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Easy Garam Masala

Easy Garam Masala
Print Recipe
This is a quick Garam Masala (Indian spice) mix. Garam Masala is better when made with whole spices that have been roasted and ground, but this is a quick and easy substitute that's pretty good.
Servings Prep Time
1/2 cup 20 minutes
Servings Prep Time
1/2 cup 20 minutes
Easy Garam Masala
Print Recipe
This is a quick Garam Masala (Indian spice) mix. Garam Masala is better when made with whole spices that have been roasted and ground, but this is a quick and easy substitute that's pretty good.
Servings Prep Time
1/2 cup 20 minutes
Servings Prep Time
1/2 cup 20 minutes
Ingredients
Servings: cup
Instructions
  1. Mix cumin, coriander, cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg in a bowl.
  2. Place mix in an airtight container, and store in a cool, dry place.
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Chayote & Corn Stuffed Chilies With Red Sauce

Chayote & Corn Stuffed Chilies With Red Sauce
Print Recipe
A variation of the Mexican Chili Relleno. Quite good!
Prep Time
60 minutes
Prep Time
60 minutes
Chayote & Corn Stuffed Chilies With Red Sauce
Print Recipe
A variation of the Mexican Chili Relleno. Quite good!
Prep Time
60 minutes
Prep Time
60 minutes
Ingredients
Filling
Batter
Red Sauce
Servings:
Instructions
  1. Roast chili peppers according to your favorite method. (If you do not have a gas-stove or an open flame, heat the oven to the hottest temperature, then bake the peppers on a heavy-duty baking sheet, turning if necessary to char all sides.)
  2. The roasted peppers are placed in a bowl, covered, then allowed to steam a few minutes to help facilitate removal of the skins. Carefully remove skins from roasted peppers, leaving stems attached. Remove seeds by cutting a slit along one side of each pepper and gently scraping and rinsing out seeds and attached membranes. Pat dry and set aside.
Filling
  1. In a heavy skillet, heat oil on medium-high.
  2. Add garlic, onion and chayote, cook until onion is translucent and mixture begins to brown, stirring frequently.
  3. Remove pan from heat and add corn, chili pepper, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice, stirring to combine well.
  4. Gently mix in breadcrumbs and nutritional yeast.
  5. On a flat surface, open up one pepper at a time and spread about 3 tablespoons of the filling mixture down the center of each. Carefully roll sides of pepper around filling to enclose, pressing firmly to shape. (Chilies may be prepared ahead of time to this point, covered, and refrigerated up to 24 hours.)
Batter
  1. In a pie plate or shallow dish, stir together cornmeal, flour, baking powder and salt.
  2. Gradually mix in water to form a batter of medium consistency.
  3. Heat 1-1/2 inches of oil in a large skillet over medium heat*.
  4. Lightly roll each stuffed chili pepper in flour.
  5. Carefully coat each pepper with batter, as evenly as possible, using stem to help drag chili through mixture, and a spoon to spread batter over top of chili if necessary.
  6. Fry chilies in hot oil, two at a time, until lightly browned, turning once. It should take about 3 to 4 minutes per side.
  7. Remove and drain on absorbent paper.
Red Sauce
  1. In a food processor or blender, puree garlic and onion with tomato sauce.
  2. Transfer to a saucepan and add water, ground red chili pepper, salt, cinnamon and cumin.
  3. Cook sauce over medium heat for 30 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent scorching.
To Serve
  1. Spoon a little sauce onto each plate, spreading it around in a spiral fashion with the back of the spoon to form a large circle.
  2. Place a chili onto circle of sauce, drizzling a bit of additional sauce over top if desired, and garnish with a few slices of avocado and/or some finely minced cilantro leaves.
  3. A black bean salad and slices of cooling fresh melon and/or tropical fruits would be nice accompaniments.
Recipe Notes

*The temperature and freshness of the oil is important. If conditions are right, each chili will absorb LESS than 1 tablespoon of oil.

If chilies must be prepared in advance, reheat just before serving by placing them on a baking sheet in a preheated 350 F. oven until hot and crisp.

 

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African Vegetarian Stew

African Vegetarian Stew
Print Recipe
African variation of a Vegetarian Stew.
Servings Prep Time
10 People 45 minutes
Servings Prep Time
10 People 45 minutes
African Vegetarian Stew
Print Recipe
African variation of a Vegetarian Stew.
Servings Prep Time
10 People 45 minutes
Servings Prep Time
10 People 45 minutes
Ingredients
Servings: People
Instructions
  1. Combine all the ingredients in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes.
Recipe Notes

** Parsnips may be substituted for the kohlrabi.

* Chickpeas

Serve the couscous separately if desired.

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Black Bean Cakes

Black Bean Cakes
Print Recipe
Black Bean Cakes
Prep Time
20 minutes
Prep Time
20 minutes
Black Bean Cakes
Print Recipe
Black Bean Cakes
Prep Time
20 minutes
Prep Time
20 minutes
Ingredients
Servings:
Instructions
  1. In a blender puree beans with cilantro, chili powder, cumin, coriander.
  2. Pour mixture into a medium bowl. Stir in garlic, onion, eggs and enough flour to make a thick batter.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large non-stick saute pan and spoon about 1 tablespoon of batter into pan.
  4. Cook for about 2 minutes per side turning once or until cakes are golden and cooked through.
  5. Serve with a dollop of sour cream, guacamole and a spoonful of salsa.
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