Meatballs in Spicy Curry Gravy

500 g (1 lb) minced lamb or beef  1 onion, finely chopped  1 tablespoon ginger paste  4 green finger-length chillies, minced 2 tablespoons channa flour  1 teaspoon salt  3 tablespoons oil  1 teaspoon mustard seeds  1 onion, peeled and sliced  2 sprigs curry leaves  625 ml (2½ cups) thin coconut milk  125 ml (½ cup) thick coconut milk  ½ teaspoon salt  3 tablespoons lime juice  Spice Paste  3 tablespoons coriander seeds  2 teaspoons sesame seeds  5...

Mutton Soup

2 tablespoons oil  2 short cinnamon sticks  6 cardamom pods  6 cloves  1 teaspoon fennel seeds  1 onion, thinly sliced  2 sprigs curry leaves  500 g (1 lb) mutton ribs or 300 g (10 oz) lamb meat  2 teaspoons ginger paste  2 teaspoons garlic paste  2 green finger-length chillies, chopped  1 teaspoon turmeric powder  2 tablespoons meat curry powder  1½ litres (6 cups) water  1 potato, peeled and cubed  1 carrot, cubed  40 g (¾ cup) chopped coriander leaves  40...

Country-style Lamb Curry

2 teaspoons + 3 tablespoons oil  2 onions, chopped  1 large ripe tomato, diced  3 tablespoons coriander seeds  2 dried red chillies, soaked in water, drained  200 ml (¾ cup) water  1 teaspoon mustard seeds  1 teaspoon fennel seeds  2 onions, peeled and sliced  1 sprig curry leaves  2 ripe tomatoes, quartered  500 g (1 lb) boneless lamb or beef, cubed  500 ml (2 cups) thick coconut milk  250 ml (1 cup) water  25 g (½ cup) coriander leaves, chopped  1 teaspoon...

Mutton or Lamb Masala

4 tablespoons oil  2 short cinnamon sticks  6 cardamom pods  6 cloves  1 teaspoon fennel seeds  1 onion, peeled and sliced  2 ripe tomatoes, diced  1 tablespoon meat curry powder  2 teaspoons garam masala (see note)  1 tablespoon coriander powder  500 ml (2 cups) water  500 g (1 lb) mutton or lamb, cubed  1 teaspoon salt  Spice Paste  2 onions, sliced  3 em (1 in) ginger  2 cloves garlic  1 teaspoon black peppercorns  2 sprigs curry leaves,...

Chilli Pork Fry

2 tablespoons oil  1 teaspoon fennel seeds, slightly crushed  1 teaspoon cumin seeds  2 medium onions, diced  4 dried red chillies, cut into pieces  2 ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced  2 cloves garlic, minced  3 green finger-length chillies, sliced 2 teaspoons chilli powder  500 g (1 lb) pork, cubed  1 tablespoon vinegar  1 teaspoon salt  1 Heat the oil in a wok or skillet and stir-fry the fennel and cumin seeds until aromatic, then add the      onions and stir-fry...

Shredded Chicken Fry

3 green finger-length chillies, chopped  4 cloves garlic  2 cm (¾ in) fresh ginger 2 onions, diced  1 tablespoon vinegar or lime juice  2 chicken breasts, skinned and shredded  2 tablespoons oil  1 teaspoon cumin seeds  1 teaspoon fennel seeds  3 tablespoons cumin powder  1 teaspoon salt  1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper 1 Grind the green chillies, garlic, ginger, onions and vinegar to a paste in a blender. In a large bowl,        stir the paste into...

Andhra Chicken Curry

12 shallots, peeled  5 cm (2 in) fresh ginger  10 cloves garlic  1 teaspoon cumin seeds  1 teaspoon black peppercorns  2 dried red chillies, cut into lengths  150 g (½ cups) grated fresh coconut  1 chicken, skinned and washed, cut into serving pieces  5 tablespoons oil  1 cinnamon stick  5 cloves  8 cardamom pods  1 teaspoon cumin  1 onion, finely sliced  150 g (1 cup) diced fresh or canned tomatoes  1 teaspoon turmeric powder  250 ml (1 cup) water  ½...

