No Croutons Required - The Winner for May

The winner for May's Asparagus challenge is Caffettiera of La Caffettiera Rosa who entered this exotic and unique Asparagus Cappuccino with Cinnamon Air. An irresistible creation indeed. Congratulations to Caffettiera as the competition was tough as usual.

Jacqueline will be hosting the June edition of No Croutons Required. The theme this month is the grill. Grill or roast some ingredients to include in a vegetarian soup or salad.

Dried Cherry Scones

Quite by accident, and a happy one at that, I happened across Sarabeth's Bakery and not able to resist yet another cookbook to add to my extensive collection, immediately ordered a copy. Oh my! I was delighted to receive this gorgeous cookbook. Yes, this could be a tantalizing coffee table book as the photography is stunning and the reading most instructive. But what would a good cookbook be without perfect recipes? Inspired and accomplished bakers will treasure this collection of tried and tested creations. Pastries, muffins and biscuits, breads, cakes, pies and tarts, cookies, desserts, frostings, fillings and sauces and so much more are featured. Step by step images are often included and you can be sure you will become a master chef in your own kitchen if you follow the procedures.

As I enjoy savory quick breads, the first recipe I tried and adapted was Currant Scones. I substituted dried cherries for the currants, but otherwise followed the instructions. Moist inside, crunchy on the outside, serve with jam, butter, or just nibble and enjoy. They also go well with soup.

Dried Cherry Scones

3/4 cup of whole milk
2 large eggs
3 cups of unbleached white flour (I used spelt flour)
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon of baking powder
1 heaping tablespoon of sugar
1/2 teaspoon of sea salt
a sprinkle of ground nutmeg
10 tablespoons of unsalted butter, chilled and cut into cubes
1/2 cup of dried cherries
1 large egg, beaten, for glazing

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, nutmeg and salt. Cut the butter into the mixture with a pastry cutter or knife and fork until it is reduced to small crumbs. Mix in the dried cherries.

In a small bowl, beat together the milk and eggs. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the milk and eggs. Stir until just combined.

On a floured surface, knead the dough gently until it comes together. Carefully roll the dough into a 3/4 inch thick round. Flour a sharp cookie cutter (roughly 2 - 2 1/2 inches) and cut the scones and transfer to the prepared baking sheet leaving an inch or more between each biscuit. Gather up the remaining dough and repeat.

Brush the top of the scones with the beaten egg and bake in a preheated 400 degree oven until golden brown for about 20 minutes. Cool on the pan for a few minutes and then serve warm or at room temperature.

Yields 12 - 15 scones.

More scone recipes you are sure to enjoy from Lisa's Vegetarian Kitchen:
Apple Cheddar Scones
Jalapeno Cheddar Scones
Cranberry Coconut Milk Scones
Cheddar Parmesan Scones with Dill

On the top of the reading stack: Food and Drink

Audio Accompaniment: Vladislav Delay

Beetroot Palya

This colorful, sweet and gently spiced beetroot palya — or poriyal — is adapted from a newly acquired cookbook that I absolutely adore. I give the nod to Yogi Kitchen for recommending "Mysore Style Cooking: The Secret Recipes of Mysore, India" by V. Sandlhya. Beautifully illustrated, strictly vegetarian and inspired by her families well guarded recipes, Sandhya has a home-based restaurant where she serves yogis. If you want to learn about the healing food that comes from the region of Mysore, this is the book to get. Lots of ideas for legumes, grains, salads, vegetables, spice powders, breads, raitas and chutneys, and sweets. Most of the recipes are vegan friendly too. Though I wish I could visit her home, I am happy to have a chance to recreate some of her delicious and nourishing recipes. I am excited to learn more about South Indian cooking.

I find her mantra inspiring too: "Your thoughts will go into the food you cook. As you grind the paste or knead the dough you must be aware of your thoughts. Be calm and happy and your food will pass this on to your guest."

Serve with roti, naan or fresh cooked basmati rice.

