Thursday, April 30, 2009

Chana Masala

A recipe that I feel I have perfected (if I do say so myself) after many years of trial and error. Alter at the risk of your own dissatisfaction. Using whole cumin and coriander seed and grinding fresh adds that much more deliciousness (you could always triple the batch, toast it and grind it and keep it in the freezer for next time). 1/3 c. Canola Oil
1 T. Mustard Seed
pinch Asofetida (optional if available)
1 large yellow onion, diced
2 serrano chilis
2-inch piece of Ginger, julienned
1 1/2 tsp. Turmeric
2 tsp. ground Coriander (fresh whole seed lightly toasted & ground in coffee grinder)
1 1/2 T. ground Cumin (fresh whole seed lightly toasted & ground in coffee grinder)
2 T. flour (All-purpose flour)
4 red potatoes (boiled to soft) large dice
1 c. chickpeas (measured dry before cooking) or two cans drained and rinsed
28 oz. can of diced tomatoes
1 c. Water (bring to a simmer before adding!)
1 T. Garam Masala
1/2 bunch chopped Cilantro

- Bring the oil to high heat, add mustard seeds and heat until they start to pop.
- Add the asofetida, 10-seconds later add the onion, cook 5-7 minutes until soft.
- Add the ginger and serrano peppers, saute 3 minutes
- Add the turmeric cook 20-seconds
- Add the cumin, coriander, salt, cook 20-seconds
- Add the flour, stir well.
- Add the potatoes, stir to coat. Add the chickpeas, stir to incorporate, add the can of tomatoes, stir to incorporate.
- Add the water and bring the mixture to a boil then lower to a simmer.
- Simmer for about 10-minutes.
- Add the garam masala and cilantro, stir to incorporate, simmer another 10-minutes.
- Salt to taste if needed.
- Garnish with left over cilantro and raw onion.

tsp. = teaspoon
T. = Tablespoon
c. = cup

Monday, April 20, 2009

Best Easy Breakfast Apple Crisp!

We recently joined a local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) group and have been getting a lot of apples in our bi-weekly boxes. While I'm not a huge apple eater, I absolutely LOVE apple crisp!
So, I've been repeatedly making this great apple crisp recipe Sunday night after I get home from work, so that we have a delicious apple crisp for breakfast for the next few days. (Depending upon how much I eat when it's fresh out of the oven!)

Apple Crisp (sugar-free and wheat-free)!!

Combine:
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup rice flour
1/4 cup canola oil
4 T rice syrup
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 cup chopped nuts

Combine in a separate bowl:
5 apples, peeled, cored and chopped
2/3 cup apple juice
splash of lemon juice
1/8 cup currants or raisins
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
2 T arrowroot

Spread the apple mixture in the bottom of a baking pan. Crumble the oat mixture over the top. Bake at 350 for 30-40 minutes. Enjoy!
When reheating, don't cover the pan, otherwise the crispy top gets soggy:(