Page 24 - Masala Lite Issue 163 July 2024

24 MASALA RECOMMENDS

PREPPED Ingredients: Instructions:

and READY • 1 cup basmati rice 1. Rinse the rice and soak it in water for 30 minutes,
• 2 cups of water
then drain.
• 1 cup of mixed vegetables
2. Heat oil in a pan and add the cumin seeds, cloves,
(carrots, peas, beans, etc.)
cardamom, and bay leaf.
• 1 onion (sliced)
• 1 tomato (chopped)
brown.
• 1 tsp cumin seeds 3. Add the sliced onions and sauté until golden
Save time, money, and • 2 cloves 4. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft.
your stomach with these quick • 2 green cardamom seeds 5. Add the mixed vegetables and cook for a few
• 1 bay leaf
and easy Indian dishes to meal prep. • 1 tsp turmeric powder minutes.
• 1 tsp garam masala 6. Add the turmeric powder, garam masala, and
• salt to taste salt.
BY VENESA DASWANI 7. Add the drained rice and mix well.
• oil
8. Pour in the water, bring to a boil, and then simmer
n the world of Indian cuisine, every meal is a celebration of vibrant flavours, until the rice is cooked and water is absorbed.
tantalising aromas, and delightful textures. However, we might not all be lucky
enough to have wonderful mums or didis living with us and cooking us a delicious
Indian spread every day; and even if we’re talented enough to create a perfectly-
round roti, we may not have the time, energy, or money for the labour of love that
is an Indian feast. The answer? Meal prepping: these recipes are designed to be swift,
without skimping on the rich, aromatic flavours you crave, and you can feel good
about what you eat, as they are not only delicious, but also packed with nutritious
ingredients. In just a few minutes, you’ll you’ll be sorted for the rest of the week.
Plus, you won’t be tempted to eat out so much when you have these scrumptious
options waiting in your fridge. So grab your apron, unleash the spices, and let the
culinary adventure begin!

CHICKPEA SALAD:
The Refreshing Kick-Start

Imagine starting your day with a burst of
freshness! A chickpea salad is a delightful
medley of plump, nutty chickpeas, crisp
cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and a zesty
zing of freshly-squeezed lemon juice. Toss
in some finely-chopped red onions and
fragrant coriander, sprinkle with cumin
powder, and you’ve got a salad that MASOOR DAAL (RED LENTIL CURRY): The Cosy Hug in a Bowl
dances on your taste buds and leaves you
craving more. Moreover, this salad can There’s nothing quite like a bowl of masoor daal to soothe your soul. Red lentils, cooked
last up to a month if you store it correctly to perfection, create a creamy, comforting base that’s infused with the earthy warmth
in the fridge. of turmeric and coriander. As you sauté these ingredients, you’ll f ill your kitchen with

Ingredients: Instructions: a savoury, mouth-watering aroma that promises a bowl of pure, nourishing comfort.
Garnish with fresh coriander, and you’ve got a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
• 1 can of chickpeas (drained and rinsed) 1. Mix all the vegetables with the
• 1 tomato (chopped) chickpeas in a large bowl. Ingredients:
• 1 red onion (finely chopped) • 1 cup red lentils (masoor daal) • 1 tsp cumin seeds
• fresh coriander (chopped) 2. Add the lemon juice, salt, pepper, • 3 cups of water • 1 tsp turmeric powder
• lemon juice and cumin powder to taste. • 1 onion (chopped) • 1 tsp coriander powder
• salt and pepper 3. Toss well and garnish with fresh • 2 tomatoes (chopped) • 1 tsp garam masala
• cumin powder coriander. • 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• salt to taste
• 1 knob of ginger • fresh coriander (chopped)
VEGETABLE PULAO: (cut into 1 inch and minced) • oil
The Comforting Symphony Instructions:

Picture a pot of vegetable pulao simmering 1. Rinse the lentils thoroughly and cook them in 3 cups of water until soft.
on the stove, filling your kitchen with 2. Heat oil in a pan and add the cumin seeds.
the warm, inviting aromas of cumin,
cardamom, and cloves. Fluffy basmati rice 3. Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
with colourful carrots, peas, and beans, all 4. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and cook for a minute.
enveloped in the golden glow of turmeric 5. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until soft.
and the rich depth of garam masala. This 6. Add the turmeric powder, coriander powder, salt, and the cooked lentils to the
one-pot wonder is a comforting symphony pan and mix well.
of flavours and textures, perfect for a
hearty meal that feels like a warm hug. 7. Simmer for 10 minutes.
8. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve.