Balti Beef

There's no marinating involved with this simple recipe, which can be prepared and cooked in under an hour.

 

 

Serves: 4

 



Ingredients:

 

1 red (bell) pepper

1 green (bell) pepper

1 tbsp oil

1 tsp cumin ground cumin

½ tsp fennel seeds

1 onion, cut into thick wedges

1 garlic clove, crushed

2 ½ cm piece fresh root ginger, finely chopped

1 fresh red chilli, finely chopped

1 ½ tbsp balti paste

½ tsp salt

675 g lean rump or fillet steak (beef tenderloin), cut into thick strips

naan bread or basmati rice to serve

 

Method:

 

1. Cut the red and green peppers into 2 ½ cm chunks.

 

2. Heat the oil in a karahi, wok or frying pan and fry the cumin and fennel seeds for 2 minutes or until they begin to splutter. Add the onion, garlic, ginger, spinach and chilli and fry for a further 5 minutes.

 

3. Stir in the balti paste and salt and fry for a further 3-5 minutes.

 

4. Add the peppers and toss over the heat for about 5 minutes. Stir in the beef strips and continue to fry for 10-15 minutes or until the meat is tender.

 

Serve from the pan, with warm naan bread.

 

 

 



Chicken stir-fry marinade

 

Ingredients:

 

2 garlic cloves, crushed

1 tbsp sweet chilli sauce

1 tbsp oyster sauce

2 tsp worcestershire sauce

1 tsp honey

½ red chilli, deseeded and sliced

salt

pepper

1 chicken breast

 

Method:

 

1. Crush the garlic, deseed the red chilli and slice it and place it into a bowl together with all of the rest ingredients. Mix well.

 

2. Cut the chicken breast into thin slices, and place in a plasticbag.

 

3. Pour over the marinade and and leave to marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour before cooking it.

 

 

Chicken Stir-fry ingredients

 

Yesterdays dinner: Chicken stir-fry.

Here are the ingredients that i've used.

oil
butter
1 chicken breast
4-5 mushrooms
250 g beans
1 onions
2 garlic
salt
pepper
noodles
vegetable stock
1 tbsp chilli sauce
½ tbsp oyster sauce
Italian seasoning
Herb & garlic seasoning
snowpeas

The recipe for the marinade I made for the chicken will be published later.

Marinated Spiced Lamb Stew

Spice-coated lamb cubes, cooked until tender.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

750-800 g lamb, trimmed of all fat and cut into 1 1/2 inch cubes
3 garlic cloves, crushed
2 teaspoons finely grated fresh root ginger
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
5 tablespoons dried or fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon chilli powder
6-7 cloves
1 cinnamon stick
1 bay leaf
1 black cardamom pod
1 onion, halved and sliced
200 ml natural yogurt
salt
2-3 tbsp oil

Method:

1. Place the lamb cubes in a bowl.

2. Put the garlic, ginger, vinegar, cumin, coriander, chilli powder and yogurt in a food processor and blend until smooth. Season, then pour this mixture over the lamb to coat it evenly.

3. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 4-6 hours or over night if time permits.

4. Heat 2-3 tbsp oil in a casserole. Add the cloves, bay leaf, cardamom pod, cinnamon stick and the sliced onion. Stir-fry for 2-5 minutes, until the onion is lightly golden.

5. Add the lamb. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and partially cover the pan.

6. Simmer, stirring occasionally for 50 minutes - 1½ hour or until the meat is tender.

 

7. Serve with Spiced Lemon Rice

 

 

 

South Indian Pepper Chicken

 

Spiced with peppercorns rather than chilli, this creamy curry will be popular with the whole family. Fresh ginger and garlic give it a warming, spicy aroma. Serve with a refreshing salad to complement the rich sauce.

Serves: 3

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon sunflower oil
1 bay leaf
4 cloves
½ teaspoon crushed cardamom seeds
2 teaspoons crushed black peppercorns
1 teaspoon finely grated fresh root ginger
2 teaspoons finely grated garlic
625 g (1 ¼ lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
150 ml water or chicken stock
½ teaspoon turmeric
350 ml low-fat natural yogurt
salt

Method:

1. Heat the oil in a large nonstick frying pan and when hot add the bay leaf, cloves, crushed cardamom seeds and peppercorns. Stir-fry for 30 seconds, then add the ginger, garlic and the chicken.

2. Stir-fry over a medium heat for 4-5 minutes before adding the water or stock and the turmeric. Season.

3. Bring to the boil, cover, reduce the heat and simmer gently for 10-12 minutes or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

4. Remove from the heat, drizzle over the yogurt so that it is partially stirred in and serve.

Healthy tip:

Adding low-fat yogurt gives this dish a rich creaminess, with none of the fat that comes with cream, ground almonds or coconut - which are all popular ingredients in many Indian curries.

