Coconut-Butternut Curry

 The original dish came from southern Kerala state of India. 

नारियल बटरनट करी (Hindi)

/naariyal bataranat karee/

Serves 6-8

1 organic butternut squash peeled, seeded, and cut into 3/4-inch (12 mm) cubes (= 5-6 cups/650-780 g)

1 tsp. (2 g) cumin

1/2 tsp (1 g) each: cayenne & turmeric

1 jalapeño chili, slit lengthwise, keeping the top (or a can of jalapeño chiles)

1 organic minced garlic

1/4 cup (30 g) shredded coconut

1/2 cup (120 ml) canned organic coconut milk

एक /ek/ 1. In a deep pan, place the squash, cumin, turmeric, cayenne, chili, garlic, and 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. 

दो /do/ 2. Reduce to low, cover, and simmer about 15 minutes.

तीन /teen/ 3. Place dried coconut in a small skillet over medium heat, stir until toasted for about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool.

Tarka तर्क (method of sizzling whole spices in oil)

2 Tbs. (30 ml) olive oil

1 tsp. (5 g) mustard seed

1/2 tsp. (2,5 g) seeds

12-15 curry leaves (substitutions: organic lime zest, bay leaves, organic lemon zest, or basil leaves)

1 sliced organic shallot

चार /char/ 4. In a small skillet, toast the shredded coconut in the oil over medium-high.

पांच /panch/ 5. Add the mustard seeds and toast until they pop.

छ: /chay/ 6. Add the cumin seeds for a few seconds.

सात /sāth/ 7. Add the curry leaves, swirl around for a few seconds.

आठ /āt/ 8. Add the shallots, reduce the heat to medium-low, stir until well browned, 2-3 minutes.

नौ /nao/ 9. Pour mixture over the squash and serve immediately.

Read More

Creamy Cashew Cheese

It might be difficult to find dairy-free cheeses and avoid the high prices! So, try making your own. Cashews (sg. caju or acaju) are native to Brazil.

Queijo cremoso de caju (Portuguese) 

1 cup (130 g) organic raw cashews 

1 tsp. (5 g) minced garlic or more to taste

1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil

juice of 1/2 organic lemon

1/3 cup (80 ml) water

um 1. Soak the cashews for 3-4 hours in water at room temperature or boil cashews for 10 minutes, then drain.

dois 2. Add all the ingredients in a blender. Process for 1-2 minutes until smooth.

três 3. Add more garlic to taste.

quatro  4. Store in a jar.

cinco 5. hill for a couple of hours.

seis 6. Use within 4-5 days.

📌Cashews are rich sources (20%) or more in dietary minerals. 

• 3-5 cashews per day might lower cholesterol.
• 5-10 a day might help avoid weight gain.
• Cashews are #3 healthiest nuts. (#1 almonds, #2 Brazil nuts)
• Too many could cause health problems.

The cashew tree can grow between 20-46 feet (6-14 m). 

       young cashew fruits             flower of cashew tree                    ripe cashew fruit

cashews as a snack

Read More

Benedict Sauce without Egg Yolk

 Each Sunday, we have a "nice" breakfast. One of my favorites is Eggs Benedict. Pouched egg on an English muffin + sauce over it. Try the sauce over a salad, meat, fish, or vegetables as well.

3 Tbs. (45 ml) dairy-free Vegenaise dressing or mayonnaise

1 tsp. (5 ml) Dijon mustard or more to taste

squeeze of 1 organic lemon juice

1. Mix together.

Read More