Special Indian Feast
Having received a request for an evening of Indian delights, I researched up a menu of entrees that would meet the requirements for the requesting couple: no dairy, and gluten-free. It was not as easy as one might think. Dairy is very common, and I found that substituting coconut milk for cream and yogurt worked quite well. I will say that Indian food, in this variety, is a very demanding, laborious process, but it was well worth it.
First, three different kinds of papadum (crisps made from lentils), plain, black pepper, and green chile pepper. To dip the papadum in, I made fresh Cilantro Mint Chutney (a pureed mixture of cilantro, mint, onion, lime juice, jalapenos, sugar, and salt). Also for dipping, we had some sweet garlic and onion chutney (from a jar).
Next, we had Classic Masala Dosas. The filling consisted of diced gold potatoes, chopped cilantro, diced jalapenos, black mustard seeds, cumin seeds, chopped Thai dragon chiles, diced onion, sea salt, turmeric, asafetida, grated ginger, minced garlic, and curry leaves. The dosas are a kind of crepe, made with soaked and ground rice and black lentils, fenugreek seeds, and sea salt. The batter is then allowed to ferment for several hours. The results are like filled crepe tacos, and were most excellent.
Next, we had a traditional South Indian Sambar: toor dal (yellow lentils), turmeric, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, mustard seeds, asafetida, curry leaves, Thai dragon chiles, cubed tomatoes, tamarind pulp, sea salt, sambar powder, green beans, sliced radishes, and jalapenos.
Next, we had Chana Biriyani (a sort of Indian rice pilaf): chick peas, minced garlic, minced ginger, coconut milk, chopped onion, basmati rice, mace, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, bay leaves, green cardamom, cilantro, mint leaves, cubed tomatoes, and jalapenos.
Next, we had Mushroom Mutter Makhani: king trumpet mushrooms, crimini mushrooms, sweet peas, cumin seeds, chopped onions, chili powder, fresh ground coriander powder, turmeric, coconut milk, garam masala (special spice mix), sugar, fenugreek leaves, salt, chopped tomatoes, minced garlic, minced ginger, chopped cashew nuts, and cilantro,
Finally, we had Chicken Tikka Masala: chopped tomatoes, chopped onions, minced garlic, tomato paste, garam masala (special spice mix), sea salt, fresh ground black pepper, cubed chicken thighs, cilantro, and coconut milk.
Enjoy,
Rich P