables and less meat. I can not say I could go fully vegetarian, and vegan is out of the question because of eggs, but we are striving to procure a better environment for our children and grandchildren. The more conscientious eaters there are, the more meat and vegetable monopolies will hopefully collapse. The drastic increase in disease and health problems like diabetes are doubtless caused by the pitiful shape of our eating consciousness. I do not mean to throw everyone under the bus, but there is a reason why there are 12,804 Mcdonalds in the U.S. and 25,663 worldwide all offering cheap food vastly devoid of nutrients. An eating environment submerged in capitalism disregards quality products which are finally emerging as the smart choice, despite the higher price tag. Thinking twice about paying a dollar and a half for the eggs produced by a caged chicken fed who knows what, instead grabbing the cage free vegetarian fed variety for about twice the price will create easier and cheaper availability down the road.

Enough concerning smart consumption and on to the preperation of our hearty green chickpea curry. The idea of a warming mix of vegetables, spices, rice, and naan bread makes me more and more satisfied. I'm all about versatility, and curry is the best way I have found to feel more nourished by solely a rainbow of vegetables and starches. Dried chickpeas are such a rich pantry-stocker and play a significant role in this dish. But, thinking outside the box, I implemented a few dark horse choices including fresh tomatillos and serrano peppers while sticking with several familiar faces. I hope you enjoy the warmth of the chiles, the tanginess of the tomatillos, the richness of the coconut milk, and the complexity of the spices.

And did I mention it does wonders for relaxing a winter cold?


Green Chickpea Curry
2 tomatillos
2 tomatoes
1 Spanish onion finely diced
3 cloves garlic finely diced
1-1/2 C. chickpeas soaked overnight
1 (14 oz) can coconut milk
1 small bunch cilantro
1 jalapeno; deseeded and finally chopped
2 serrano peppers (sliced thinly)
1 T. turmeric powder
4 T. green curry powder (such as phuket)
Oil for Sauteing

 Remove chickpeas from soaking bowl and cook in a pot of simmering salted water for approximately fifteen minutes or until just beginning to soften, then drain in cold water. Prick tomatoes and tomatillos once with a knife then blanch in a pot of boiling water until skins become loose. Meanwhile saute onion, garlic, serrano, and jalapeno in large heavy skillet in oil for approximately two minutes. Carefully remove tomatoes and tomatillos from pot and remove skins and remove tough core trying to loose as little juice as possible. Place in pan and smash with tomato masher until sauce begins to form. Add chickpeas and stir together. Add curry powder, turmeric and coconut milk in increments, tasting and adding any salt if necessary. Simmer over low heat for approximately eight minutes or until curry is desired consistency. Enjoy served over white rice.


Naan  Bread
1/2 Package Yeast
1/2 cup warm water
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 tablespoon and 1-1/2 teaspoons milk
1/2 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon salt
2-1/4 cups bread flour
1 teaspoon minced garlic
2 tablespoons butter, melted
Salt to taste

1. Combine water, sugar, yeast and proof until foamy. (about 10 minutes)
2. Add egg, milk, salt, and gradually add flour until a soft dough forms. Knead dough 6-8 minutes on floured surface.
3. Place dough in bowl. Allow to rise until doubled in size. (about an hour)
4. Punch dough down. Knead in garlic. Pinch off golf ball sized ball of dough and roll into smooth balls. Place on sheet. Cover and let rise until doubled (about 30 minutes).Meanwhile, begin preparing pan as needed.
5. Heat grill or cast iron skillet to high heat. Once pan is heated, lower heat to medium high, paying careful attention to the temperature. Once dough is ready, flatten as thinly as possible and place on grill pan/skillet. Cook 1-2 minutes and flip to other side. Cook for another 1-2 minutes & remove from pan. Carefully monitor bread and pan heat!
6. While still warm, brush with melted butter and sprinkle with sea salt.

12 comments:

Devon said...

You made your own naan? That is very cool. I totally agree with mindful meat eating. I have gone vegan for the month of January in order to reset my thinking and prepare me for a life of less, more expensive, but much better meat.

mely said...

Thanks for visiting my blog.

I like this recipe, well it has some serrano and jalapenos and that part pared with curry I do like.

It is nice to know more people are being mindful of the quality of the food they put in the bodies. Congratulations!

I changed some of the things we eat after reading books like: In defense of food by Michael Pollan, Real Food by Nina Planck and What to eat by Marion Nestle. I think you would like to check them out from your local library and enjoy them.

PS. My mouth is watering with the picture of the curry and naan.

Divina Pe said...

I haven't seen Food Inc. It's a good awakening for all of us. Should watch that soon. Your additional ingredients gave the dish a unique flavor. I love curry in cooler months of the year. Very comforting dish.

Rambling Tart said...

I'm so excited to try out your naan recipe! :-) I love it but have never made it from scratch. It looks chewy and delicious. :-)

Fresh Local and Best said...

This looks like a flavorful and filling meal! I'll have to try to make naan one of these days.

Angela said...

I loved that movie! Just saw it last week. Have you read Michael Pollan's "Omnivore's Dilemma"? It covers much of the same material and is beautifully written. It's refreshing to see this information getting out into the mainstream. As the movie says, we can vote on the matter, "three times a day." Your chickpea recipe looks so tasty and comforting and your naan looks delicious; thanks for posting!

Chef Aimee said...

I give you lots of credit for making naan! Wow! I tried to make roti once and failed miserably! This curry looks delicious. As for the "Omnivore's Dilemma" discussion - I agree its a must read!

Cocina Savant said...

Thanks for the responses concerning the curry and naan bread. Aimee, Angela, Mely- I am going to go to the library for "Omnivore's Dilemna" sometime this week. I had heard about it but had never gotten around to picking it up. Mely- I will have to pick up "What to Eat" and "Real Food" after I get done with "Omnivore's Dilemna." Divina- you will be astounded and educated by Food Inc.- it is a must see.

Tracy (Amuse-bouche for Two) said...

Lovely thoughts and writing. While we're not curry eaters...your dish looks quite appetizing. Chickpeas are amazing. Oh, another great book to consume if you haven't already..."Animal, Vegetable, Miracle" by Barbara Kingsolver.

Cocina Savant said...

Thanks for another suggestion on a good read Tracy. I will check that one out as well.

Mardi Michels said...

A great meal and wow - you made your own naan?

Annie said...

I too am impressed with the naan, I will have to tackle that recipe soon!

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