Beetroot Palya

Recipe by Lisa Turner Adapted from Mysore Style Cooking: The Secret Recipes of Mysore, India Cuisine: Indian Published on May 27, 2011 Simple and nourishing, sweet and colorful beet curry with gentle Indian spicing Print this recipe Paste: 3/4 cup dried shredded unsweetened coconut 1 inch piece cinnamon stick 2 dried whole red chilies 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1/2 teaspoon turmeric 4 black peppercorns 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds 1 whole clove Other ingredients: 1 tablespoon oil, butter or ghee 1 teaspoon brown mustard seeds 1/2 teaspoon asafetida 3 medium beets, peeled and finely chopped 1 teaspoon sea salt 1 cup water Instructions: Grind together the ingredients for the paste with a bit of water. Heat the oil, butter or ghee in a large saucepan over medium heat. When hot, add the mustard seeds and stir for 30 seconds or until the seeds turn grey and begin to splutter and pop. Toss in the asafetida, stir once, then immediately the beets and fry for a few minutes. Add the paste and the sea salt, stir in 1 cup of water, then cover and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes or until the beets are tender. Serve hot. Makes 3 servings

More beet recipes from Lisa's Vegetarian Kitchen that you are sure to enjoy:
Beet and Feta Salad
Shredded Beet and Coconut Salad
Roasted Beetroot Salad with Pistachio Pesto and Goat Cheese Served over Fresh Arugula

Audio accompaniment: Blackheart Man by Bunny Wailer

Tamarind Chickpeas

One of the great delights of discovering Indian cooking at home is finding an astonishing array of new and exciting ingredients never seen in our mothers' kitchens. New spice blends add a tantalizing fragrance in our cupboards and challenge our culinary habits. One of my favorite Indian ingredients is the pulp of the tamarind fruit, widely used in south Indian cooking. Versatile and easy to use, the refreshing slightly sour and sweet tang of tamarind tempers the heat of chilies and adds a wonderful extra layer of flavor to spicy dishes, as well as a lovely aroma that prepares the senses for an extraordinary dining experience.

Even before adding the tamarind in these lovely Indian-style chickpeas, the scent of nigella and fennel seeds being lightly fried in olive oil is almost indescribably inviting and makes the preparation of this dish seem as rewarding as eating the final product. Nigella seeds, also known as "kalonji" or black onion seeds, are easily found in any Indian grocer, as are tamarind paste or dried tamarind pulp.

Tamarind Chickpeas

Recipe by Lisa Turner Cuisine: Indian Published on May 24, 2011 Tamarind adds a refreshing, slightly sour and slightly sweet tang to this colorful, fragrant and spicy Indian chickpea curry Print this recipe Ingredients: 2/3 cup dried chickpeas (2 cups cooked or 1 19 oz can) 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/2 teaspoon nigella (kalonji or black onion) seeds 1 1/2 teaspoons fennel seeds 1 small onion, chopped 2 medium tomatoes, chopped 4-6 fresh green chilies, seeded and cut into thin strips 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon cayenne 1/2 teaspoon turmeric 1 tablespoon tamarind paste small handful of fresh coriander leaves 8 oz (225 g) fresh spinach leaves, trimmed plain whole fat yogurt for dressing Instructions: Rinse the chickpeas under cold running water and soak overnight in a bowl covered in several inches of cold water with a little yogurt whey or lemon juice added. Drain and rinse the soaked chickpeas and add to a medium saucepan. Cover with fresh cold water and bring to a boil. Turn the heat down to low, cover, and simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until the chickpeas are soft and buttery. Drain and set aside. Wipe the saucepan dry and set over medium heat. When the pan is hot again, add the olive oil, wait a moment or two, then swirl to coat the pan. Toss in the nigella and fennel seeds, stir once, then add the onion. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion is translucent and starting to brown at the edges. Stir in the tomatoes, half of the green chilies, sugar, cayenne and turmeric. Bring to a low boil, then reduce the heat to medium low and simmer for 10 minutes to let the tomatoes reduce. Now stir in the chickpeas, tamarind paste and coriander, then the spinach. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes or until the spinach is just wilted. Remove from heat and serve on Indian flatbreads or on a bed of white rice, dressed with a few spoonfuls of plain yogurt and the remainder of the fresh green chilies. Makes 4 servings

Other recipes using tamarind you may enjoy:
Spicy Tamarind Black Beans
Tamarind Rice
Tamarind Chutney

Uppu Saaru / Bittergourd Rasam Recipe

I learnt this delicious kuzhambu /rasam from my MIL.Just like Kazhani kuzhambu , this is also an easy , unique recipe.I usually make pitlai with BG.But this is something different in taste and the procedure.Here comes the recipe with the picture..

