Monday, March 23, 2009

Crockpot Veggie Curry


Spring Has Sprung

My home office and bedroom are both facing the east, so most days I get to enjoy the morning sun. In front of the office and bedroom windows are the beginnings of my new herb and veggie gardens. I can't help but feel like it's time to get started on my spring cleaning. Perhaps that is why I spent my entire afternoon last Saturday, cleaning out the pantry and the fridge. Now that I'm better organized and there is so much room for new stuff, it got me thinking about cooking up some new dishes.

I was inspired to search for some spring recipes. Typically, during this time of year, supermarket magazines are all splashed with crisp salads or fresh obsessed dishes. But from a food standpoint, I don't think I am ready for spring yet. First of all, here in Kitchener, Canada, it's still cold outside and most mornings, I'm still scraping frost off of my car windows. By mid-afternoon, I can still feel a chill in the house. Really, the only thing I have been craving lately, is a hearty stew. One that will warm me up and keep me energized.

I decided to bring out my dusty crockpot, which has never been used. I bought it in the thick of winter last year with the intention of making a hearty stew, but at the time I got discouraged because I had a lot of trouble finding the right veggie recipe. I finally decided that if I was going to do it, I had better get it done now! (I have this "pitch it" rule when it comes to not using appliances for one year...poor waffle maker and crepe maker!)

You will be very pleased to know that I finally created the perfect recipe which I adapted from one I found on a Facebook group called Vegan Recipes.

My husband and I had this for dinner last night. We'll be eating it again for dinner tonight...yes, it was that good!

Makes 4 generous servings or 6 smaller servings.

-1 lg carrot, sliced
-1 med onion, chopped
-3 cloves garlic, minced (or a tablespoon of the stuff from jar)
-3 tbsp curry powder
-4 thin stocks of fresh coriander
-1/4 tsp cayenne (optional, be careful, this is hot stuff!)
-2 lg potatoes, diced
-1 small sweet potato, diced
-a handful of snow peas
-11/2 cups of chick peas
-15 oz canned diced tomatoes
-2 cups veggie stock
-1/2 cup green peas
-Half a can of baby corn
-1 tablespoon of cornstarch (for a thicker sauce)

This is the first time I tried this recipe and I couldn't believe it. The potatoes weren't fully cooked all the way through after 8 hours! So, I strongly advise cutting potatoes extra small, or if you want larger chunks, partially boil them beforehand to avoid disappointment. Put everything but the peas in a crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours (You can cook on med to speed up the process. Just before serving, add the peas.

2 comments:

Banjodunc said...

would this work with a clay baker Jennifer? Should the onions be sauted?

Joy Deveeve said...

You ask a really great question Banjodunc and to be honest, I don't know. I don't have much experience with clay pot cooking. From what I understand, my guess would be yes, and I would encourage you to give it a try and let us know!

I think this recipe could be modified for stovetop as well, with a shorter cooking time. I did not saute the onions, so I would say it is not necessary, the flavour comes out regardless.

According to the Romertopf web site, "As a porous material, the clay in a pot that has been saturated with water slowly releases steam from its pores during the cooking process. Juices released by the food as it cooks cannot escape from the pot. This seals in flavor and keeps food from drying out, without the need to add extra fats or liquids. Along with the flavor, essential nutrients and vitamins are retained in the food."

It sounds to me like you might have a health advantage using a clay pot over a crockpot and I would be curious to know about the results.

Keep us posted. Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

jd

Welcome to LGV!

Joy Deveeve brings you a fresh Canadian blog dedicated to the healthiest and tastiest vegan recipes on the planet. Tested in her own kitchen, Joy delivers recipes that are sure to inspire new ideas and bring your meat loving friends over to the good side of life!