Indian Cooking made easy!

A typical elaborate Indian meal will consist of dal (soup), subzee (vegetable dish), spiced rice, spiced yogurt, and chapaties (flat bread).  Authentic Indian cooking style takes quite a bit of time and requires many ingredients.  Over the years, I have taken typical North Indian cuisine and simplified it so that it is healthy, tasty, and easy.  Below are a few dishes to get started with:

Gajar Subzee (Curried Carrots)

14 med size carrots (chopped in small cubes)

2 inch ginger chunk (finely chopped)

1/2 tsp mustard seeds

2 T Safflower oil (or of your choice)

1 tsp sea salt

1/2 tsp turmeric powder

1 cup water

Dry roast the mustard seeds in a wide medium stainless steel pot.  When they start to pop, add the ginger, salt and oil.  When the ginger is browned, add chopped carrots and turmeric powder and cook with the lid for about 10 min on medium heat.  Now add the water and cook for another 10-15 mins without the lid, stirring occasionally. Serves 5-7. 

Split Mung Bean Dal (Soup)

1 cup split mung beans (or use split yellow lentils)

5 cups water

5 garlic cloves (minced)

3 green onions (minced)

1.5 tsp sea salt

1 tsp turmeric

1/2 green chili pepper, chopped (optional)

1 T extra virgin olive oil

  

Wash and rinse the split mung beans.  Add them to a pot with the water, garlic, sea salt, turmeric, and chili.  Bring the mixture to a boil and then let it simmer for about 45 minutes or until cooked.  Cooking time varies with different altitudes. After it is cooked, add green onions and let it sit with lid for 5 minutes.  Before serving add olive oil.  Optional: garnish with chopped cilantro and fresh lime juice if you like.  Serve over rice or enjoy as a soup. Serves 4-5.