Tag Archives: spicy

Cumin in My Spice Cupboard

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Cumin, can be added to many curries as a seed or ground into a powder. In fact, one of the popular spices in most curries IS cumin, believe it or not.

Cumin Seeds

Cumin Seeds

Cumin Seeds

Cumin seeds are slightly crescent shaped with ridges appearing lengthwise around them.  Don’t let the seeds fool you, they may look dry and dusty but the magic is all inside.  In seed form they taste earthy with pungent undertones.

Cumin seeds are used either at the initial stage of cooking a curry or they are popped in hot oil and sprinkled at the end as a garnish.  The hot oil enhances the deep and nutty aroma of the spice. The flavor of the cumin really kicks in when it is cooked.

The most dramatic of techniques, to intensify its flavor, would be to fry it in a little oil or ghee, at a really high temperature until it starts popping. Becareful not to burn them at this stage. If you do, it is best to throw it out and restart with some fresh oil. Continue reading →

Masala Eggplant in Jersey City

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Conjuring up this dish brings back fond memories of living in a highrise apartment in Jersey City, right along the Hudson River. The whiff of the nigella seeds toasting in oil, reminds me of floating blocks of ice gliding across the river in front of me as I peered out of the large windows framing the Manhattan skyline.

Masala Eggplant Close up

Usually in the evening, with my pots simmering away in my awesome little kitchen – I’d sit near the window and gaze across the river into the city, waiting patiently for my husband to come home. Now, now, don’t get carried away with your imagination, it was not like an Indian movie…and I was surely not wearing a sari. Well not on that day anyway 😉 Continue reading →

Spicy Cilantro Turkey Sliders – Turkey Chapli Kebaab

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I’m already drooling thinking about making these again for the Super Bowl.  They are healthy, full of flavor and a party favorite.  I first came up with this recipe last year for a Super Bowl party, and have made them many times since.  They were definitely a hit and are a must have for your party too.

During my earlier years in the United States after I was married, living in New Jersey, our really close friends would host a Super bowl party every year.  One year the girls had the bright idea of playing tag football with the boys before the big game.  Well, Continue reading →

Beef Curry

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My Mum’s Recipe

beef curry

This is a long overdue recipe that has finally made it on For The Love of Ghee.  So, for those of you out there who wanted this recipe, here it its!

This basic beef curry is quite delicious, and yet again easy to make.  The prep time is definitely quick.  It does however need a significant amount of cooking time.  Therefore,  I would suggest making this on the weekend, obviously it being a little less mayhem than a weeknight.

Needless to say, it is rather delicious reheated the next day or saved for later in the week.  Frankly the curry tastes great, cold or warm, stuffed into a sandwich and served alongside a pickle and chips or eaten warm with a hot slice of toast or roti.

However, I would suggest eating the curry atop a pile of rice with a pickled condiment of choice, a dollop of yogurt and some crunchy side, perhaps pappad or if that’s not available, a small handful of potato chips.  Ummmm… Yummm.  I made beef curry today and this is exactly how I ate it!  I could go on but you get the gist of it.  I hope you’re able to make this recipe soon and please let me know how it fairs…

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Three Chilli Fried Noodles

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Three Chilli Noodles is a recipe that I came up with a couple of days ago when I was craving something really spicy and mouthwateringly good.  And with spring in the air, I needed something to blow my sinuses into oblivion.  So that’s how this recipe was born.  And of course, I had to add some ghee to cool down my senses, too.

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