DRY CURRY LEAVES RECIPES

Steps:

• 1. Chop the pumpkin or squash into 3cm chunks and cut the ginger into matchsticks. Pick the coriander leaves and finely chop the stalks.
  2. Pour a good lug of groundnut oil into a large saucepan and place on a high heat. Add the ginger, garlic, red chilli and shallots, then reduce to a medium heat. Cook until golden, stirring occasionally, then add the mustard seeds, curry leaves, and coriander stalks and fry until the curry leaves go crispy. Add the turmeric, tomatoes and coconut milk. Bring to the boil, then add the pumpkin and chickpeas. Reduce to a low heat, cover with a lid and simmer for 45 minutes. Check occasionally and add a splash of water if it looks a bit dry.
  3. When the time’s up, take the lid off and cook for a further 15 minutes or so until the sauce is lovely and thick.
  4. Scatter with coriander leaves and serve with rice, naan bread and chutneys and dips on the side.

Steps:

• 1. For the paratha dough, combine the chapati flour in a large bowl with ¾ teaspoon salt and about 200ml cold water, then knead for 10–12 minutes. Shape into a ball, cover with a damp tea towel and leave to rest.
  2. Heat most of the vegetable oil in a pan over a medium heat and sauté the onion, garlic and ginger, stirring, for 6–8 minutes, until softening. With a slotted spoon, remove the onion mixture to a bowl and set aside.
  3. Toast the mustard and cumin seeds in a dry pan over a medium heat for 30 seconds, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until fragrant. Transfer to a large saucepan with the rest of the vegetable oil, tomatoes, curry leaves and remaining spices. Cook for a further 5 minutes over a medium heat.
  4. Add the reserved onion mixture, potatoes and chillies and season generously with salt and pepper. Pour in about 600ml water, or enough to just cover the mixture. Bring to a simmer over a low heat, cover with a lid and continue to simmer for 8–10 minutes. Add the cauliflower and cook for another 8–10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the potatoes and cauliflower are tender.
  5. Meanwhile, cook the parathas. Place a flat, cast-iron, Indian-style tava over a medium-high heat. If you don’t have one of these, use a frying pan or flat griddle. Divide the dough into 6–8 balls. Lightly flour a flat surface and roll the first ball into a 12cm circle. Lightly brush with the melted butter and place on the hot tava or pan. Cook for a few minutes on each side, or until the bread begins to blacken and blister. Repeat with the remaining dough.
  6. Serve immediately with the curry and a bowl of yoghurt on the side.