Fiery Chicken Vindaloo

2 tablespoons ghee or butter  1 medium onion  50 g (1 cup) finely chopped fresh coriander leaves  1 chicken, skinned and cut into serving pieces  1 teaspoon salt  2 large or 3 medium potatoes, boiled until cooked, then peeled and quartered  Masala Paste  1 tablespoon cumin seeds  8 to 12 dried red chillies, soaked until soft and cut into lengths  1 cm (½ in) fresh turmeric root, peeled  5 cardamom pods  10 cloves garlic 3 tablespoons white vinegar  1 To make the...

Coriander Chicken

1 chicken, skinned and cut into serving pieces  1 teaspoon chilli powder  1 teaspoon salt  250 ml (1 cup) plain yoghurt  2 tablespoons oil  3 large onions, finely chopped  2 tablespoons fresh ginger paste  2 tablespoons garlic paste  5 green finger-length chillies (more if desired), finely chopped  2 tablespoons coriander powder  1 teaspoon cumin powder  200 g (4 cups) finely chopped fresh coriander leaves  100 g (2½ cups) fresh mint leaves, washed and chopped fine  1...

Prawn Fritters

60 g (½ cup) rice flour  75 g (½ cup) plain flour  90 g (½ cup) semolina flour  50 g (½ cup) channa flour  1 teaspoon baking powder  1½ teaspoons salt  1 teaspoon fennel seeds, coarsely ground  ½ teaspoon turmeric powder  ½ teaspoon ground cumin  1 teaspoon chilli powder  2 eggs, beaten  175 ml (½ cup) water  1 large onion, finely chopped  2 teaspoons grated ginger  3 green finger-length chillies, finely chopped  2 sprigs curry leaves, finely chopped  1...

Fish Sothi Curry

2 tablespoons oil  1 teaspoon fenugreek  ½ teaspoon mustard seeds  ½ teaspoon cumin seeds  1 onion, peeled and sliced  2 red finger-length chillies, cut lengthwise  1 sprig curry leaves  ½ teaspoon turmeric powder  1 teaspoon cumin powder  ½ teaspoon ground white pepper  1 teaspoon salt  1 ripe tomato, quartered  750 ml (3 cups) thin coconut milk  500 g (1 lb) fish steaks, sliced thickly  250 ml (1 cup) thick coconut milk  1 Heat the oil in a wok over...

Salt Fish Mango Curry

300 g (10 oz) dried salted fish  250 g (1½ cups) peeled and cubed unripe green mango, from 4 small mangoes  1½ teaspoons chilli powder  2 tablespoons coriander powder  1 teaspoon turmeric powder  1 teaspoon cumin powder  2 onions, peeled and sliced  2 teaspoons minced ginger  1 tablespoon minced garlic  6 green finger-length chillies, halved lengthwise  2 sprigs curry leaves  500 ml (2 cups) water 250 g (2½ cups) grated fresh coconut, coarsely ground  2 tablespoons oil  1...

Masala Grilled Fish

4 cloves garlic  4 shallots, peeled  1 cm (½ in) ginger  1 tablespoon fresh coriander leaves, finely chopped  1 teaspoon garam masala  1½ teaspoon chilli powder  ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder  1 teaspoon salt  2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice  500 g (1 lb) whole fish, cleaned, deep cuts made in flesh on both sides  1 tablespoon ghee (or oil)  1 Grind the garlic, shallots, ginger and coriander leaves to a paste in a mortar or blender. Mix the        ...

Tanjore Fried Fish

2 onions  500 g (1 lb) fish slices  4 cloves garlic, pounded  1 sprig curry leaves, finely shredded  1 teaspoon fennel, coarsely pounded  1 tablespoon semolina  1½ tablespoons chilli powder  1 teaspoon turmeric powder  1 teaspoon cumin powder  1 teaspoon fennel powder  1 teaspoons salt  2 tablespoons tamarind juice or lime juice  3 tablespoons water  Oil for frying  1 Blend the onions in a food processor until fine. Place the onion together with the fish and...