INGREDIENTS 

• Bittergourd - 1 no (medium size)
• Tamarind - Small gooseberry size
• Salt & water - As needed

To roast & grind :

• Oil - 1 tsp
• Toor dal - 1.5 tsp
• Channa dal- 1 tsp
• Urad dal - 1 tsp
• Red chilly - 4 -5 nos
• Grated Coconut - 1 tbsp

To temper :

• Mustard seeds - 1 tsp
• Urad dal - 1/2 tsp
• Curry leaves - few

METHOD 

• Slice cut Bittergourd with 1 inch thickness.
• In a pressure cooker , take the bittergourd slices and cook till 1 whistle.
• Take a tsp of oil in a kadai and roast the ingredients given above. Powder it coarsely and set aside.
• In the  kadai , heat oil and temper the items given under "to temper". Now add the tamarind extract , salt , hing and curry leaves.
• Add the cooked bittergourd pieces and allow it to boil for sometime.
• Now mix the coarsely ground powder and boil for 5 mins.
• The mixture should be watery in consistency.
• Finally garnish with coriander leaves.

Serve hot with plain rice & papad.

 

No Croutons Required - Asparagus

The challenge for May was to come up with a soup or salad featuring asparagus to celebrate Spring. We received some lovely entries. Please do cast your vote in the comment section or via email. Please note that Jacqueline's entry is not eligible for voting.

Our first entry this month is from Akheela of Torview. This lovely Asparagus Potato Soup is made up of asparagus, sauteed onions, garlic, cubed potatoes, cream, salt and pepper and a pinch of cumin. A wonderful texture we are told and easy to make and it goes well with bread. How could I resist? (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)

Next up is Janet of Tastespace with this tempting and creative Asparagus, Strawberry and Basil Salad with Mosto Cotto. Such a lovely presentation, this salad is made up of shelled edamame, steamed asparagus, fresh basil, strawberries, balsamic vinegar, and added to a bed of baby spring mix. I bet feta cheese would go well with this salad. Colorful and just plain good for you. (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)

Mango cheeks of Allotment 2 Kitchen submits this mouthwatering Asparagus and Radish Pasta Salad. Such a touching post, we have asparagus, radish - cut into heart shapes, seasoned with salt and pepper, drizzled with olive oil and white wine vinegar. Just yum. (West of Scotland)

Next up is Astra of Food and Laughter with this dish that contains both mushrooms and asparagus. Such goodness is combined here. Her Warm Asparagus Salad with Portabella Mushrooms is made up of olive oil, a bit of butter, asparagus, portabella mushrooms, red onion, garlic, balsamic vinegar, marjoram, cannellini beans, pinto beans and Parmesan cheese. Earthy and so good for you. (Dayton, Ohio, USA)

From Yogi Kitchen, we have this nourishing Creamy Vegan Asparagus Soup that was inspired by No Croutons this month. Celery, a bay leaf, fresh parsley, asparagus, potato, yeast flakes, miso, tahini, soya milk and freshly squeezed lemon juice are combined in this stunning and fulfilling soup. (Tarifa, Spain)

From Valerie of City Life Eats we have a lunch box meal that did not last long. This Asparagus Quinoa Salad combines the goodness of asparagus with quinoa, garlic, parsley, almonds, cannelini beans and spinach. I am sure this would not last long in my kitchen either. So tempting and I could easily have this for breakfast too. (Washington, DC, USA)

Caffettiera of La caffettiera rosa enters this starter which I think would be a meal in itself. This inspired Asparagus Cappuccino with Cinnamon Air made up of milk, stock, agar agar powder, cinnamon, asparagus, potato, almonds and cream is indeed fit for a king, especially served with some savory biscuits. (Germany)

Torwen submits this beautiful combination of Pasta and Asparagus and Wild Rocket. Bronze plate extruded spaghetti is combined with the goodness of white asparagus, wild rocket, garlic, limes, herb salt and toasted pine nuts. Such a fresh dish that would be hard to resist. (Germany)

My sweet friend Jacqueline contributes this most delicious Herby Spring Pasta. Baby potatoes, penne pasta, asparagus, fine beans are dressed with fresh herbs, garlic, olive oil and sprinkled with some feta, which is one of my favorite cheeses. Perfect and I always wish I lived next door. (Scotland, UK)

Jacqueline will be hosting the next edition of No Croutons Required. Check back at the beginning of the month for the theme for June.

