Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Curried Mutton (lamb) with Rice and Peas

If you hadn't already guessed it, I love curries!

Throughout my travels and experimentation with ethnic food, I still haven't found a curry that I didn't love.

I actually tried a green curry with Tofu at a Thai restaurant a few weeks ago and felt ok about it.


Anyway, this week, I took a little trip to the Caribbean, which was inspired by a sale on lamb (don't really remember the cut) at the grocery store. I had the butcher chop up the pieces to my liking and left the store with a smile on my face.

The next day, as I seasoned up the meat and left it to marinade for about an hour (optional step), I rummaged through my cupboards and pantry, for the perfect side. I found some kidney beans and brown rice, et ensuite.... I had figured out dinner - curried mutton with rice and peas (red kidney beans).

Curried lamb

- Season lamb with a generous amount of curry powder, garlic, salt, black pepper, thyme and cayenne pepper (put all in the pot).
- Add a little water to the pot (just enough to coat the bottom of the pot) and place on low to medium heat.
- Place lid on the pot and stir every 10 - 15 minutes. - Chop up some onions and add to the pot when the lamb is about half way done.
- Keep cooking with lid on
- add more water if needed. Continue to stir.

- Once the lamb is almost fall of the bone ready, reduce heat, and simmer for about 10 more minutes.

Rice and peas
- Cook red beans according to instructions
-When about half way done, add rice
- Season with salt (black pepper is optional)
- Keep cooking covered until all the way done.


Enjoy this delicious meal as is, or serve with a side of vegetables (cooked to your liking) for a much more balanced meal.

*
WW buddy... enjoy a 6 pt meal of (1/2 cup of rice and peas and 1/2 a cup of curried mutton = 3 pts)

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Stove Top Tandoori Chicken Curry

As I always say, a jar of your favorite sauce can go a long way. You can easily get three or four dinners out of just that one jar.

All you have to do is make a few minor adjustments to your last recipe and voila! You have what seems like a completely new meal.

Today's delight is drawn from India. It's my take on Tandoori Chicken Curry - cooked in one pot on your stove top in about 15 minutes!

Ingredients
Tandoori curry paste (Patak's makes an excellent one)
4 bone-in chicken thighs (cut up into 4- 6 pieces)
1/4 a red onion (sliced thinly)
1/4 a bell pepper (sliced thinly)
1/4 cup of water
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking spray

Preparation
Heat up a pan/pot on medium heat
Spray the bottom of the pan
Place chicken in pan in a single layer
Brown on both sides until fully cooked (should take about 4-5 minutes on each side)
Add onions, stir and cook for 2 minutes
Add green peppers, stir-in and cook for 2 minutes
Add 2 tablespoons of the tandoori curry paste, stir-in making sure all of the chicken is coated with the curry paste
Add water, stir and simmer for 5 minutes stirring occasionally until sauce thickens
Remove from heat and serve with brown rice and sauteed vegetables on the side

Another delicious ethnic meal for 4, without even leaving your house!

p.s - add a few tablespoons of plain yogurt for a thicker and less tangy sauce
p.p.s - WW friend, each serving is just 3 points (without rice)