Lisa's Kitchen | Vegetarian Recipes | Cooking Hints

Chickpea Flour Dumplings Simmered in a Spicy Yogurt Sauce

A few of my friends recently noted that I have toned down the spice lately. Well, this recipe will please those that like Indian hot like I do. When I have dinner guests, I understand that not everyone can handle the heat like I can, but this time around, I was up to the challenge and this is one spicy dish. My husband and dear friend Basil are used to my spicy touch and so they got what they asked for. I recommend that you eat it slowly along with your rice or Indian flatbread and serve some yogurt on the side to cool the palate. Once again, I have consulted my trusty copy of 600 Curries for dinner ideas.

This recipe is really rather easy, especially if you prepare the dumplings the night before. You will only need about half of the dumplings called for in the recipe, but they freeze well and can be tossed into any curry of your choosing. I enjoyed these dumplings so much that I am going to make up a big batch as they will freeze well - as noted - for up to two months according to Mr. Iyer. Do feel free to adjust the spicing according to your preferences.

Chickpea Flour Dumplings Simmered in a Spicy Yogurt Sauce

To make the dumplings:

2 cups of chickpea flour, sifted
2 teaspoons of ground coriander seeds
1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cumin seeds
1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon of sea salt
2/3 teaspoon of garam masala
sesame oil for kneading

To make the curry:

3 tablespoons of yogurt
1 1/2 cups of water
2 teaspoons of ground coriander seeds
1 teaspoon of ground cumin
2 teaspoons of whole cumin seeds
1 1/2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper
2/3 teaspoon of turmeric
1/2 teaspoon of garam masala
1/2 teaspoon of sea salt
1/2 teaspoon of red chili and vinegar paste, optional
1 tablespoon of ghee or a combination of butter and oil
1/2 teaspoon of asafetida
2 inch piece of ginger, peeled and grated or finely chopped

Begin by making the dumplings. Combine the chickpea flour, coriander, cumin, cayenne, salt and garam masala in a medium-sized bowl. Add 1/4 cup of warm water and knead until you have a soft ball of dough. Add more water if necessary. Add about a tablespoon of oil and continue to knead until smooth.

Scatter some more chickpea flour on a cutting board and transfer the dough to the surface. Gently roll into a log that is roughly 12 inches long. Cut the log crosswise and cut into 4 pieces.

In a medium-sized pot, bring water to a boil over medium heat and transfer the dumplings to the pan when hot. Lower the heat, and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally for about 45 minutes until slightly golden brown. Drain, fill the saucepan with cold water and add the cooked dumplings. Drain, and then cut the pieces lengthwise and then crosswise into roughly 1/2 inch dumplings.

For the curry, whisk together the water, yogurt, coriander, ground cumin, cayenne, turmeric, garam masala, red chili paste (if using) and salt in a medium bowl. Add the dumplings to the bowl.

In a large saucepan, heat the ghee or oil over medium heat. When hot, toss in the whole cumin seeds and stir and fry until they darken a few shades. Now add the asafetida and ginger, and stir and fry for another minute or so. Pour in the yogurt mixture and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer gently, uncovered, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

More Chickpea Flour recipes you are sure to enjoy from Lisa's Vegetarian Kitchen:
Chickpea Flour Curry
Paneer Cheese Cubes with Chickpea Flour and Spices - (Besan Paneer)
Chickpea Flour Pissaladières with Caramelized Fennel & Onions
Scrambled Chickpea Flour with a Fiery Red Chili Paste

On the top of the reading stack: cookbooks - lots of them

Audio Accompaniment: Leonard Cohen

No Croutons Required - The Winner for January

The challenge for January was to come up with a soup or salad featuring black-eyed peas. All of the entries are tempting and I can't wait to try them all. The choice was surely a tough one, but the most popular entry this month was lovely Susan's stunning Turkish Black-Eyed Pea Salad with Pomegranate, Walnuts and Zahtar Dressing. I have already made it, with a few minor adaptions. I will post about it soon. Be sure to visit her blog for delicious recipes and gorgeous photos. Congratulations to Susan and thanks to all who submitted their creations.

Jacqueline of Tinned Tomatoes will be hosting the February edition of No Croutons Required. Check back at the beginning of the month for the theme.

Buckwheat and Molasses Pancakes

The strong and distinctive nutty taste of buckwheat flour is always a treat in buckwheat pancakes, but using the cracked whole "grain" in addition to the flour adds an extra toothsome chewiness to this breakfast classic. Available from Bob's Red Mill at most major US and Canadian supermarkets, cracked buckwheat is also a delicious and fast hot breakfast cereal by itself — and if you can't find it, these rich and filling buckwheat and molasses pancakes are just as delicious if increasing the amount of buckwheat flour accordingly. And if you do have cracked buckwheat on hand, you can also grind it to make the buckwheat flour.

