30 June 2007
Do you know what's even more satisfying than whipping up a good meal? Whipping up a good meal when you've spent the previous half hour bemoaning the fact that there's nothing to eat in the house. I don't know which cupboards I was looking in, because I obviously missed the fact that I had ingredients for Matar Aloo:
Well, I assume it could be called Matar Aloo. It's Matar (or Mutter) Paneer, but with potatoes instead of paneer. Knowing I had fresh peas on hand, I decided to check out my favourite Indian foodie blog, Mahanandi, and what was at the top of the page? Matar Paneer! A sign, obviously.
I don't often cook my own Indian dishes as A) they're much better at my favourite restaurants and B) I don't usually want the leftovers the next day, so it's wasteful. Looking at that recipe, though, I figured I could scale it down -- I quartered it, since I had only one sad tomato in the fridge. I made changes, substituting with the things I had on hand; obviously, I traded potatoes for paneer, but I also cheated a bit on the spices.
I have no doubt that my dish would instantly be recognized as a fraud if put to the test, but on the other hand, I would not have been disappointed if this had been put in front of me at a restaurant. And I love that it's not a heavy, cream-based dish -- in fact, the bulk of the fat (which is low in the first place) comes from the ground cashews. It was just filling and fresh and delicious. Yum.
I didn't keep track of what I put in (honestly, it's like I have a wish to never repeat my successes. Annoying!), but follow that link above to the recipe on Mahanandi, which is nearly the same and even better, I'm sure!
hi anna, i just wanted to post and say how much i like the book you put together, the crafters companion. it is what introduced me to the online craft blog world which has been a lifeline for me now that i am working from home, which can be a bit of a lonely way to work sometimes!.
i am halfway through listening to a podcast interview with you about the book, and am finding it fascinating. all the best : )
posted by lucykate crafts at June 30, 2007 10:19 AM
Hi Anna! I'm glad you tried your hand at cooking Indian food. Often people think that it's hard and not easily made at home, but I believe it's one of the simplest cuisines one can cook at home, and not to mention on of the most delicious as well.
Drop by my blog sometime for more recipes, I do hope you will enjoy them! :)
posted by Meena at June 30, 2007 04:04 PM