Tamarind Crab Soup

500 g (1 lb) crabs, cleaned, quartered and slightly smashed  2 ripe tomatoes, blended (to yield ½ cup)  1 teaspoon tomato puree  5 cloves garlic, pounded  150 g (½ cup) tamarind pulp mixed with 500 ml (2 cups) water, mashed and strained to obtain juice  1 litre (4 cups) water  1 teaspoon turmeric powder  1½ teaspoons black peppercorns, crushed  1 teaspoon cumin powder  25 g (½ cup) chopped coriander leaves  1½ teaspoons salt  Spice Mix  2 tablespoons oil  1 teaspoon...

Swordfish Curry

4 tablespoons oil  8 cloves  8 cardamom pods  2 short cinnamon sticks  2 onions, peeled and sliced  2 sprigs curry leaves  2 cloves garlic  2 cm (¾ in) ginger, pounded to a paste  ½ teaspoon turmeric powder  1½ tablespoons chilli powder  1½ tablespoons coriander powder  1 teaspoon cumin powder  4 tablespoons grated fresh coconut ground into a fine paste with 100 ml (1/3 cup) water  500 ml (2 cups) thick coconut milk or water  125 g (½ cup) diced tomatoes or canned...

Kerala Fish Curry

2 tablespoons oil½ teaspoon mustard seeds½ teaspoon fenugreek100 g (1 cup) peeled and sliced shallots3 cm (1 in) fresh ginger, sliced2 green finger-length chillies, cut in half lengthwise2 sprigs curry leaves2 tablespoons coriander powder1 teaspoon turmeric powder1 teaspoon cumin powder1½ tablespoons chilli powder100 g (1/3 cup) tamarind pulp mixed with 375 ml (1½ cups) water, stirred and strained 200 g (7 oz)         ladies' fingers (okra), cut into lengths2 ripe tomatoes, quartered500 g (1 lb) fish steaks, sliced...

Curried Crabs

3 tablespoons oil  1 teaspoon urad dal  1 teaspoon fennel seeds  1 teaspoon cumin seeds  1 onion, peeled and sliced  1 sprig curry leaves  2 tablespoons seafood curry powder  1 teaspoon turmeric powder  2 teaspoons ground almonds  1 teaspoon salt  1 red finger-length chilli, cut lengthwise  125 g (½ cup) sliced tomatoes or canned peeled tomatoes  1 teaspoon tomato puree or ketchup  375 ml (1½ cups) thin coconut milk, fresh milk or diluted evaporated milk  125 ml...

Prawn Curry

750 g (1½ lbs) large prawns, shelled, cleaned and deveined  1 tablespoon chilli powder  2 tablespoons fish curry powder  ½ teaspoon turmeric powder  3 cm (1 in) fresh ginger, peeled and cut into strips  2 cloves garlic, pounded  3 tablespoons oil  ½ teaspoon mustard seeds  1 teaspoon cumin seeds  1 onion, thinly sliced  2 sprigs curry leaves  250 ml (1 cup) thick coconut milk  2 small cucumbers, deseeded and cubed  2 green finger-length chillies, cut into lengths  1...

Spinach with Dal and Dried Prawn Curry

200 g (1 cup) tur dal, washed and drained1 teaspoon turmeric powder5 cloves garlic, peeled2 green finger-length chillies1 teaspoon ghee or butter1 litre (4 cups) water2 tablespoons oil1 teaspoon mustard seeds1 teaspoon fennel seeds2 dried red chillies, cut into pieces3 tablespoons dried prawns, soaked for 5 minutes, drained and pounded1 onion, peeled and sliced500 g (1 lb) washed and finely chopped spinach100 g (1/3 cup) tamarind pulp mixed with 250 ml (1 cup) water, stirred and strained to obtain juice1 teaspoon salt 1. In...

Potato and Baby Whitebait Masala

3 tablespoons oil  1 teaspoon urad dal  1 teaspoon fennel seeds  1 onion, peeled and sliced  2 sprigs curry leaves  3 large or 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed  50 g (½ cup) small whitebait (ikan bilis), rinsed and drained  1 teaspoon turmeric powder  1 teaspoon cumin powder  1½ tablespoons chilli powder  300 ml (1¼ cups) water  2 eggs, lightly beaten with ½ teaspoon salt  1. Heat the oil in a wok over medium heat and stir-fry the urad dal and fennel until aromatic.  2....

