| Makes 2 servings in 45 minutes | | | | your time than expected for such a simple yet |
| VEGETABLES / Asian (India) / Side Dish / Stove / No | | | | delicious dish. |
| marinating | | | | INGREDIENTS |
| Much of the Indian population is vegetarian, and they | | | | * 1 can of chick peas (15 1/2 Oz; 439 gr) |
| enjoy the most extensive vegetable dishes in the | | | | * 1 medium onion, finely chopped |
| world. | | | | * 1 teaspoon ginger, finely chopped |
| This is not only because of the predominant Hindu | | | | * 1 clove garlic, finely chopped |
| religion with its respect for all living creatures. | | | | * 1 green chilly, finely chopped |
| Also feeding 1 billion Indian people nowadays can be | | | | * 2 medium well ripened tomatoes, seeded and |
| done much more efficiently by growing vegetables in | | | | chopped |
| stead of animals. | | | | * 1 tablespoon fresh coriander chopped |
| Last but not least: when a refrigerator is not available, it | | | | * 1 tablespoon lemon juice |
| is much easier to use up small portions of vegetables, | | | | * 10 g vegetable oil |
| in stead of having to slaughter and store 1 big animal. | | | | * Spices: |
| For vegetarian dishes, you will notice that each Indian | | | | - 1/2 teaspoon turmeric |
| region has distinct cooking techniques and flavoring | | | | - 1/2 tablespoon ground coriander |
| principles to prepare them. | | | | - 1 tea spoon "garam masala" |
| You have probably also noticed that there are many, | | | | - salt to taste |
| many "curry"-recipes. Actually "Kari" is the Tamil (one | | | | PREPARATION |
| of the many languages spoken in India) translation for | | | | 1. Drain chick peas, reserving the liquid. |
| the English word "sauce". And "curry" is the western | | | | 2. Cook the onions, ginger garlic, chilies and turmeric in |
| way of pronouncing this word. | | | | the vegetable oil until golden and softened. |
| Before coming to Malaysia, my simple western recipe | | | | 3. Add the tomatoes and cook to soften, then add the |
| for using chick peas was to add them in thick soups... | | | | ground coriander and chick peas. |
| Since Malaysia is the melting pot of all Asian cuisines, I | | | | 4. Cook for 10 minutes, add the reserved liquid and |
| notice that there are as much chick pea curry recipes | | | | cook a further 10 minutes. |
| as that there are people here. | | | | 5. Add "garam masala", lemon juice and stir in the |
| Here is one of them: a home-cooked chick pea curry | | | | fresh coriander. Cook gently for 2-3 minutes, adding |
| recipe from my Indian friend Ssussi. She uses a lot of | | | | more liquid, if needed, to make a sauce. |
| fresh ingredients and her recipe takes a bit more of | | | | Serve with "naan bread", "chapati" or as a side dish. |