Not sure if I'm supposed to post an actual recipe in this thread but here ya go...
In the spirit of being mustachian, a cheap dish that is healthy and will be the best thing you have this week.
*Note: it may seem a lot of spices for this dish, but if you plan to eat indian a few times a month the spices will be pennies/meal in the end, will be well worth it*
Chick Pea Curry (Chana Masala)
Makes 4 servings
1 can Soaked Chick Peas (2c)
1 jar Diced Tomatoes (3-4c)
1 Onion, diced
1 Cinnamon Stick
3 Green Cardamom pods
1 tbs Cumin Seeds
0.5 tbs Turmeric Powder
0.5 tbs Coriander Powder
1 tsp Chili Powder (optional, but do it)
1 tbs Garam Masala powder
1 tbs Ginger, paste
3 cloves Garlic, paste
0.5 tbs Sugar
1 tbs oil (canola, butter, olive, whatever)
1/4 bunch Cilantro, chopped
Salt & pepper to taste
1/4 lemon juice (optional, but do it)
1. Heat oil in pot on medium heat. Add whole spices (cinnamon stick, cardamom, cumin seeds), swirl in hot oil for 30 seconds.
2. Add onion, cook until golden brown.
3. Add powdered spices and mix. Add ginger and garlic, cook for 1 minute.
4. Add tomatoes* and mix well. Bring to a simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Add chick peas and simmer for 10 minutes. (if too thick add remaining tomato juice or water or stock)
6. Add sugar, salt and pepper to taste. Add cilantro. Add lemon juice.
Serve as you wish (on basmati rice is popular, I can post an indian rice recipe if wanted)
The steps above are your basic steps for making many different curries
1. add oil and whole spices
2. brown onions
3. add powder spices and ginger/garlic paste
4. add tomatoes and simmer
5. add whatever the main component (beef, chicken, goat, chick pea, etc) adjust for cooking time
6. add remaining seasoning
*a word on tomatoes... I prefer canned diced tomatoes (crushed tomatoes will be fine too) In my experience, canned makes a better product over using fresh tomatoes. It's usually cheaper, it's easier and tastes better. They are picked/packed at just the right time - they have just the right water content. If you use fresh tomatoes do your guests a favour and remove the skin by blanching them first.
If you go canned obviously use the ones without other herbs/spices - just canned plain tomatoes