Masala Fennel Prawns

Fresh, juicy prawns, cooked simply in a fennel-spiced sauce, makes for a healthy lunch when served with rice and a chopped salad.

 

 

Serves: 2-3

 

Ingredients:

 

1 teaspoon light olive oil

12-15 fresh or dried curry leaves

2 large shallots, or 4 small, halved and finely sliced

2 teaspoons finely grated garlic

1 teaspoon finely grated fresh root ginger

1 tablespoon fennel seeds

1 tablespoon mild curry powder

5 large, ripe tomatoes, deseeded and chopped

750 g (1½ lb) raw tiger prawns, peeled and deveined

sea salt

coriander leaves, to garnish

Method:

1. Heat the oil in a large wok or nonstick frying pan and add the curry leaves. Stir-fry for 30 seconds and add the shallots. Stir and fry over a medium heat for 4-5 minutes, then add the garlic, ginger and fennel seeds.


2. Cook gently for 2-3 minutes, then add the curry powder and tomatoes. Turn the heat to high and stir-fry the mixture for 3-4 minutes.


3. Add the prawns and cook over a high heat for 6-7 minutes or until the prawns turn pink and are just cooked through. Add a little bit of tomato juice if needed. Remove from the heat, season and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.


4. Serve immediately with steamed rice.

Crispy Grilled Red Masala Mackerel

 

Serves: 2

Oven: 225 ˚C, 437 ˚F (hot air)

 

Ingredients:

 

2 fresh mackerel, each around 250-300 g, (8-10 oz), cleaned and gutted

 

Red Masala Paste:

 

1 tablespoon sunflower oil

1 teaspoon finely grated fresh root ginger

2 teaspoons finely grated garlic

2 red chillies, deseeded and very finely chopped

1 teaspoon chilli powder

½ teaspoon turmeric

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

3 tablespoons tomato purée

1 teaspoon brown sugar

juice of 1½ - 2 lemons

 

Method:

 

1. Make a 4-6 deep diagonal slices on each side of the fish.

 

2. Make the paste by placing all the ingredients in a food processor and mix unil fairly smooth.

 

3. Season well and spread over the fish, making sure it gets into the slits.

 

4. Leave to marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour.

 

5. Cook under a hot grill for 6-8 minutes on each side until cooked through and lightly charred at the edges. Cover with aluminium foil if it gets to dark.

 

6. Serve immediately with salad.

 

Salad:

 

½ cucumber, halved and sliced

10 cherry tomatoes, quartered

1 red onion, sliced

 ½ tbsp oil,

pinch of black pepper,

1 tbsp lemon juice

½ tbsp coriander leaves, chopped

 

Healthy tip:

 

The spices in this masala have many therapeutic properties, including boosting the immune system, improving circulation, improving mood and reducing inflammation.

 

 

 

 

 



Spinach, red pepper and chickpea bhaji (HOT)

Serves: 3-4

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon sunflower oil
1 teaspoon finely grated fresh root ginger
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 large shallot, finely chopped
1 red pepper, deseeded and cut into thin strips
1 teaspoon chilli powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
2 tablespoons tomato purée
150 - 200 ml water
200 g baby spinach leaves
200 g can chickpeas, drained
salt

Method:

1. Heat the oil in a large nonstick pan. Add the ginger and garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds. Add the shallot and red pepper and cook for 5-6 minutes until slightly softened.

2. Stir in the chilli powder, ground cumin, ground coriander and tomato purée. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, then pour in the measured water, stir and bring to the boil. Stir in the spinach and chickpeas and cook for 5-6 minutes until the spinach has just wilted. Season.

Half the spices if you don't like it too hot.

Serve with indian roti bread.

Chicken Saag

A mildly spiced dish using a popular combination of spinach and chicken. This recipe is best made using fresh spinach.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

225 g fresh spinach leaves, washed but not dried
2.5 cm piece fresh root ginger, grated
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 fresh green chilli, roughly chopped
200 ml water
1 tbsp oil
2 bay leaves
¼ tsp black peppercorns
1 onion, finely chopped
4 tomatoes, peeled and finely chopped
2 tsp curry powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp chilli powder
3 tbsp natural (plain) yogurt
8 chicken thighs, skinned ( I used chicken legs instead)
Naan bread or rice to serve
natural (plain) yogurt and chilli powder, to garnish

Method:

1. Cook the spinach leaves, without extra water, in a tightly covered pan for 5 minutes. Put the cooked spinach, ginger, garlic and chilli with 50 ml of the measured water into a food processor or blender and process to a thick purée. Set aside.