Spiced Sour Cream Apple Muffins with Dried Apricots and Pistachios

Perfect for breakfast, lunch or dessert, these slightly sweet muffins are surely a delight for any occasion. I prefer to use spelt flour for a grainy texture that reminds me of cornmeal. Spicy, savory, with a hint of sweetness, these plump muffins are sure to please your palate and fill your tummy. No regrets here. Apple treats are always a crowd-pleaser and you just might want to ignore your friends for a day or two and gobble up the whole batch. Kefir or Greek yogurt works well in place of the sour cream if desired, though I like the tart, thick flavor of sour cream.

Spiced Sour Cream Apple Muffins with Dried Apricots and Pistachios

Recipe by Lisa Turner Published on May 19, 2011 Moist spiced apple muffins with delicious little pieces of dried apricot and pistachios topped with a sweet brown sugar streusel Print this recipe Streusel topping: 1/3 cup brown sugar 1/3 cup unbleached white or spelt flour 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) cold unsalted butter Muffins: 2 cups unbleached white or spelt flour 1/2 cup sugar 1 tablespoon baking powder 3/4 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon sea salt 1/2 cup raw pistachios, chopped 3 tablespoons finely chopped dried apricots 2 large eggs 4 tablespoons (1/4 cup or 1/2 stick) melted butter 1 1/2 cups sour cream 2 apples, peeled and sliced Instructions: To prepare the streusel topping, combine the sugar and flour in a small mixing bowl. Cut in the butter with a pastry cutter or knife and fork until the butter resembles small crumbs. Set aside. Preheat an oven to 375° and grease or butter 12 standard muffin cups. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, salt, pistachios and apricots. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, butter and sour cream. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour in the egg mixture, add the chopped apples, and stir until just combined. Divide the batter between the prepared muffin cups. Top each muffin with the streusel mixture. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the muffins are nicely browned and a cake tester comes out clean. Leave the muffins in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack and serve warm or at room temperature. Makes 12 muffins

More muffin recipes you will enjoy from Lisa's Kitchen:
Cherry Blueberry Muffins
Blueberry Goat Cheese Muffins
Quick and Easy Cornmeal Muffins
Cherry Vanilla Ricotta Muffins

Audio Accompaniment: Ryan Elliott

IDLI FRY RECIPE - LEFTOVER IDLI RECIPES

Recently my MIL was telling about the idly fry she had in her brother's place. I was attracted by the simple recipe and we tried with the left over idlies.It was very nice & tasty. Usually i add G&G , garam masala to make the fry. But this version is completely different from mine.No need to deep fry the idlies too. So its an easy & low calorie food.Do try this let me know friends.

INGREDIENTS

• Left over idlies - 12- 15 nos
• Sesame oil - 2 tbsp
• Salt - As needed.

To roast & grind :

• Coriander seeds - 1 tbsp
• Red chilly - 4 nos ( long variety )
• Grated Coconut - 1 tbsp
• Small onion - 10 nos or Big onion - 1 no
• Jeera / cumin seeds- 1/2 tsp
• Cooking Oil - 1tsp

To temper :

• Mustard seeds - 1 tsp
• Urad dal - 1 tbsp
• Chana dal - 1 tsbp
• Curry leaves - few
• Cooking oil -  1tbsp

To garnish :

• Coriander leaves - few

Lemon juice - few drops to taste.

METHOD

• Heat oil in a kadai and roast the items given under "To roast & grind " except coconut.
• Grind all the roasted items along with grated coconut.Add little water & grind to a smooth paste.Set aside.
• Cut the idlies into small cubes.Mix the ground paste and toss well. Take care the idly pieces should not break.
• In a wide mouthed kadai , add oil and temper the items given above .
• Now add the masala coated idly pieces and saute well for few minutes by simmering the flame.Saute till the raw smell of masala disappears.
• Switch off the flame and add the lemon juice.
• Garnish with coriander leaves.

