Spinach and coconut milk are partners made in heaven – the creaminess of coconut plays off the mild bitterness of spinach beautifully. With a bowl of plain rice on the side, spinach in spiced coconut milk makes for an immensely satisfying meal.
Curries
Vegetarian dishes to go with an Indian meal, cooked in a sauce/assortment of spices. Curries may be wet or dry, and are eaten along with rice or bread (chapatis, parathas, etc).
Aloo Gajar ki Sabzi: Potato Carrot Curry
When the crop gives you carrots, make aloo gajar ki sabzi. This filling vegetable curry of potatoes and carrots, with its hint of sweetness, pairs perfectly with Indian breads, raita and pickle on the side.
10 Curry Recipes without Tomatoes
Sometimes the universe sends you many little signals nudging you towards a certain action.
Last month I was swapping recipes with a colleague for quick lunchbox ideas when she asked: "Don’t you make anything at all without tomatoes?" I had been describing to her my red capsicum curry. Her remark made me pause and reflect. Yes, I am partial to tomatoes.
Chaulai Saag: Amaranth Leaves Stir Fry
Saag – an Indian dish of leafy greens, eaten along with rotis or rice. A variety of leaves can be used in saag: spinach and mustard greens are popular choices, while chaulai (amaranth leaves) is used often in Bihar. Chaulai saag is a simple, dry preparation with amaranth leaves and a hint of spices.
Gobhi Kasoori Methi with Cranberries
I like to balance bitter with a hint of sweet: some jaggery in methi chhole, sauteed pineapple on the side with curry leaf pulao. In this gobhi kasoori methi (cauliflower and dried fenugreek) recipe, I turn to dried cranberries for the balancing act. I love the result! Do you?
Cucumber Tomato Curry
The staple Indian salad ingredients – kheera tamatar (cucumber and tomatoes) – can take on a curry avatar too. As these veggies are edible raw, the curry need not be cooked too long either. Cucumber tomato curry is great on the side with chapatis and a sprinkling of Bikaneri bhujia on top.