Make New Friends (but Keep the Old)
I truly hope all of you remained safe and warm over this snow weekend. As much as I intend to/fantasize about staying home and taking care of all those little homemaking projects, it only took about 3 hours on Friday morning before I had cabin fever. I can't say that I have come to a point of complete acceptance with who and how I am as a person; however, the level of guilt I feel for my non-domestic goddessry has gone down over time. So anyway embracing my need for adventure, I bundled up my son in riduculous amounts of layers, topped by ski pants, and out we went in search of friends and sledding hills. Both Friday and Saturday we found what we were looking for. Just about 1/2 mile down the road from our house is a vacant property comprised of 2 pretty serious hills. I guess the significant hill action on this plot is why there are no houses on it. We discovered it on Friday, and met a neighbor of my mother's who let my son take a few spins on his incredibly fast, greased-lightening plastic tobogan. It is amazing how when you can't drive around, you end up walking outdoors and meeting neighbors...
Well, the sledding hill was hopping yesterday! We didn't stop there though, for we were in search of some very specific friends. For a few weeks my son has had a standing playdate on Saturdays with my friend's grandchildren. The thought that this exciting snow weather was going to obstruct his much-anticipated social event was unbearable (for both of us, really). So we bravely and tentatively drove over to their house. Lo and behold, they had just come outside and were sledding down their steep and slick driveway on homemade cardboard box sleds. These children have recently moved here from the deep Deep South, and it was especially gratifying to see them enjoying the winter wonderland with my son.
Now, sledding excitement aside, I would like to talk about Govinda's. I am ever in search of that magic mix of exciting new recipes and repeat favorites for our weekly menus. On the suggestion of a couple of wise entrepreneur friends, I am going to test out this format - we will pick 12 favorite entrees that will rotate on our menu over a 6-week period (that is 2 regular dishes each week). The third entree each week will vary, and thus still allow us scope to test out new recipes. The same will go for the side dishes. We will rotate through the favorite recipes more frequently with an occasional foray into the land of something new.
Just to clarify, the way this will work is, that if we offer Kofta (#1 in the favorites category) on week one, you can know for sure that it will be offered again six weeks later. So, very important audience participation moment here - please cast your votes now for your favorite best-seller entrees, sides, and desserts. I will continue to rotate through all of the recipes we have used so far and include new ones, yet if there is something you would just love to have on a regular basis, now is the time to speak up or forever hold your peace. :-) To help jog your memory, here are my suggestions for top faves.
1) Any of the recipes in today's menu 2) Sambar - South Indian Hot & Sour To 3) Split Mung & Tomato Dal
4) Yellow Split Pea & Pumpkin Dal
5) Zuppa Italiana 6) Mexican Black Bean Soup
9) Homestyle Vegetable Lentil Soup
10) Cream of Mushroom & Green Bean with Papadam Noodles
11) Write in your favorite(s)
This Week's Menu:
Entree #1 - Green Split Pea Dal with Spinach and Coconut Milk
This dal is in the running for the favorites category. It has regularly been requested for catering events due to its mild, creamy, coconut milk mass appeal. Packed with nutrition and subtle goodness, this dal makes the perfect dinner date on a winter night. *GF, soy-free
(photo ?)
Entree #2 - Creamy Curried Pumpkin Soup
Curry, fresh ginger, cinnamon, coconut cream, almond milk, fresh (not canned) pumpkin, and believe it or not - apples, make this soup a festival of flavor. *GF, soy-free
(photo seriouseats.com)
Entree #3 - Hearty 5-Bean Dal
Although there are practically innumerable variations on this 5-bean dal, sometimes called Pancharatna (5 jewels) Dal, our favorite version uses spinach, ginger, green chili, turmeric, cumin, coriander to dress up these tasty mixed beans. *GF, soy-free
(photo vegrecipesofindia.com)
Side Dishes:
Brown Rice - $1/serving (1 cup)
Tamarind Rice - $3/serving (1 cup) This rice pairs well with the Green Split Pea dal. Where the dal is mild and creamy, the rice is tangy and a little spicy, laced with the flavors of curry and cilantro leaves. *GF, soy-free, does contain peanuts
(photo abcdsofcooking.com)
Veggie Rice Cutlets -$2.50 ea. or 2/$4. They are made with brown rice, chopped veggies, Indian spices, and then lightly fried so that they are crispy on the outside and chewey yummy on the insided. *GF, soy-free
(photo manjulaskitchen.com)
Banana Bread - $1/slice or $6/loaf. I was looking for a non-chocolate dessert for this week. I am all about my chocolate, but I know that cacoa does not agree with all tummies, so I do like to switch it up. What is a more classic sweet than banana bread? Heat and add your own butter or coffee on the side. Yum! *GF, soy-free
(photo minimalistbaker.com)
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