Vegetables in Spicy Coconut Milk

2 tablespoons oil  1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds  ½ teaspoon cumin seeds  2 slices ginger  2 red finger-length chillies, halved lengthwise  750 ml (3 cups) thin coconut milk  ½ teaspoon turmeric powder  ½ teaspoon cumin powder  1½ teaspoons salt  150 g (5 oz) small prawns (optional)  125 ml (½ cup) thick coconut milk  500 g (1 lb) mustard leaves or spinach, washed and sliced  1 Heat the oil in a wok over medium heat and fry the fenugreek and cumin seeds until aromatic....

Banana Stem Curry

125 g (5/8 cup) mung dal  1 litre (4 cups) water  1 teaspoon turmeric powder  4 cloves garlic  750 g (1½ lbs) chopped banana stem, bottle gourd or bitter gourd  1 tablespoon vegetable curry powder  75 g (¼ cup) tamarind pulp mixed with 200 ml cup) water, mashed and strained to obtain juice  1 teaspoon salt  Spice Mix  2 tablespoons ghee or butter  ½ teaspoon mustard seeds  ½ teaspoon urad dal  ½ teaspoon fennel seeds  ½ teaspoon cumin seeds  1 onion, sliced  2...

Vegetarian Dal Curry

300 g (1½ cups) tur dal, soaked for 3 hours3 tablespoons channa dal, soaked for 3 hours2 green finger-length chillies, cut into lengths½ teaspoon turmeric powder½ teaspoon asafoetida½ teaspoon salt100 g (1 cup) finely grated carrot10 dried red chillies, soaked¾ teaspoon fenugreek75 g (¼ cup) tamarind pulp mixed with 1 litre (4 cups) water, mashed and strained to obtain juice2 tablespoons oil1 teaspoon cumin seeds½ teaspoon mustard seeds2 sprigs curry leaves  1 Drain both the tur and channa dals and grind them to a paste...

Spicy Rasam Carrot Soup

100 g (½ cup) tur dal  1½ litres (6 cups) water  ½ teaspoon turmeric powder  200 g (2 cups) grated carrot  150 g (¾ cup) chopped tomato or canned whole tomatoes  1½ teaspoons salt  2 tablespoons oil  1 teaspoon mustard seeds  ½ teaspoon cumin seeds  2 dried red chillies, cut into pieces  2 sprigs curry leaves  ¼ teaspoon asafoetida powder  125 ml ½ cup) fresh lime juice  250 ml (1 cup) water  25 g (½ cup) coriander leaves, chopped  Rasam Powder  3...

Fragrant Eggplant Curry

4 teaspoons sambar powder (see note)1 teaspoon salt500 g (1 lb) long purple eggplants5 tablespoons oil1 teaspoon mustard seeds1 teaspoon cumin seeds1 onion, sliced2 sprigs curry leaves2 tomatoes, chopped75 g (¼ cup) tamarind pulp mixed with 500 ml (2 cups) water, mashed and strained to obtain juice½ teaspoon salt175 g (1¾ Cups) grated fresh coconut ground to a smooth paste with 125 ml ½ cup) water  1 Make 3-4 deep slits in the sides of each eggplant. Mix 2 teaspoons of the sambar powder with the        salt...

Sambar (Vegetable Stew)

200 g (1 cup) tur dal, washed and drained1 small onion, sliced1 small can (180 g/6 oz) stewed tomatoes2 sprigs curry leaves½ teaspoon turmeric powder1 litre (4 cups) water1 teaspoon salt750 g (8 cups) mixed diced vegetables (such as carrot, potatoes, eggplant, cauliflower and pumpkin) ½ teaspoon chilli powder100 g (1 cup) grated fresh coconut, ground to a smooth paste in a blender with 100 ml (1/3 cup) water ½ teaspoon sugar25 g (½ cup) coriander leaves, chopped75 g (¼ cup) tamarind pulp mixed with 250 ml (1 cup) water, mashed and strained...

