I couldn't find a frugal recipe thread on the front pages, so, naturally, let's get a new one started! Frugal is a relative term, of course; all home cooking is going to be way cheaper than eating out.
I made a pretty yummy chickpea curry tonight (Indian-style, but definitely not authentic):
3 cups of cooked chickpeas (I used dried)
1 bunch of kale, chopped (optional, mine was from the garden)
1 tsp each of ground cumin, turmeric, and garam masala
1 tbsp curry powder
A sprinkle of cayenne pepper (your call)
1 inch nub of ginger, finely chopped
Half an onion, diced
Small handful of cilatro, chopped
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp flour
2 cups of milk (cow or coconut, or you can use some water in place of milk)
2 tbsp of vegetable oil
Salt, to taste
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the onion, ginger, and all the spices and cook until fragrant (about 5 minutes). Try not to let it burn.
2. Add kale if using, cook it down until it's tender.
3. Add chickpeas and toss everything around so that the spicy stuff is evenly distributed. Add the tomato paste and stir it around for a few minutes.
4. Add the flour to the pan - try to get it evenly coated (kind of like making a roux... Kind of)
5. Finally, add your liquid of choice. It should thicken up relatively quickly... If it's too thick, add a bit more liquid. Now add the cilantro (I like it a bit cooked.) The curry doesn't need to simmer for much longer, but I let it go for about 10 minutes while I cleaned up a bit.
I served it with rice, but you could go naan.
Cost per serving estimated to be $1; recipe makes about four servings. (samosas not included... but these were pretty cheap to make too :P)