Serve hot !!

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Penne Pasta with Ricotta, Parmesan and Tomatoes

Midweek meals are often a challenge for cooks on the run, so sometimes an easy pasta dish is the best way to go to feed the family. Add some fresh tomatoes and some cheese into the dish and you are in for one satisfying meal, especially if served with some crusty bread and a healthy salad. Pure comfort food to help fight the rainy spring blues. You can simplify this dish further by using canned tomatoes, though I think fresh cherry tomatoes along with a plump chopped tomato really make this dish, especially with the addition of sun-dried tomatoes and dried mushrooms. Red pepper flakes can also be used instead of the chopped fresh chilies. Cheese lovers will be coming back for seconds.

Penne Pasta with Ricotta, Parmesan and Tomatoes

1 pound (450 grams) of penne pasta
2 tablespoons of olive oil
2 - 3 cloves of garlic, finely minced
2 hot green or red peppers, finely minced (or a teaspoon of crushed red chili flakes)
a dash of asafetida (optional)
a dash of cayenne pepper
2 large tomatoes, finely chopped
1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes, finely chopped
1 cup of sun-dried tomatoes, soaked in hot water for 20 minutes and finely chopped (squeeze out excess liquid but reserve the soaking water
14 grams of dried mushrooms (oyster and / or portobello), soaked in hot water for 20 minutes and chopped
1 cup of ricotta cheese
1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, grated
a scoop of sour cream (optional)
1/4 - 1/2 cup of pitted black olives, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons of fresh basil, chopped
sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Heat the oil in a large pot over medium low heat. When hot, toss in the garlic, hot chilies, asafetida (if using) and garlic. Stir and fry for a few minutes. Now add all of the tomatoes to the pot, along with the dried mushrooms, increase the heat to medium and simmer for roughly 10 - 15 minutes. Add some of the reserved soaking water from the sun-dried tomatoes to reach your desired consistency.

While the tomatoes are cooking, bring a large of salted water to a boil and then add the pasta. Cook until the pasta is just tender. Drain well.

Mash or blend the tomatoes together with a hand blender or food processor. Add the pasta to the sauce, adding more water if it is too thick for your liking. Remove the pot from the hot element and stir in the ricotta, Parmesan, olives and fresh basil. Add a dollop of sour cream to the pot if desired, along with salt and pepper and gently stir until well combined.

Yields 6 generous servings.

More pasta recipes from Lisa's Vegetarian Kitchen you are sure to enjoy:
Rye Pasta with Sun-dried Tomato Sauce and Goat Cheese
Pasta and Feta Cheese Casserole
Cheese-Filled Tortellini with a Spicy Mushroom Sauce
Farfalle Pasta with Cannellini Beans and Asparagus in a White Mushroom Yogurt Sauce

On the top of the reading stack: more and more cookbooks

Audio Accompaniment: Terry Lee Brown Jr.

Paneer Cheese Cubes with Chickpea Flour and Spices

This month I am pairing up with Val of More Than Burnt Toast. She had a brilliant idea for a food event - Invite a Blogger to your Table. The idea is to challenge another blogger to replicate a recipe that you come up with.

Here are the guidelines for Val's event and click on this link to see her post:

Choose a dish to prepare and invite 1(one) blogger to create that dish with you. You can source your recipe from a cookbook, magazine, blog or any other source. Your dish can be sweet or savoury; easy or complicated. Decide upon a date that you can both mutually post your recipe within a 4 week time frame.

Link back to More Than Burnt Toast somewhere in your post as the caretaker of this event. Please feel free to use the Avatar/Badge above "Invite a Blogger to Your Table". Once you have made your dish with your blogging friend or friends and posted it, you can choose to STOP or CONTINUE on and "invite another blogger to your table" to make something DIFFERENT on a mutually agreeable date within the next 4 week time frame.

If you would please e-mail Val at bloggerstable(AT)gmail(DOT)com for no other reason than to let her know you have participated. She would love to see what you have accomplished.

