Spinach and Potato Curry

We usually add cauliflower to this one, but left it out this time. You can adjust the spice to your liking. It goes well with a good raita and if you'd like a meat to go with it, the Spicy Indian Chicken recipe from September makes a tasty addition.

Prep. Time: 15 mins.
Cooking Time: 45 mins.
Servings: 4-6
Wine Recommendation: Riesling


Ingredients:

1 lb. Potatoes
1 lb. chopped Spinach
14 oz. Can Garbanzo Beans
1 Head Cauliflower (optional)
4 Tbsp Butter
1 chopped Onion
3 cloves minced Garlic
8 oz. Green Chillies (Medium or Hot depending on preference)
2 tsp Turmeric
1 Tbsp Cumin
1/2 tsp Paprika
1/2 tsp Black Pepper
1/4 tsp Cayenne
1/4 tsp Cinnamon
1 tsp Salt
1 1/2 Tbsp Fresh Ginger (or 3/4 Tbsp dried)
2 Tbsp Lemon Juice
1 cup Water


Directions:

Cut the potatoes in quarters, and then into 1/9ths.

In a large pot, add the salt to the onions, garlic and ginger and saute in the butter for 5-10 mins.

While the onions and garlic are cooking, boil the potatoes in a separate pot for 5 mins. (save this pot for rice later).

Once the onions are translucent, remove from heat.

Mix the potatoes, cauliflower, onion, garlic, ginger, turmeric, cumin, paprika, black pepper, cayenne, and cinnamon and cook for 5 mins. longer.

Add the spinach, garbanzo beans and water and simmer for 30 mins.

Remove from heat, add lemon juice and serve over rice.

Lasagna

This one takes a long time to make, but it's really good once its done...

Prep. Time: 30 mins.
Cooking Time: 2 hrs.
Servings: 6-8
Wine Recommendation: Chianti


Ingredients:

2 x 32 oz. cans Tomatoes
6 oz. can Tomato Paste
1/2 cup Red Wine

4 cloves Garlic
1 Onion
1 Bunch Italian Parsley
2 Eggs
32 oz. Ricotta
2 lbs Mozzarella
1/2 Cup Parmesan Cheese
1 tsp Oregano
1 tsp Basil
1/2 tsp Fennel Seeds
1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
1/2 tsp Salt

1/4 tsp Black Pepper

1/4 tsp White Pepper


Directions:

Saute the onions and garlic with the salt and red pepper for 5-10 mins.

Stir in the tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red wine, black pepper, white pepper and fennel seeds.

Simmer for 60 mins.

While the sauce is simmering, cook the lasagna noodles and preheat the oven to 350 °F.

Mix the ricotta, Parmesan, egg and chopped Italian parsley.

When the sauce is done, put a thin layer on the bottom of a 13" x 9" pan.

Add a layer of noodles.

Spread 1 cup of the cheese mixture over the noodles, then add 1 cup of the tomato sauce.

Cover with approximately 2/3 cup of Mozarella.

Repeat again starting with another layer of noodles until all ingredients have been used, finishing with remaining Mozzarella.

Bake covered for 30 mins.

Uncover and cook for 45 mins. longer to brown top layer.

Salmon Croquettes

Salmon croquettes are simple, easy to make and delicious. They probably fall under the category of soul food and are a great idea when you don't have that much time to put something together. We made them with dirty rice as a side.

Prep. Time: 15 mins.
Cooking Time: 25-30 mins.
Servings: 6-8


Ingredients:

2 x 12 oz. Cans of Pink Salmon
4 Whole Eggs
1 Onion Chopped
1/2 cup Flour
4 Tbsp Yellow Corn Meal
1/2 tsp Salt
1 tsp Black Pepper
1/2 cup Butter
1 1/2 Tbsp Tabasco
2 Tbsp Lemon Juice


Directions:

Pour all of the ingredients into a large bowl and mix well (a large potato masher helps).

Mold the resulting dough like mixture into approximately 20 patties.

Place on a greased baking sheet and bake at 400 °F for 25-30 mins.