Spicy Tomato Soup

500 g (1 lb) ripe tomatoes, blanched, skins removed or 1 can whole tomatoes  1¼ litres (5 cups) water  ½ teaspoon turmeric powder  1 teaspoon ground cumin  ½ teaspoon chilli powder  3 cloves garlic, ground to a paste  2 cm (1 in) ginger, ground to a paste  1½ teaspoons salt  2 tablespoons oil  2 small cinnamon sticks  5 cardamom pods  5 cloves  1 teaspoon fennel  1 onion, thinly sliced  2 sprigs curry leaves  40 g (¾ cup) chopped coriander leaves  1 spring...

Stir-fried Ladies Fingers

2 tablespoons oil  ½ teaspoon mustard seeds  ½ teaspoon cumin seeds  1 onion, sliced  2 sprigs curry leaves  300 g (10 oz) ladies fingers (okra)  ½ teaspoon turmeric powder  1½ teaspoon cumin powder  1 teaspoon chilli powder  ¼ teaspoon water  1 teaspoon salt  1 Cut the ladies fingers into sections.  2 Heal the oil in a wok and stir-fry the mustard seeds and cumin seeds until aromatic. Add the onion      and curry leaves and fry until the onion turns...

Garlic Curry

3 tablespoons oil  2 tablespoons coriander seeds  8 dried red chillies  2 tablespoons channa dal  ½ teaspoon asafoetida  ½ teaspoon black peppercorns  160 g (1 2/3 cups) fresh grated coconut  1 teaspoon mustard seeds  ½ teaspoon fenugreek  2 sprigs curry leaves  250 g (9 oz) whole garlic cloves, peeled  ½ teaspoon turmeric powder  75 g (¼ cup) tamarind pulp mixed with 500 ml (2 cups) water, mashed and strained  1 teaspoon salt  1 Heal 1 tablespoon of the oil...

Chapati (Whole Wheat Flat Bread)

250 g (2 cups) fine wholemeal (atta) flour  ½ teaspoon salt  1 teaspoon ghee or butter  150 ml (2/3 cup) water  Extra flour for dusting  Atta flour is a form of whole wheat flour. It is made from durum wheat that is ground very fine, with some of the bran included. Breads made from atta flour include chapati and roti.  1 Sift the flour, salt and ghee into a mixing bowl. Make a well in the centre and add the water.  2 Mix by hand to form a soft dough, then knead It for 10 minutes on a lightlyfloured...

Potato Puri

2 medium potatoes (300 g/10 oz)  200 g (1 1/3 cups) flour  5 tablespoons plain yoghurt  1 teaspoon salt  6 tablespoons water  Oil for deep-frying  1 Place the potatoes in a pan, cover with water, and bring to a boil, then simmer until cooked, about        10 to 15 minutes. When the potatoes are done, peel and mash until free of lumps. Set aside.  2 Sift the flour into a bowl and add the yoghurt, salt and mashed potatoes.  3 Mix by band to form a soft dough, adding...

Fragrant Mint Rice

150 g (3½ cups) mint leaves  2 green finger-length chillies  3 cloves garlic  2 cm (¾ in) ginger  750 ml (3 cups) water  1 tablespoon ghee or oil  1 teaspoon cumin seeds  400 g (2 cups) uncooked basmati rice, washed, soaked for 20 minutes and drained  1½ teaspoons salt  1 Place the mint leaves, green chillies, garlic, ginger and 250 ml (1 cup) of the water in a blender and    blend until fine. Set aside.  2 Heat the ghee or oil in a wok and fry the cumin seeds until...

Plain Basmati Rice

750 ml (3 cups) water  Pinch of salt  1 teaspoon ghee or oil  400 g (2 cups) uncooked basmati rice, washed, soaked for 20 minutes and drained Place the water, salt and ghee or oil in a pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Add the drained rice, reduce the heat and cook, covered, for 10 minutes, or until done. Turn off the heat and let the rice stand, covered, for 10 minutes before gently stirring it with a fork to separate the grains. Alternatively, place all the ingredients in a rice cooker and cook according...

