Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Indian feast

I couldn't wait for the move to be over! I had to cook something!!!

A major craving for flavor seized me late in the afternoon at work. I considered Thai, Korean, but then it hit me that I had some Indian spices lurking in the old apartamento! What to make?
After a google search for inspiration, I decided on "Tawa" or "Tava" shrimp - it used the spices I had available. I figured cauliflower would go well with that. Why not? Cauliflower goes with everything!! :)

My favorite way to prepare this white lumpy veggie is roasting, so I cut it into chunks and threw it in the roasting pan along with some sliced onion and poblano pepper. I had an old spice mix packet called "bhindi masala" lying around so I sprinkled that on top, added some cumin, some chile powder and a little olive oil and tossed it under the broiler for maybe 15 minutes, occasionally stirring.
Here's a pic of the lovely veggies half done:

To make the Tawa shrimp (serves 2): (adapted from Adhi Potoba)

1/2 lb peeled shrimp
1 tblsp coconut oil
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp garam masala
1/2 tsp chile powder
lemon juice

Heat the coconut oil in the pan, then add the garlic and spices and saute briefly to release the flavors into the oil. Add shrimp and toss to coat with the paste. Cook until shrimp are done, 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle with lemon juice and toss cilantro over everything.

I really have to have yogurt with Indian food, so I also made some quick and dirty raita, just greek yogurt, chopped cucumber, cilantro, lemon juice and a dash of cumin. (those of you who eat yogurt - what brand of greek yogurt do you use? I like the taste of Fage, and I can't seem to find organic versions that are full fat? I want to make my own soon.)

Ready to eat!

I thought this meal was pretty darn tasty, the veggies especially were super good with the yogurt. The only thing I would change is that I would add a bit more heat. I like things spicy! Maybe a sliced serrano chile with the cauli?

It's always a good feeling to have a nice meal and to know you made enough for leftovers the next day! :)
Edited to add: it was even better the next day! MUCH better!!!!!

6 comments:

  1. that looks good I have never cooked califlower before. I will try that.

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  2. Hi John! Try it and let me know what you think!

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  3. Do your veggies get cooked all the way through using the broiler? I haven't ever used mine.

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  4. Carrie my dear!
    Well, it depends on the type of veggie, how you cut them, how hot your broiler is and how close you put the food to the broiler. You kind of have to experiment. When in doubt, you can use the oven at 350 to cook them for a bit, then stick them under the broiler at the end to get a little browned. Or in the opposite order.
    I abuse the broiler, I use it to cook everything.

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  5. So happy to have discovered your blog! I just tried roasting my veggies last week for the first time. Where has it been all my life? Now I'm addicted. After roasting, I tossed the veggies with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon, oil and spices. Loved it-it was a recipe from Tassajara!

    Shelly

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  6. Hi Shelly my love!!!

    That sounds like a great combination of flavors. Roasting veggies is my favorite! :)
    I miss you girl!!!

    S

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