Despite its name, buckwheat is no relation to wheat or any other grain, but is instead the seed of an herb plant that can be ground or cracked for use as with wheat or other whole grains. Buckwheat is also one of the best sources of protein among all the grain-type foods, and is also rich in B vitamins, potassium, phosphorus and iron. Because buckwheat has no gluten, regular flour is added to the batter so that the pancakes are soft, spongy and just right.

Buckwheat and Molasses Pancakes

1/4 cup cracked buckwheat
1/2 cup buckwheat flour
1/2 cup whole spelt or all-purpose flour
1 cup whole fat yogurt
1/3 cups spring water
4 large eggs, separated
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
dash of ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon blackstrap molasses

Combine the buckwheat and flours in a large mixing bowl with the yogurt. Cover with a clean dishcloth and leave overnight at room temperature.

Stir in the water, egg yolks, baking powder and spices. Cover again with the dishcloth and set aside to rest for 15 minutes.

Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold into the batter. Mix in the molasses, leaving a few dark streaks in the batter.

Heat a non-stick griddle or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease the pan with butter. When the pan is hot enough to makes drops of water dance and sputter before vanishing, pour in 1/3 cup of batter for each pancake. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until small bubbles appear on the edges, then flip and cook for 2 more minutes or until the batter is set and the sides are golden brown.

Remove from heat and serve right away with fresh fruit and warm maple syrup on top. Makes about 15 4-inch pancakes.

More pancakes from Lisa's Vegetarian Kitchen you are sure to enjoy:
Light and Creamy Ricotta Pancakes
Baked Blueberry and Peach Pancakes
Chickpea Flour Pancakes with Crushed Peas and Cilantro
Apfelpfannkuchen (Baked German Apple Pancake)

On the top of the reading stack: Ancient Grains for Modern Meals: Mediterranean Whole Grain Recipes for Barley, Farro, Kamut, Polenta, Wheat Berries & More by Maria Speck

Audio Accompaniment: Roy Harper

Indian-Style Yellow Split Pea Curry (Matar Dal)

Split peas — or matar dal — are not the most frequently used legume in Indian dal curries, but their rich, earthy taste and hearty, chewy texture contrast beautifully with the hot and tart and tangy flavours for which Indian cooking is so famous, and make a wonderful change of pace on occasion. This simple and colourful curry takes abundant advantage of these natural combinations of Indian flavours with the humble split pea, and takes no more than 10 minutes of preparation and 15 minutes of cooking.

As usual, ingredients like amchoor (ground dried mangoes) and garam masala are easily available at local Indian grocers, or you can make your own garam masala blend using ideas found here or here.

Indian-Style Yellow Split Pea Curry (Matar Dal)

1/2 cup dried yellow split peas
1 tablespoon ghee or olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
1/2-inch piece ginger, minced
2 green chilies, seeded and chopped
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 medium tomato, chopped
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
1/4 teaspoon amchoor
1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon garam masala
small handful fresh coriander or parsley leaves, chopped

Rinse the split peas under cold running water and soak for 1 hour under several inches of cold water. Drain and rinse, then add to a medium saucepan and cover with several inches of fresh water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes or until the peas are tender. Drain and set aside.

Heat the ghee or olive oil in a frying pan or wok over medium heat. When hot, add the onion and fry for 2 minutes or until the onion starts to turn translucent. Toss in the ginger and chilies, and stir for 1 minute. Add the cumin seeds and cook for 30 seconds or until the seeds darken a couple of shades and turn fragrant. Now stir in the tomato, cayenne, turmeric and amchoor and cook for 5 minutes or until the tomato starts to reduce. Stir in the split peas and let the pan simmer for 10 minutes to let the peas warm and absorb the flavours.

Remove the pan from heat and season with salt and garam masala. Serve hot or warm on its own or on a bed of hot fresh white rice, garnished with chopped fresh coriander or parsley leaves. To reheat, add a little water and simmer gently in a pan for several minutes. Serves 4.