Cut and paste these instructions into your post and contact a friend. Let magic happen and let's get cooking!!

Paneer is one of my favorite cheeses and I can never have enough recipes on hand for this classic Indian delight. I've made the following recipe, adapted from 1000 Indian Recipes by Neelam Batra, twice already.

The second time around I experimented further and pre-fried the paneer cubes and simmered a finely chopped tomato along with the spices before adding the paneer and chickpea flour. Whatever variation you try, if you enjoy paneer as much as I do, you will not be disappointed with this dish that goes well with rice on the side, your favorite Indian flatbread and a fresh leafy green salad. Serve with a nice crisp dry white wine for an extra special treat.

Paneer Cheese Cubes with Chickpea Flour and Spices - (Besan Paneer)

400 grams of paneer cheese, (homemade or store-bought) cut into 1 inch cubes
2 tablespoons of ghee, or a mixture of butter and oil
1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
1 inch piece of ginger, peeled and finely chopped
3 green chilies, seeded and finely chopped
3 tablespoons of dried fenugreek leaves
1 teaspoon of amchoor powder
1/2 teaspoon of cayenne
1/2 teaspoon of ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon of turmeric
1 teaspoon of sea salt
3 tablespoons of chickpea flour
a generous handful of fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

Cut the paneer cheese into 1 inch pieces and set aside.

Heat the ghee, or butter and oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium heat. When hot, add the cumin seeds and stir and fry for a minute. Now add the ginger, ground cumin, green chilies, fenugreek leaves, amchoor powder, cayenne, coriander, red pepper flakes, turmeric and salt. Stir and fry for a few minutes. Add the paneer cubes to the pan and cook, turning the cheese every minute or so until lightly browned. Sprinkle the chickpea flour over the paneer and stir to coat. Cook for another 5 minutes, flipping the cheese often, making sure to incorporate the chickpea flour evenly. Transfer to a serving dish and serve warm.

Serves 4 - 6.

More paneer dishes from Lisa's Vegetarian Kitchen:
Saffron Marinated Paneer Cheese with Fresh Basil, Cashews and Pomegranate Seeds
Paneer Tikka Masala
Chickpeas and Paneer in a Spicy Creamy Gravy
Paneer Butter Masala

On the top of the readings stack: cookbooks

Audio Accompaniment: silence, finally (no doozers and no lawn mowers for the time being)

Black-Eyed Peas with Tomatoes and Spices

Extended family dinners are a constant challenge when there is a vegetarian in the mix. We cannot function on salads alone, and what's up when there's even meat in the potluck salads? I am so thankful that I learned to cook Indian food, as it is just perfect for vegetarians looking for a nourishing meal.

Pure and simple and homemade. This is a spicy dish that will appeal to legume lovers and it goes so well with rice — jasmine rice, brown rice or white basmati. I served this with tamarind potatoes to complete the meal.

Black-Eyed Peas with Tomatoes and Spices

Recipe by Lisa Turner Cuisine: Indian Published on May 10, 2011 Quick and easy curry of earthy black-eyed peas simmered in a simple Indian spiced tomato sauce Print this recipe Ingredients: 1 cup dried black-eyed peas 1 teaspoon turmeric 2 cups water 1 tablespoon ghee, butter or oil 3 medium tomatoes, finely chopped 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated or minced 3 green chilies, seeded and finely chopped 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon asafetida pinch of cayenne 1/2 teaspoon garam masala small handful of fresh cilantro or parsley, finely chopped 1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste Instructions: Rinse the black-eyed peas and soak for 6 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse then transfer to medium saucepan and add the turmeric and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes or until the peas are tender. Meanwhile, heat the ghee, butter or oil in a frying pan over medium heat. When hot, toss in the tomatoes, ginger, chilies, cumin seeds, chili power, asafetida and cayenne. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes or until you have a thick sauce. Add the sauce to the cooked peas and toss in the garam masala, cilantro or parsley and salt. Simmer for another 10 to 15 minutes to blend the flavors. Serve hot or warm. Makes 4 servings

More Black-Eyed Pea dishes from Lisa's Vegetarian Kitchen:
Black-Eyed Pea Salsa
Curried Black-Eyed Peas
Black-Eyed Peas with Fenugreek and Tomatoes
Black-Eyed Pea Patties with Pilipili

