Fresh Vegetable Curry
We love curries around here. Our children have had the opportunity to enjoy a variety of curried dishes from a young age. Their taste buds know the flavors well. I made this recipe for dinner tonight and there was very little conversation during mealtime. A sign of a good meal!
I've been very busy lately with my garden projects. I'll post photos to my blog soon! I also recently took a solo trip for six days to Breitenbush Hot Springs and the Oregon Coast. It was so lovely to get away and relax for a while!
When making a stovetop vegetable stew, it is important to cut your vegetables into certain sizes and know how long each takes to cook. It is not very appetizing to have crunchy potatoes and over-cooked cauliflower! For example, potatoes and carrots take quite a while to cook so I always add them in the beginning. Green beans take a moderate amount of time, and cauliflower cooks up quite fast. Think about the size you cut your vegetables. If you dice the potatoes too small they may become very mushy by the time everything else is done. If they are too large, they won't ever cook thoroughly. Cooking is a dance with your ingredients.
A word on spices: make sure yours are fresh! Old spices lack flavor and are often bitter. they can drastically change the outcome of your finished dish. If they are older than 6 months it is best to compost them and start with fresh spices. You'll love the difference.
Fresh Vegetable Curry
This delectable fresh curry is vegan. I have added cooked chickpeas to this recipe but I imagine it could easily be made with chunks of salmon or halibut, or even some sautéed chicken breast pieces. Try any vegetable you have on hand. I often make this with diced sweet potatoes or winter squash in Autumn. Chopped fresh spinach would be another fantastic addition; just toss it in when you take the pan off the stove. It will cook very fast! Serve over cooked long grain brown rice or quinoa.
Garnish
- Heat a large, deep skillet (I use a deep 11-inch) over medium to medium-high heat for a few minutes to let the pan heat up. Add the oil, then the mustard seeds and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds (you should hear the mustards seeds popping).
- Then add the potatoes and carrots. Sauté for about 10 minutes, keeping the heat moderate so they don't start browning too much or sticking. Then add the spices and salt. Stir well and sauté for about a minute more. Sautéing the spices in oil is key to a good curry!
- Next add the diced tomatoes. Sauté for 2 minutes while stirring.
- Mix the cup of water with the arrowroot in a small bowl. I use a fork to whisk it together. Add this mixture to the cooking veggies.
- Then add the green beans, cauliflower, mushrooms, garlic, and chickpeas. Stir gently. cover and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve over rice or quinoa and garnish with chopped cilantro.
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About the Author
Ali Segersten
Alissa Segersten holds a Bachelor's of Science in Nutrition from Bastyr University and a Master’s of Science in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine from the University of Western States. She is a Functional Nutritionist, the mother of five children, a whole foods cooking instructor, professional recipe developer, and cookbook author. She is passionate about helping others find a diet that will truly nourish them. Alissa is the author of two very popular gluten-free, whole foods cookbooks and guidebooks: The Whole Life Nutrition Cookbook and Nourishing Meals. She is also the co-author of The Elimination Diet book. Alissa is the founder and owner of Nourishing Meals®.Nourishing Meals Newsletter
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I just wanted to share that I made this recipe recently and it was great! I used asparagus instead of green beans which turned out pretty good. I took pictures of the curry and posted it on my blog because it is a very photogenic curry! http://fivebunnies.blogspot.com/2010/06/curried-vegetables.html
I am OBSESSED with curry, and thereby OBSESSED with this recipe. Can't wait to try it! Thanks, Ali!
Desi
We had this for dinner a few nights ago and it was great! I didn't have any curry powder, but had all of the other spices, so I just added a little extra of each of them and it came out good. I might make it a little spicier next time and I'll have to try adding chicken or beef. The leftovers were good a couple of days later, too!
so, you guys have total inspired me to wake up to my interests and pursue education to be a nutritionist. way awesome, y'all.
Thanks for all of your comments! :)
Stephanie - I use long grain brown rice, such as basmati or jasmine, because of the flavor and texture. I think it pairs better with a curry over short grain brown rice.
Ariana - I use Penzey's mild curry powder. I have made my own before but this is just easier! :)
This looks delicious. What curry blend do you use? Or, even better perhaps, do you have a suggestion for what ratio's tp make a good one....I haven't ground up with curry...but I think I would like it...but they all seem to have sugar--the "curry" in the store. Thanks! Ari
Ariana Anderson
The Frugally Rich Life (GF, dairy-free, sugar-free recipes and frugality!)
www.thefrugallyrichlife.wordpress.com
Hey, just wanted to give a little hint: If you have some curry that seems to have lost it's umph, try putting it to the mortar and pestle to give it some new life!Sometimes I take a "current" curry powder mix and just toss in a few coriander seeds and peppercorns (etc.) and grind the mixture together first before adding to the dish. Seems to wake it up!
who has curry powder that is over 6 months old? not my family!!! we love curry! Thanks for the great recipes Ali we love them!
This looks wonderful Ali! I totally agree with you about using fresh spices. I discovered the difference once I started buying spices from a small, local ethnic grocer that carries bulk spices. When you smell the fresher spices, you realize the difference in the freshness.
Ellen
I have your cookbook and LOVE IT!! One question on this one... you mention using long grain brown rice... is that more nutritious than short grain brown rice?
YUM! It really does make all the difference in the world to use fresh spices. Curry doesn't have to be hot to be a true curry, just freshly ground, I think :)
It's fabulous you had that solo outing! :-)
I love that you introduce your children to so many wonderful flavors early. I'm getting ready to try curried dishes again and, yes, I did buy fresh curry powder. ;-) I'll report back!
Shirle