"Mild" Two-Potato Vindaloo

I like spicy food, but not when it is so spicy it drowns out allother flavours. I found a recipe for a vindaloo that sounded fragrant, and it is! It was quite spicy even if I toned down the amounts of chilli, but I also found out that if you lightly crush the potatoes - it tastes even better!

Like a good casserole full of chilli, this vindaloo tastes even better the second day around!

And don't be intimidated by the long ingredient list - most of it is just spices and herbs!

"Mild" Two-Potato Vindaloo
(Serves 3-4)

1 tsp cardamom
1 tbsp coriander seeds
1 tbsp cumin seeds
1/2 tsp ground cloves
A good pinch turmeric
1 tsp paprika powder
1 tsp cinnamon
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 red or white onions (because 12 shallots take way long to peel and chop!) finely chopped
1/2 tsp brown mustard seeds
1/2 tsp fennel seeds
25 curry leaves (optional)
2 tbsp grated ginger
1 green chilli, deseeded and chopped (red chili if you're brave)
3 tomatoes, chopped
50ml apple cider vinegar
400ml water
1 tbsp sugar
2 red peppers, diced
400g potaotes (I used one big baking potato), diced
400g sweet potato (again - one large potato will do), diced

- Start by dry-frying the first 7 spices for about a minute until fragrant. In a mortar and pestle, ground until you have a fine spice mix, and set aside (if it is easier, use already ground spices or leave them whole - I did the latter).

- Heat oil in pan and soften the onions with the fennel and mustard seeds for about 10 minutes. Add the spice mix, curry leaves (if using), ginger and chilli - cook for a further 3 minutes.

- Now, add the tomatoes, vinegar, water, sugar and a little bit of salt - cover and simmer for about 20 minutes.

- Add the plain potatoes and the pepper, cook for 20 minutes before adding the sweet potatoes. Make sure everything is covered with the sauce - add more water if necessary. Cook for 40 minutes until everything is tender. Uncover and simmer for 10 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.

Serve with chopped coriander, and maybe a mango lassi?

This weekend has been short but lovely. I was working on Saturday, but in the evening I went to a friend's party (power nap was required before heading out!), and today it was really warm here in Glasgow - almost too hot to be walking outside, because of the humidity. A stroll was had anyway and a punnet of Scottish strawberries to keep me going. Since then I have just been taking it easy - I hope you have had a lovely weekend too!


Original source:
Plenty, p. 18

- Jules