As requested by Chris, these are the vegie curries I'm cooking tonight:
Masala Chana (Chickpea curry)
Serves 4
Can chickpeas
2oz tamarind stick (can be subbed with lemon juice)
4 fl oz / half cup of boiling water
1 tbsp oil
half tsp cumin seeds
1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 inch piece root ginger, grated
1 green chilli, finely chopped
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
quarter tsp ground turmeric
half tsp salt
8oz tomatoes, skinned and finely chopped
half tsp garam masala
1. If using the tamarind break it up and soak in boiling water for 15 mins. Rub through a sieve in to a bowl, discarding any stones and fibre.
2. Heat the oil in a large heavy-based saucepan and fry the cumin seeds for 2 mins until they splutter. Add the onion, garlic, ginger and chilli and fry gently for 5 mins.
3. Add the cumin, coriander, turmeric and salt and fry for 3-4 mins. add the chopped tomatoes, bring to the boil and simmer for 5 mins.
4. Drain the chickpeas and add to the tomato mixture together with the garam masala and tamarind pulp (or lemon juice to taste). Cover and simmer gently for about 15 mins.