Thai Vegetable Curry

Those of us who enjoy a nice hot and spicy curry will definitely enjoy Thai cuisine. Not only does it cater for our spice taste buds, it gives a sense of sweetness and smoothness with the use of coconut.

An easy to make yet delicious side to rice or breads/roti is my version of Thai Vegetable Curry. I do not use store bought curry pastes/sauces as most of them contain some sort of fish/oyster sauce. Thanks but no thanks - we like it purely vegetarian :) 

Here it is, my Thai Vegetable Curry.

Ingredients: 1 carrot chopped, handful of green beans, 1 green capsicum chopped, 1 zucchini chopped, 1 cup of chopped pumpkin, 1 cup of cauliflower florets, 1 red chilli, 1 tablespoon crushed garlic, 1 onion chopped, 1 tablespoon finely chopped ginger, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, half cup coconut milk, 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, salt, chilli flakes.

Make: In a non stick deep pan, saute the onions, chilli flakes, garlic and ginger. Add all of the chopped vegetables and stir-fry lightly until the aroma is released. Stir in the tomato paste. Add the coconut milk and some water to help lighten the consistency (full fat coconut milk will be very thick and heavy). Add salt, soy sauce, brown sugar and stir to mix evenly. Finally add chopped fresh red chilli.

Remove from flame, sprinkle with coriander and serve immediately with hot rice or breads.  Enjoy! :) 

Tawa Pulao (Indian Fried Rice)

Wanting to make a hearty Indian rice dish but have little time or patience to spend in the kitchen? It happens to the best of us and more often than not! The biggest downside to most quick cook dishes are that we loose out on nutritional benefits, however not this beautiful dish!

Taking just half an hour to create, not only does it tick the nutritious box but will also put smiles on your family's faces.

My version of the very famous dish by celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor (his version on his page Sanjeev Kapoor)...TAWA PULAO.

Ingredients: 1.5 cups cooked rice (preferably basmati rice), 1 tomato chopped, 1 carrot chopped, 1 potato chopped, half cup green peas or corn kernels, 1 onion chopped, 1 spoon garlic paste, 1 spoon pav bhaji masala, 1 spoon garam masala, coriander leaves. For tempering, cumin seeds and mustard seeds.

Make: In a wide based pan, heat oil and saute the cumin seeds, mustard seeds, onion and garlic paste. When there is a nice aroma, add all other chopped vegetables and masala powders. Cook for 5 minutes. Add in the hot cooked rice, salt and mix well. Mix in chopped coriander leaves. Done!

Enjoy your hot Tawa Pulao with yougurt or raita :)