Overwhelmed by my CSA: Chana Masala

It is CSA time! We love our new CSA but it is challenging to cook so many vegetables every week.  Never before have we asked ourselves, "How do you cook 5 lbs of kale?" or "What do I do with 3 lbs of tomatoes?".  This recipe is an amazingly delicious curry that works well with any vegetables. I made it this time with chick peas and potatoes but it would be equally good with spinach, kale, kidney beans, peas, etc.  It is good both hot and cold and makes a great lunch to take to work. Feel free to play around with it and find what works for your family. This is Baby R's favorite meal so I make it moderately spicy for him (blue is an area to adjust the spice content for your family).

10/10!

Chana Masala

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

3 medium onions, minced (remember in Indian food onions are what makes the gravy thick and delicious so DON'T skimp)

2 clove garlic, minced

3 teaspoons grated fresh ginger

1 tablespoon coriander seeds

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper 

1 teaspoon ground turmeric

2 teaspoons paprika

1 teaspoon garam masala

2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes or 1 15-ounce can of chopped tomatoes with their juices

2/3 cup water

4 cups cooked chickpeas or 2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed

4 small potatoes peeled and chopped into 1/2 in squares

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 lemon (juiced) (or 2 dried limes)

Heat oil in a large skillet. Add onion, garlic, ginger and pepper and sauté over medium heat until browned, about 5 minutes. Turn heat down to medium-low and add the coriander seeds, cumin, cayenne (if you are using), turmeric, paprika and garam masala (if you are using dried limes add them now). Cook onion mixture with spiced for a minute or two, then add the tomatoes and any accumulated juices, scraping up any bits that have stuck to the pan. Add the water, potatoes, and chickpeas. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, then stir in salt and lemon juice and cook until potatoes soft (about 30 minutes).

What are dried lemons and why would I use them?

Dried limes are an Iranian cooking secret. They add amazing flavor to many curries and 

soups. Order yourself some on amazon and you will be amazed at the flavor they add!