On the top of the reading stack: Food and Drink

Audio Accompaniment: Marsen Jules

Mushroom Cheddar Cheese Toasts

My best friend Basil came over for dinner last night and I always like to make special dinners for him and of course my sweetie too. This time we enjoyed a kidney bean salad with feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes and olives along with these delightful cheese toasts that are easy to prepare and very addictive. Just perfect as an appetizer, but take care so you don't spoil your dinner with too much in your tummy - mind you, these toasts could be a delightful dinner all on their own. Vegetarians and carnivores alike will be sure to enjoy this treat.

Button mushrooms can be substituted instead if desired. Lots of mushroom goodness either way.

Mushroom Cheddar Cheese Toasts

1 loaf of ciabatta bread, cut into roughly 1 inch slices
5 cremini or 3 portobello mushrooms, cut into small pieces
14 grams of dried mushrooms, soaked in hot water for 20 minutes and cut into small pieces
2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped
unsalted softened butter
2/3 cup of extra old cheddar cheese
sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
red chili flakes

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the bread slices on the sheet.

Spread some butter on each piece of sliced bread. Sprinkle the mushrooms and jalapeno peppers over the bread and top with cheddar cheese, sprinkle with some salt, black pepper and hot chili flakes.

Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for roughly 10 minutes, or until golden brown.

More appetizers from Lisa's Kitchen you might like to try:
Olive Tapenade
Fiery Deviled Eggs
Stuffed Mushrooms with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Goat Cheese and Olives
Hummus with Sun-dried Tomatoes, Goat Cheese and Olives

On the top of the reading stack: cookbooks

Audio Accompaniment: Yoga music

Tamarind Potatoes with Spices (Imli Aloo)

Sweet tamarind, spices and potatoes make for a perfect dinner accompaniment. Where is spring? At least the trees are budding and London has been getting a wee bit of sunshine, though it is mostly just raining tears. Cool temperatures call for comfort food. Homemade spice mixtures really add to this dish. I will also note that if you suffer from insomnia as I do that this is a wonderful late night snack.

I served this with some spicy black-eyed peas. Sour cream or yogurt helps to cut down the heat if desired.

Tamarind Potatoes with Spices (Imli Aloo)

Recipe by Lisa Turner Cuisine: Indian Published on May 6, 2011 Tangy and spicy potatoes cooked with tamarind and Indian seasonings Print this recipe Ingredients: 6 medium potatoes 1 tablespoon tamarind pulp or paste 2 tablespoons ghee, butter or oil 1/2 teaspoon asafetida 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds 1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds 4 whole dried red chilies, broken into pieces 3 teaspoons ground coriander 1 teaspoon chili powder pinch of cayenne 1/2 teaspoon garam masala 1/2 teaspoon chat masala (optional) 1/2 teaspoon dried mint small handful of fresh cilantro or parsley, finely chopped 1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste Instructions: Scrub the potatoes and roast for 40 to 50 minutes or until tender in a 425° oven. Let the potatoes cool, then peel and chop into 1-inch or bite-size pieces. Meanwhile, soak the tamarind in 1 cup of hot water for 20 to 30 minutes. Strain through a sieve and reserve 3 tablespoons of the liquid. Heat the ghee, butter or oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium heat. When hot, toss in the asafetida, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, fennel seeds, red chilies and the tamarind water. Stir for a minute or so, then add the cooked potatoes to the pan and stir well. Now add the ground coriander, chili powder, cayenne, garam masala, chat masala, mint, coriander or parsley, and salt to the pan. Turn down the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring frequently and tossing the potatoes occasionally, for 5 to 10 minutes or until the potatoes are lightly browned. Serve hot. Makes 4 to 8 servings

More potato dishes from Lisa's Vegetarian Kitchen you are sure to enjoy:
Scalloped Potatoes with Best Ever Mushroom Sauce
Crunchy Potatoes, Bengali-Style
Potato, Onion and Stilton Frittata
Mexican-Style Potato Salad With Avocado and Jalapeño

On the top of the reading stack: cookbooks

Audio Accompaniment: Arvo Part