Julie Sahnis Indian Chickpea Ragout With Vegetables Recipes

JULIE SAHNI'S INDIAN CHICKPEA RAGOUT WITH VEGETABLES

Steps:

• In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cilantro, cucumber, red onion and yogurt. Mix well, transfer to a small serving bowl and refrigerate until needed.
• In a large saute pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat, and add the cumin, fennel, pepper flakes, coriander and onions. Saute until the onions are lightly browned, about 8 minutes. Add ginger, zucchini and bell pepper, and mix well. Pour 1/3 cup water over the vegetables, cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer until vegetables are cooked but still firm, about 5 minutes.
• Fold in the chickpeas and tomatoes. Increase heat to medium high, and cook uncovered until the ragout is heated through and the sauce is thick, about 5 minutes. Season with salt to taste, and a generous sprinkling of black pepper. Serve ragout garnished with the cilantro-yogurt mixture and accompanied by pita or nan bread.

INDIAN SPICED CAULIFLOWER, POTATOES AND PEAS (GOBHI MATAR RASEDA

Steps:

• Cut cauliflower into florets, approximately 1 1/2". Peel potato and cut into about 3/4" dice. Measure out the cumin powder, coriander, turmeric and cayenne into a small bowl and have it ready next to the stove.
• Heat oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the cumin seeds and stir-fry for 20-30 seconds, until they brown.
• Add bowl of spices and stir-fry for a few seconds to mix them in with the oil, then add in the cauliflower and potatoes. Stir the vegetables around for 5-8 minutes, until they are thoroughly coated with the seasonings and starting to sear a bit.
• Add the tomatoes and stiry-fry another 3 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.
• Add salt and boiling water, stir a few times and then cover the skillet.
• Reduce heat and simmer, covered, until vegetables are tender - about 15-25min.
• When tender, uncover and add the frozen peas. Stir in and simmer an additional 3 minutes.
• Turn off heat and serve sprinkled with chopped fresh cilantro.

CHICKEN CURRY (ADAPTED FROM JULIE SAHNI CLASSIC INDIAN COOKING)

Steps:

• In a large heavy-bottomed pan, preferably with a nonstick surface, heat 2 tablespoons oil over high heat. When oil is very hot add chicken, a few pieces at a time, and sear until browned on all sides, about 4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon remove chicken to a plate and continue until all pieces are browned.
• Add remaining oil and onions to pan, reduce heat to medium-high and fry 30 minutes until light brown, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Add garlic and ginger and fry 5 minutes. Add cinnamon and cardamom and fry 2 minutes, until spices are puffed and beginning to brown. Add turmeric and cayenne and stir rapidly 15 seconds. Return chicken to pan and stir in tomatoes, salt and 2 cups boiling water. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover and cook about 45 minutes, until chicken is tender and gravy has thickened. Check frequently, and add a little water if sauce is evaporating too quickly. Turn off heat and let dish rest, covered at least 1 hour, preferably 2. When ready to serve, reheat, fold in cumin and cilantro, and adjust seasonings if needed.

INDIAN CHICKPEA RAGOUT WITH VEGETABLES

Steps:

• Combine the cilantro, cucumber, red onion and yogurt and mix well; place in serving bowl and refrigerate until needed.
• In a large sauté pan, heat the oil over medium high heat, and add the cumin, fennel, pepper flakes, coriander and onion and sauté until the onions are lightly browned, about 8 minutes.
• Add ginger, zucchini and bell pepper and mix well.
• Pour 1/3 cup of water over the vegetables, cover and reduce heat to low and simmer about five minutes.
• Fold in the chickpeas and the tomatoes and increase heat to medium high and cook uncovered until the ragout is heated through and the sauce is thick, about five minutes.
• Season with salt to taste and generous sprinkle of freshly ground pepper.
• Serve ragout garnished with the cilantro yogurt mixture.