Coriander Coconut Chutney

100 g (2 cups) fresh coriander leaves, chopped  500 g (5 cups) grated fresh coconut  4 green finger-length chillies, sliced into lengths  4 tablespoons lime juice  3 slices ginger  1 teaspoon salt  125 ml (½ cup) water Place all the ingredients in a food processor or blender and process until smooth.  Serve with thosai, idli or any savoury snacks.  Serves 6  Preparation time: 20 mins  Cooking time: nil ...

Spicy Mango Coconut Chutney

200 g (1¼ cups) peeled and diced unripe mango  250 g (2½ cups) grated fresh coconut  4 green finger-length chillies, cut into lengths  ½ teaspoon salt  1½ tablespoons oil  ½ teaspoon urad dal  ½ teaspoon mustard seeds  1 sprig curry leaves  1¼ teaspoon asafoetida  1 Coarsely grind the diced mango, coconut, green chillies and salt in a blender and set aside.  2 In a small saucepan, heat the oil and fry the urad dal over low heat until golden brown. Add the      ...

Sweet Tomato Date Chutney

2 tablespoons oil  ½ teaspoon urad dal  ½ teaspoon mustard seeds  ½ teaspoon cumin seeds  ½ teaspoon fennel seeds  1 bay leaf  75 g (¼ cup) tamarind pulp mixed with 50 ml (¼ cup) water, mashed and strained  500 g (2¾ cups) diced fresh tomatoes, or canned whole tomatoes  200 g (1 cup) sugar  1 red finger-length chilli, finely sliced  125 g (1 cup) pitted dates, quartered  ¾ teaspoon salt 1 Heat the oil in a wok or skillet over low heat and stir-fry the dal and spices and...

Carrot Cake Pudding

This is a quick and easy dessert to satisfy your sweet cravings. The sweet carrot, banana, and creamy coconut cream are a sweet combination. Yields: Makes 1 Serving  Ingredients:  2 cups Baby carrots  1 large Banana  ¼ cup Coconut cream  1 tbsp. Almond butter  2 tsps. Cinnamon  1 tbsp. Almond butter  1 tsp. Nutmeg  1 tsp. Allspice  ¼ tsp. Salt  Method of Preparation:  1. In a pot with boiling water. Cook the carrots until they are soft. (Around 30-50 minutes) and...

Carrot Cake Ice Cream with Cream Cheese Swirl

This is the Dessert for a hot summer day. The ice cream with cream cheese has this tangy taste and a sweet creamy taste. Yields: Makes 10 Servings Ingredients:  2 cups Grated carrot  ¾ cup Water  ½ cup Orange juice  2 tsps. Vanilla extract  pinch of Salt  ½ - cup of Sugar, depending on the sweetness of the carrots  2 tsps. Cinnamon  1 tsp. Five spice  1 cup of Heavy cream  1 cup of Half and half  3 egg Yolks  2 tsps. Cornstarch  ½ cup Walnut pieces  1 pack 8oz....

Carrot Cheesecake

This is a different take on your classic cheesecake with the sweetness of the carrots and the tanginess of the cream cheese. Gives this burst of flavor the moment you put it in your mouth. Yields: Makes 8 Servings  Ingredients:  ½ cup Graham cracker crumbs  3 tbsps. Unsalted butter, melted  1 ½ tbsps. Sugar  2 tbsps. Finely grated carrots  1 8oz. Cream cheese, softened  ½ cup Sugar  1 Egg  ¼ tsp. Grated ginger  ½ tsp. Vanilla extract  ½ cup Shredded carrots  Method...

Banana Carrot Cake with Coconut Cream and Cream Cheese Frosting

The Ripe banana gives this wonderful sweet taste with the carrots. The Coconut cream also gives a very deep creaminess to the cake and the cream cheese frosting gives this slight tanginess to the cake as a whole. Yields: Makes 8 to 12 Servings Ingredients:  2 1/3 cups All-purpose flour  1 cup Sweetened flaked coconut  1 cup Macadamia nuts  ¾ cup Chopped crystallized ginger  1 tbsp. Ground cinnamon  ½ tsp. Ground nutmeg  2 ½ tsps. Baking powder  1 tsp. Salt  ½ tsp. Baking soda  2...