2. Heat the oil in a large heavy pan, add the bay leaves and black peppercorns and fry for 2 minutes. Stir in the onion and fry for a further 6-8 minutes or until the onion has browned.

3. Add the tomatoes and simmer for about 5 minutes.

4. Stir in the curry powder, salt and chilli powder. Cook for 2 minutes over a medium heat, stirring once or twice.

5. Stir in the spinach purée and the remaining measured water, then simmer for 5 minutes.

6. Add the yogurt, 1 tbsp at a time, and simmer for 5 minutes.

7. Add the chicken thighs and stir to coat them in the sauce. Cover and cook for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is tender. Serve with naan bread or basmati rice. Drizzle over some yogurt and dust with chilli powder.

Lamb Kebabs

First introduced by the Muslims, kebabs have now become a favourite Indian dish.

Serves: 6-8

Ingredients:

For the kebabs

900 g lean minced (ground) lamb
1 large onion, roughly chopped
5 cm piece fresh root ginger, chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 fresch green chillie, finely chopped
1 tsp chilli powder
2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander (cilantro)
1 tsp garam masala
2 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp salt
1 egg
1 tbsp natural (plain) yogurt
1 tbsp oil
mixed salad, to serve

For the raita

250 ml natural (plain) yogurt
½ cucumber, finely chopped
2 tbsp chopped fresh mint
¼ tsp salt

Method:

1. Put all the ingredients for the kebabs, except the yogurt and oil, into a food processor or blender and process until the mixture bind together. Spoon into a bowl, cover and leave to marinate for 1½ hour.

2.  For the raita, mix together all the ingredients and chill for at least 15 minutes in a refrigerator.

3. Preheat the grill (broiler). Divide the lamb mixture into eight equal portions with lightly floured hands and mould into long sausage shapes. Thread on to skewers and chill.

4. Brush the kebabs lightly with the yogurt and oil and cook under a hot grill for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until brown all over. Serve the kebabs on a bed of salad accompanied by the raita.

Balti Chicken in Saffron Sauce

This is a beautifully aromatic chicken dish that is partly cooked in oven.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

50 g butter
2 tbsp corn oil
1.2-1.3 kg chicken, skinned and cut into 8 pieces
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tsp crushed garlic
½ tsp crushed black peppercorns
½ tsp crushed cardamom pods
¼ tsp ground cinnamon
1½ tsp chilli powder
150 ml natural plain yogurt
50 g ground almonds
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp salt
1 tsp saffron strands
150 ml water
150 ml single (light) cream
2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander (cilantro)

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C/350 °C/ Gas 4. Melt the butter with the oil in a karahi, wok or deep pan. Add the chicken pieces and fry until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Remove the chicken using a slotted spoon, leaving behind the fat.

2. Add the onion to the same pan, and fry over a medium heat. Meanwhile, mix together the next 10 ingredients in a bowl. When the onions are lightly browned, pour the spice mixture into the pan and stir-fry for about 1 minute.

3.Add the chicken pieces, and continue to fry for a further 2 minutes stirring constantly. Pour in the water and bring to a simmer.Transfer the contents of the pan to a casserole and cover with a lid, or if using a karahi with heatproof handles, cover with foil. Transfer to the oven and cook for 30-35 minutes.

4. Once you are sure that the chicken is cooked right through, remove it from the oven. Transfer the mixture to a frying pan or place karahi on the stove and stir in the cream.

5. Reheat gently for about 2 minutes. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve with a fruity pilau or plain boiled rice.

Minced Lamb with Curry Leaves and Chilli

The whole chillies pack quiet a punch, but can be removed from the dish before serving.

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

2 tsp oil

2 medium onions, chopped
10 curry leaves
6 fresh green or red chillies
350 g lean minced (ground) lamb
1 tsp crushed garlic
1 tsp grated fresh root ginger
1 tsp chilli powder
¼ tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp salt
2 tomatoes, peeled and quartered
1 tbsp chopped fresh coriander (cilantro)

Method:

1. Heat the oil in a karahi, wok or heavy pan and fry the onions with the curry leaves and 3 of the whole chillies.

2. Put the lamb into a bowl. Mix with the garlic, ginger and spices.

3. Add the lamb and salt to the onions and stir-fry for about 7-10 minutes.

4. Add the tomatoes, coriander and remaining chillies and stir-fry for 2 minutes. Serve hot.

Sweetcorn and Pea Curry

Tender sweetcorn cooked in a spicy tomato sauce makes a flavoursome curry.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