Other simple Indian dals you may enjoy:
Indian-Style Split Pea Soup
Spicy Green Lentils and Yellow Split Peas
Mung Tamarind Dal

On the top of the reading stack: "The Cat's Table" by Michael Ondaatje

Audio Accompaniment: Neroli by Brian Eno

Risotto-Style Barley with Kale, Goat Cheese and Parmesan

Here is yet another recipe from my new favorite cookbook (though I really can't pick a favorite but easily become obsessed with my newest acquisitions). Completely vegetarian, with gorgeous photos accompanying mostly all of the recipes, veggie lovers will certainly want to obtain a copy of this comprehensive book. River Cottage Veg Everyday by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall will please the palates of vegetarians, vegans and carnivores alike. Each chapter has a charming introduction and the recipes included are not strictly comprised of just vegetables. Cheese is included in many of the dishes and also legumes, pasta and breads and mini bites are also featured.

Risotto type dishes such as this have always been comfort food for me. Though they take a bit of time to make because you have to make sure to add the broth a bit at a time and stir, it is well worth the effort.

Hint: save rinds from blocks of Parmesan cheese and add them to your stocks and soups and remove when the dish is done. I added a rind to my stock and cheated and used some veggie cubes free of artificial additives. Served with Black-Eyed Pea Soup with Tomatoes you are in for one satisfying and nourishing meal.

Risotto-Style Barley with Kale, Goat Cheese and Parmesan

4 cups of vegetable stock or water
1/4 cup of unsalted butter
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 small clove of garlic, crushed or minced
a few sprigs of fresh thyme leaves, trimmed and finely chopped
2 medium leeks, trimmed and sliced
1/3 pound of kale, trimmed and roughly cut
1 1/2 cups of pearl barley, rinsed
1/2 cup of dry white wine
1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
a few slices of goat cheese for garnishing each bowl
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Heat the stock or water with some salt in a medium sauce pan and simmer over low heat.

In a large saucepan, heat half of the butter and 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. When hot, add the onion, garlic and thyme and fry and stir occasionally until the onion is softened.

Add the barley and stir for a minute or so. Now add the wine and stir until the liquid is absorbed. Gradually add a ladle spoon of the stock, and stir until each addition is absorbed. Repeat until the barley is al dente. This should take about 20 - 25 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat the rest of the butter and another tablespoon of oil in a small saucepan over medium heat and when hot, add the leeks and stir and fry until tender. In a medium saucepan, heat some water over medium heat and add the kale. Simmer until the kale is slightly wilted. Drain off excess liquid.

When the barley is done, stir in the leeks and kale and grated Parmesan cheese. Add more salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste and a bit more oil.

Serve in bowls, topped with a few slices of goat cheese.

Yields 4 - 5 servings.

Other risotto dishes you are sure to enjoy from Lisa's Vegetarian Kitchen:
Spicy Adzuki Bean Risotto
Lemon Risotto with Leeks and Mushrooms
Baked Mushroom Risotto

On the top of the reading stack: The Cat's Table by Michael Ondaatje

Audio Accompaniment: rain and wind

No Croutons Required - Black-Eyed Peas

The challenge for January was to make a soup or salad featuring black-eyed peas. Thought to bring good luck for the new year, this delicious legume can be enjoyed anytime of year. The possibilities are endless. Please vote for your favorite recipe in the comment section or via email. Thanks to everyone who found the time to enter this month. Please note that my recipe is not eligible for voting.

Our first entry is from Janet of The Taste Space. I could not resist this Trinidadian Black-Eyed Pea Stew. Adapted from one of my favorite cookbooks, this dish is made up of black-eyed peas, green pepper, onion, carrots, veggie broth, brown rice, ginger, allspice, thyme, mustard, Aleppo chili flakes and garnished with fresh chives, cilantro and lime or lemon wedges. I totally understand the need to purge the kitchen from time to time, but I too procrastinate. Such a lovely and nourishing dish. (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)

Our next entry is from Vnv of Veggie Monologues. As I always enjoy cooking South Indian dishes, I immediately fell in love with this Black-eyed Peas dish with Daikon Radish. Here we have black-eyed peas, daikon radish, ginger, green chilies, cilantro, turmeric and for the tempering, mustard seeds, urad dal, red chilies, asafetida and curry leaves. This recipe was adapted from another of my favorite cookbooks. (Bay Area, CA, USA)

My submission this month is this mouthwatering and warming Black-Eyed Pea Soup with Tomatoes and Spices. Easy to prepare, this dish consists of black-eyed peas, onion, Jalapeno peppers, carrots, fresh parsley, tomatoes, veggie stock, celery seed, brown rice, ginger, allspice, thyme, mustard powder, cayenne, cumin, turmeric, hot sauce, corn, fresh lemon juice, fresh chives and Parmesan for garnish. A nourishing and balanced dish in one bowl. Perfect for this dismal time of year. (London, Ontario, Canada)

