Curried Vegetable Stew with Tamarind & Coconut Milk
Recipe By : Jump Up and Kiss Me/pg90/tpogue@idsonline
Serving Size : 6 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Main Dish Posted
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
Tamarind Puree
3 ounces tamarind pulp -- seedless
1 cup water -- boiling
Curry
2 teaspoons coriander -- ground
2 teaspoons cumin -- ground
1 teaspoon fenugreek seed -- ground
1/2 teaspoon turmeric -- ground
1/2 teaspoon black pepper -- ground
2 whole star anise -- or dash of fennel
-- seed
3 tablespoons oil -- vegetable
1 large yellow onion -- 1/8" slices
2 teaspoons ginger -- finely chopped
6 whole red chiles -- Thai type
stemmed and thinly sliced crosswise
1 large red bell pepper -- 1" thick slices
3 cups cauliflower florets -- bite size pieces
4 ounces shiitake mushrooms or portobellos -- 1/4" slices
1/2 teaspoon salt -- to taste
14 ounces coconut milk
1 cup water
1 1/2 cups garbanzo beans or yellow lentils
2 cups snow peas -- or sugar snaps
4 tablespoons cilantro -- chopped
Place the tamarind in a bowl and cover with boiling water. Crush with a
fork and set aside to soften for 1 to 2 hours, breaking up the pulp
occasionally. Put through a sieve, using a spoon or spatula to push through
the pulp. Discard the fibrous material in the sieve. Measure 1/3 cup of
tamarind puree and set aside.
Combine the spices in a small bowl and set aside.
Heat the oil over medium heat in a heavy 4 quart pot with tight fitting
lid. When it is hot, add the onion, ginger, garlic, and chiles, and cook,
stirring, until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes. Add the spices and
cook stirring until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add the red bell pepper,
cauliflower, and mushrooms, and sprinkle with salt. Stir the spices, and
continue to cook, stirring, for 5 minutes. Increase the heat to high, and
add the tamarind puree, coconut milk, and water to the pan. Bring to a
simmer, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for 20 minutes, stirring
occasionally. Add the garbanzo beans and simmer for 10 minutes until the
vegetables are just tender. Add the peas and simmer for 5 minutes until
they are just tender. Remove the star anise. Add salt to taste and sprinkle
with cilantro.
NOTES : This is similar to a dish I make using Chinese cabbage. I am sure
almost any nice vegetable could be added to this. The author of the
cookbook recommends it be served with basmati rice and I certainly agree.
Depending on the heat of the chilies some people may need extra rice so
make plenty.