6 frozen corn cobs, thawed

1 tbsp oil
½ tsp cumin seeds
1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 fresh green chilli, finely chopped
1 tbsp curry paste
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp ground cumin
¼ tsp ground turmeric
½ tsp salt
½ tsp granulated sugar
400 g chopped tomatoes
1 tbsp tomato purée (paste)
150 ml water
115 g frozen peas, thawed
2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander (cilantro)
Chapatis or rice to serve, optional

Method:

1. Using a sharp knife, cut each piece of corn in half crossways to make 12 equal pieces in total.

2. Bring a large pan of water to the boil and cook the corn cob pieces for 10-12 minutes. Drain well.

3. Heat the oil in a large heavy pan and fry the cumin seeds for 2 minutes or until they begin to splutter. Add the onion, garlic and chilli and fry for about 5-6 minutes until the onion is golden.

4.  Add the curry paste and fry for 2 minutes. Stir in the remaining spices, salt and sugar and fry for a further 2-3 minutes, adding some water if the mixture is too dry.

5. Add the chopped tomatoes and tomato purée together with the water and simmer for 5 minutes or until the sauce thickens. Add the peas and cook for a further 5 minutes.

6. Stir in the pieces of corn and the fresh coriander and cook for 6-8 minutes more, until the corn and peas are tender.

Spinach with Curd Cheese

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

450 ml milk
100 ml live yogurt
salt
2 tsp lime or lemon juice
250 g fresh spinach or 1 small packet frozen spinach
2 green chillies, chopped
½ tsp chopped fresh ginger
2 tbsp oil
a pinch of fenugreek seeds
1 onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, chopped¼ tsp cumin seeds
2 tomatoes, puréed

Method:

1. To make curd cheese, bring the milk just to boiling point, then add the live yogurt with a pinch of salt and the lime or lemon juice. Continue boiling for 7-10 minutes. The milk will separate. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.

2. Place a large strainer over a bowl and pour in the milk to collect the solids in the strainer, allowing the whey to remain in the bowl below. Keep the milk solids in contact with the whey until required for cooking. When ready to use, press down the solids in the strainer with a potato masher or the back of a large spoon to squeeze the moisture out or use a jelly bag or cheesecloth. You will get about 100 g curd cheese or paneer.

3. Cook the spinach with the chillies, ginger, a pinch of salt, and just a sprinkling of water if using fresh spinach. Cook uncovered so that the bright green colour is retained. (Salt is also required for retaining the colour.) When cool, purée in a blender.

4. In a frying pan, heat the oil and fry the fenugreek seeds for 30 seconds, then add the onion and fry until lightly coloured. Add the garlic and cumin, and after 30 seconds the tomatoes. Fry for about 5 minutes.

5. When the liquid from the tomatoes has evaporated, add the curd cheese and stir gently. Add the puréed spinach and cook for a couple of minutes. It is now ready to serve.

Red Chutney

Ingredients:

100 g grated fresh coconut
1 small onion, chopped
2 tsp chopped coriander
2 cm piece chopped ginger
1½ tsp red chilli powder
½ tsp cumin powder
2 garlic cloves
1 tsp sugar
3 tbsp tomato ketchup
6 dates, stoned
2 tsp lime juice
½ tsp salt

Method:

1. Put all the ingredients into a blender and grind to a paste.

Balti Chicken Vindaloo

This version of a popular dish from Goa is not as fiery as some, but will still suit those who like their curry to have a definite impact.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

1 large potato
150 ml malt vinegar
1½ tsp crushed coriander seeds
1 tsp crushed cumin seeds
1½ tsp chilli powder¼ tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp crushed garlic
1 tsp grated fresh root ginger
1 tsp salt
1½ tsp paprika
1 tbsp tomato purée
large pinch of ground fenugreek
300 ml water
225 g skinless chicken breast, fillets, cubed
1 tbsp oil
2 medium onions, sliced
4 curry leaves
2 fresh green chillies, chopped

Method:

1. Peel the potato, cut it into large, irregular shapes, place these in a bowl of water and set aside.

2. In a bowl, mix the vinegar, coriander, cumin, chilli powder, turmeric, garlic, ginger, salt, paprika, tomato purée, fenugreek and water.

3. Pour this spice mixture over the chicken, stir and set aside.

4. Heat the oil in a karahi, wok or heavy pan and quickly fry the onions with the curry leaves for 3-4 minutes without burning.

