“You’re not much of a celebrity, are you?”.
I’m smidgingly besotted by India. If I could only travel to one more country in my entire lifetime it would be that enigmatic, perplexing, intoxicating country.
I’ve visited her half a dozen times and spent a total of about two and a half years there, but every now and then I feel a pang to return which is so visceral I wonder if I might not have a drop or two of Indian blood mingling with my Irish Australian convict heritage.
I’ve been collating my favorite Indian recipes for over a decade now but haven’t managed to snare that elusive cookbook deal. I’ve encountered the un-celeb ceiling. In all honestly a publisher once said to me: “You’re not much of a celebrity, are you?”.
No, no I’m not. But these are great recipes and I’m happy to share them with anyone who loves this magical cuisine. Starting with one of my favorites: Chickpeas in Coconut Milk.
- 4 tomatoes (peeled and chopped)
- 4 onions
- 2 green chilli
- 3 TBS oil
- ½ TBS turmeric
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp fennel
- 1 cup water
- 2 tsp coriander
- 2 tsp chilli powder
- 6 cloves garlic
- Piece of ginger (size of your thumb)
- ½ TBS mustard seeds
- 12 curry leaves
- 2 cups cooked chickpeas
- ½ cup water
- 1 cup coconut milk
- Fry mustard seeds and curry leaves in oil
- Add tomatoes, chilli and onion and fry for 4-5 mins
- Grate or puree the garlic and ginger and add to the mix
- Toss in remaining spices and chickpeas
- Pour water over the mix and simmer uncovered for 4-5 mins
- Add coconut milk and simmer for 7-10 mins checking liquid after 5 mins
- Eat and Enjoy!
Really? You are a celebrity in our little world of gourmets! Is that the requirement today, to get a book deal?
Whaaaaa? A publisher actually said that to you? The nerve. Everyone knows who you are. Well, everyone important!
You should definitely get that cookbook deal. I’d buy it. Simply because you’re famous. XD