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.

South Indian Pepper Water

This soothing broth is perfect for winter evenings.

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

2 tbsp vegetable oil

½ tsp black pepper

1 tsp cumin seeds

½ tsp mustard seeds

¼ tsp asafoetida

½ tsk ground turmeric

2 dried red chillies

4-6 curry leaves

2 garlic cloves, crushed

300 ml tomato juice

Juice of 2 lemons

120 ml water

Salt

Fresh coriander (cilantro), to garnish

Method:

1. Heat the oil in a large pan and fry the pepper, spices, curry leaves and garlic until the chillies are nearly black and the garlic is golden brown.

2. Lower the heat and pour in the tomato juice, lemon juice and water.

3. Bring to the boil then simmer for 10 minutes.

4. Season to taste with salt. Pour into heated bowls, garnish with the chopped coriander if you like, and serve.