5. Lower the heat and add the chicken mixture to the pan with the spice. Continue to stir-fry for a further 2 minutes.

6. Drain the potato pieces and add to the pan. Cover with a lid and cook over a medium to low heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and the chicken and potatoes are cook through.

7. Stir in the chopped chillies and serve.

Spinach and Potato Curry

Spinach, potatoes and traditional Indian spices are the main ingredients in this simple but authentic curry.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

450 g spinach
1 tbsp oil
1 tsp black mustard seeds
1 onion, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, crushed
2.5 cm fresh root ginger, finely chopped
675 g potatoes, cut into 2.5 cm chunks
1 tsp chilli powder
1 tsp salt
120 ml water

Method:

1. Wash and trim the spinach, then blach it in a pan of boiling water for about 3-4 minutes.

2. Drain the spinach thoroughly and set aside. When it is cool enough to handle, use your hands to squeeze out any remaining liquid.

3. Heat the oil in a large heavy pan and fry the mustard seeds for 2 minutes or until they splatter.

4. Add the sliced onion, garlic cloves and chopped ginger to the mustard seeds and fry for 5 minutes, stirring.

5. Add the potato chunks, chilli powder, salt and water and stir-fry for a further 8 minutes.

6. Add the drained spinach. Cover the pan with a lid and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. Serve hot.

Spiced Cauliflower Soup

Light and tasty, this creamy, mildly spicy vegetable soup is multi-purpose. It makes a wonderful warming first course, an appetizing quick meal and is delicious chilled.

Serves: 4-6

Ingredients:

1 large potato, diced
1 small cauliflower, chopped
1 onion, chopped
1 tbsp oil
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 tbsp grated fresh root ginger
2 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp black mustard seeds
2 tsp ground coriander
1 litre vegetable stock
300 ml natural (plain) low fat yogurt
Salt and black pepper
Fresh coriander (cilantro), to garnish

Method:

1. Put the potato, cauliflower and onion into a large heavy pan with the oil and 3 tbsp water. Heat until hot and bubbling, then stir well, cover the pan and turn the heat down. Continue cooking the mixture for about 10 minutes.

2. Add the garlic, ginger and spices. Stir well, and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour in the stock and season well. Bring to the boil, then cover and simmer for about 20 minutes. Purée in a food processor and return to the pan. Stir in the yogurt, adjust the seasoning and serve garnished with coriander or parsley.

Chicken in Orange and Black Pepper Sauce

A low-fat version of a favourite Indian dish, this is very creamy.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

225 g low fat fromage frais or ricotta cheese
50 ml natural (plain) low fat yogurt
120 ml orange juice
1½ tsp grated fresh root ginger
1 tsp crushed garlic
1 tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground coriander
1 small chicken, about 675 g, skinned and cut into 8 pieces
1 tbsp oil
1 bay leaf
1 large onion, chopped
1 tbsp fresh mint leaves
1 fresh green chilli, seeded and chopped

Method:
1. In a small mixing bowl whisk the fromage frais or ricotta with the yogurt, orange juice, ginger, garlic, pepper salt and coriander.

2. Pour this over the chicken, cover, and set aside for 5 hours.

3. Heat the oil with the bay leaf in a wok or heavy frying pan and fry the chopped onion until soft.

4. Pour in the chicken mixture and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes over a medium heat. Lower the heat, cover and cook for 7-10 minutes, adding a little water if the sauce is to thick. Add the fresh mint and chilli and serve.

Cauliflower and Coconut Milk Curry

A delicious vegetable stew which combines coconut milk with spices and is perfect as a vegetarian main course or as part of a buffet.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

1 cauliflower
2 medium tomatoes
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 fresh green chilli, seeded
½ tsp ground turmeric
2 tbsp sunflower oil
400 ml coconut milk
250 ml water
1 tsp granulated sugar
1 tsp tamarind pulp, soaked in 3 tbsp warm water
salt

Method:

1. Trim the stalk from the cauliflower and divide into tiny florets. Peel the tomatoes if you like, then chop them into 1-2.5 cm pieces.

2. Grind the chopped onion, garlic, green chilli and ground turmeric to a paste in a food processor.

3. Heat the oil in a karahi, wok or large frying pan and fry the spice paste to bring out the aromatic flavours, without allowing it to brown.

4. Add the cauliflower florets and toss well to coat in the spices. Stir in the coconut milk, water, sugar and salt to taste. Simmer for 5-8 minutes. Strain the tamarind and reserve the juice.

5. Add the tamarind juice and chopped tomatoes to the pan then cook for 5 minutes only. Taste and check the seasoning and serve.