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Dec 25, 2010

indian rasam and cauliflower with creamy sauce

Indian Night

Rasam is a light Indian soup made with dal, tamarind and diced tomatoes. The dal (split legumes) is cooked  in lots of water and is seasoned with the sour tamarind and spices. When the dal is cooked well, it is whipped so it falls apart and sinks to the bottom of the pot. Tradition holds that you serve the clear, spicy, flavorful broth to guests and the 'dregs' are eaten by the family.

In our family everyone had some of both by stirring up the soup before serving.

The Cauliflower in Creamy Sauce is adapted from a recipe in Flavors of India, a nice little vegetarian Indian cookbook. This was divine. And oh so quick! While the cauliflower is steaming the sauce is made and then poured over the tender cauliflower. That's it. We all loved this version of a sauced cauliflower and it goes on our 'Make Again' list.

I also made the Saffron Rice right out of the same cookbook. I should have followed by instincts to use the amount of water to make the rice as I usually do, but instead I followed my rule of making something from a recipe as the author wrote it. Hence, I got overcooked rice. What a shame. The taste was great and the kids liked it, but you know mushy rice when you eat it.

The simplest way to cook white rice is to combine it with the water (1 c rice to 1 1/2 c water), bring to a boil, cover, reduce to simmer for 5-10 (Max!) minutes, turn it off and let it hang out on the back of the stove for another 15 minutes, covered. Fluff it with a fork and serve.

Cost Breakdown:

dal: $.50
spices, tomato, tamarind: $1.50
rice, saffron: $1
plant milk, cashews: $2
cauliflower: $4
Total to make 5 servings:
$9.00


7 comments:

  1. I've been enjoying Indian a lot lately. I like that they use so much cauliflour in their cooking. Great looking dish.

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  2. Hi, Tender. I love the Indian use of cauliflower as well. Thanks much!

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  3. I am catholic and always looking for no meat recipes. I will have to try this.

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  4. I am not vegan but I love your recipes--the cauliflower looks amazing. Will give this a try.

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  5. Veronica and Angela, this blog is not only for vegans, but for whoever wants to take another step to lessen their meat intake; whether that is one meal a week or one meal a day. I happen to eat less meat three meals a day, but whatever vegetarian inspiration you take from here can only benefit you, your family, the animals and the world.

    I hope you make many recipes from here and enjoy them!

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