TIKKA MASALA

I promised the beautiful, Mag, a recent convert to vegan life, that I'd post this today, so here it is.  A fabulous masala - as much "treat" as "tikka", it has the wonderful texture and layered flavours that makes you feel like you're getting away with something:  it is that good.  And this is a recipe that goes a long way (you could freeze some for another meal).  Serve it over roasted tofu, seitan or steamed or roasted veggies (chick peas, potatoes, cauliflower, parsnips, carrots, snow peas and eggplant are especially good!). With a side of fresh greens and maybe a bowl of jasmine rice or rustic bread for dipping, this is a true meal and another of those recipes that is hard to resist when seconds are offered.  Warm and comforting, it is also very pretty on a cold winter's night.

1/4 c olive oil

1 large white onion, chopped

1/2-one green pepper, chopped 

1 small jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped (remember to wash your hands after handling!)

1 heaping tbsp of fennel seeds

3-4 minced cloves of garlic

1 inch of minced ginger (about a heaping tbsp)

1 tsp sea salt

1 heaping tbsp coriander

1 heaping tbsp med curry powder

2 cups cashew milk

1 cup of almond or coconut milk

1, 28oz can crushed tomatoes 

2 tbsp gf all-purpose flour (or rice or spelt flour) - mixed w/ 1/2 hot water, to thicken

2 tbsp lemon or lime juice

Heat the olive oil in a heavy bottomed large skillet and saute onion until just translucent.  Add the peppers, seeds, garlic, ginger, salt, coriander and curry powder and mix well. Let simmer for five minutes or so on medium and then raise the heat to high.  When beginning to boil whisk in the flour/water mixture and reduce the heat.  Cook another five minutes or so to mix in the flour and thicken, avoiding any lumps.  Stir in the lemon juice and simmer for about 20 minutes or so.  Spoon over your veggies and/or tofu and/or grilled seitan.  Be generous! - You'll want sauce at the end to scoop up with bread! 

Namaste ~

"Tikka Masala" by Suzanne O'Callaghan

(antique, hand-painted German vase/pot, Charlottetown Farmer's Market)