My dear friend Susan of The Well Seasoned Cook offers up this gorgeous Turkish Black-Eyed Pea Salad with Pomegranate, Walnuts and Zahtar Dressing. Black-eyed peas, scallions, walnuts, pomegranate arils and parsley are dressed with olive oil, fresh lemon juice, zahtar, salt and black pepper. Certainly a classic dish and I want to make it right now. Susan always comes up with unique recipes. (New York, USA)

Sweatha from Tasty Curry Leaf is hoping for good luck with this delightful Money Salad. I could not resist this combination of Black-eyed peas, red onion, celery, roasted red pepper, cilantro, cumin, hot sauce, fresh ginger, and salt and pepper. Easy to prepare, filling and nourishing. (Bangalore, India)

Our last entry is this creative Black-eyed Pea Butternut Squash and Israeli Couscous Soup with Spinach Pesto from Lynne of Cafe Lynnylu. Certainly a meal in a bowl, here we have black-eyed peas cooked with onion, garlic and bay leaves. After discarding the onion, garlic and bay leaves, the next step is to heat olive oil in a large pot, and then toss in onions, carrots, celery, leeks then garlic and the squash. Fresh thyme is added along with crushed red pepper, vegetable stock and tomato paste. After that, Israeli couscous is added and then the cooked beans. This delightful soup is then topped with a pesto made up of spinach, garlic and walnuts. As I happen to have a good supply of walnuts on hand, I will for sure be trying this dish. (Augusta, Ga, USA)

Jacqueline will be hosting the next edition of No Croutons Required. Check back at the beginning of the month for the theme for February.

Spicy Cashew-Crusted Paneer with Tomato-Cashew Gravy

Among the many extraordinary ingredients found in Indian cuisine, paneer cheese is high on the list of my personal favourites — if 26 previous recipes hadn't convinced you of that already. Made by curdling heated milk with lemon juice and pressing the curds into a firm cake, this unripened cheese is one of the great cooking cheeses of the world, remaining firm when cooked and with a mild milky taste that takes on the flavourings of spices or other ingredients that you're cooking it with. A significant source of protein for India's large vegetarian population, paneer cheese is easily found in any Indian, Middle Eastern or Asian grocer, and you can freeze it to keep a plentiful supply on hand.

Paneer cheese recipe #27 is a simple protein and flavour packed dish that makes a wonderful light dinner served with fresh hot cooked rice. Cubes of paneer cheese are marinated overnight in a spicy tamari and yogurt sauce, then rolled in crushed cashews and fried to give them a beautiful golden-brown nutty crunch, and served with a fragrant tangy tomato and cashew gravy. Substitute peanuts for an even nuttier taste.

A reminder that submissions to this month's No Croutons Required will be accepted until the 20th. Soups and salads featuring black-eyed peas is the theme. Please submit your recipe. I might even extend the date a bit, as I hardly have any entries so far - a shame as this is a fine legume and easy to cook up. It can something in your archives, but please do link back to my announcement.

Spicy Cashew-Crusted Paneer with Tomato-Cashew Gravy

Paneer:

14 oz paneer cheese,
1/2 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons tamari sauce
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/8 teaspoon turmeric
1 cup raw cashews, crushed to a powder
2 tablespoons olive oil for frying

Tomato-Cashew Gravy:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
2 green chilies, seeded and chopped
1-inch piece fresh ginger, minced
1/2 cup raw cashews, chopped
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Cut the paneer cheese into 1-inch or bite-sized cubes and add to a mixing bowl. In a small bowl, mix the yogurt, tamari sauce, salt, cayenne and turmeric. Pour the yogurt mixture over the paneer and gently toss to coat the cheese cubes. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 4 hours.

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Meanwhile, spread the crushed cashews over a plate. Roll the coated paneer cubes through the crushed cashews and add the pieces to the heated frying pan. Cook for 5-10 minutes, turning frequently, until the paneer has turned a golden colour. Remove from heat and use tongs to remove the paneer from the pan. Set aside.

Wipe the pan and return to the stove. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the onion and cumin seeds, and stir for 2 minutes until the onion just starts to turn translucent. Stir in the ground coriander to coat the onion, then add the chilies, ginger and chopped cashews, and continue to cook for another minute. Add the tomatoes, turmeric and cayenne, and stir for 5 minutes or until the tomatoes have reduced.

Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the salt. If you wish to have a smooth gravy, remove the sauce from the pan and process in a blender or food processor, and return to the pan. Now add the cooked paneer cubes and simmer for 5 minutes to let the cheese warm up again. Remove from heat and serve warm. Serves 4.