I am going to start this with a disclaimer. I do not proclaim to be a curry expert. If you know someone who is, seek their help then introduce them to me! These are just easy recipes that my kids like and they are cheaper than a take away from our local Indian restaurant and less fattening as well.
I really love a plain lentil curry. To start I saute a large onion in a little olive oil and ghee (clarified butter) if you live in England or near an ethnic foods shop you can find it, if not just use a knob of butter. I usually don’t cook with butter and if you choose not to it will taste great. There is just a velvety roundness the butter adds to the lentils that I like and it tastes a little more authentic. After the onions are soft I add a few cloves of chopped garlic. Cook all of this over a low heat. If you get it too brown it will have a bitter sharp flavor. In the mean time sort and rinse about 2 cups of lentils (any color you like) Then add 2 cups water w/knorr or other vegetable bullion cube or 2 cups water to the onions and garlic. add salt and pepper. When the broth boils gently add lentils and cook gently for about 20 minutes. This is where you get to be creative! I use a couple of different curry powders I have found around. I know it is sacrilege to use a premixed curry powder but I don’t have the skill in Indian cooking to blend my own. I adjust it by adding a little cumin and coriander etc. Taste as you go along. It takes several TBSPs of Curry powder so don’t be shy. This is not meant to be a hot curry but if you want it to be hotter add a little cayenne. Cook until lentils are tender. You can leave it as is or mash a little with a potato masher. Serve over rice (basmatti, brown, white, wild, whatever) and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top.
I also like a chick pea curry. I make it basically the same but you can vary it by adding vegetables in with the onions and garlic. I like Eggplant (aubergine), carrots, potatoes, peas anything I have on hand. When I add the chick peas (I use about 2 cans or you can soak dry beans to add but this requires forethought, not one of my strong suits) I add a large tin of tomatoes and a squeeze of tomato paste. You may wantt to put in a drop of honey and season as above.
Namaste!
