A few years ago I planted one tiny mint plant, purchased from the grocery store up the road. The mint plant multiplied again and again and again. While some think sprawling mint is a bother, I consider mint a blessing. After all, the mint thrives in a spot that previously was a bark patch. Plus, the backyard smells, well, so minty.
When I found out that a neighbor purchases her mint at the store and farms I invited her to pick the mint in my backyard.
She picked and picked to her heart’s content. She’s welcome to come back – anytime.
On Sunday a few of the neighbors shared for special meal. We ate spicy chutney that my neighbor made from the mint she picked in my backyard and more…..
My other sweet neighbor taught my mom and me to make make aloo gobhi (potatoes cauliflower).
Now I’ll share with you how she taught us to make the south Indian recipe. I took notes as we cooked.
Note: The spices can often be purchased at health food stores. I often purchase my spices in bulk (for a fraction of the cost) in bulk. That way I can purchase a tablespoon of a spice, rather than an entire bottle.
Aloo Gohbi –
1 head of cauliflower (chopped)
3 potatoes (cubed)
1 C onion (diced)
1 tomato (diced)
1 T olive oil
Spices:turmeric, whole cumin seeds, fengreek, garam masala, ground coriander, cumin powder, fresh cilantro, salt
Heat olive oil in a large pan on the stove (medium heat)
Stir in about ½ T of ground turmeric
Add onions and cook until translucent
Add about ½ C of water
Add potatoes and cook for about 10 minutes
Add cauliflower and three pinches of fengreek, a few sprinkles of ground cumin, a couple of pinches of garam masala, a few sprinkles of cumin, and a dash of salt
Add more water, as needed to prevent sticking
Cook together until soft
Add tomatoes and continue cooking for a few minutes
Garnish with fresh cilantro
What a meal! And the smells were heavenly.
We also feasted on spicy chicken, a green salad with ground coconut, grilled vegetables, chutneys, fruit kabobs, rice, lentil and oat (mini muffins), and flat bread.
Thank you, friends!
Someday, I learn to make the mint chutney!
