Worknight Dinner Recipe: Easiest Indian Stew

I'm not shy about my lack of exposure to ethnic foods. Growing up, pork lo mein was about the most exotic thing that passed my lips. And even then, I'd pick out the onions and the "green things." (Scallions? Herbs? No way, no how).

Though my palate has certainly expanded beyond Chinese takeout, I've yet to try Indian food. The closest I've come is Martha Stewart's Easiest Indian Stew, which I made last night for dinner (and lunch today, and most likely tomorrow, too!)

This stew was thick and filling and would be perfect for anyone who prefers a vegetarian style of eating. I served it atop a bowl of pearled barley seasoned with ginger and oregano, that had spent the day cooking in my Rival Dip Master 1.5 Quart Crock Pot. It's a little spicy but the barley, which had a thick, creamy texture after slow-cooking all day, evened out the strong flavors.

Easiest Indian Stew

Ingredients
Serves 4 (large portions; could easily serve 6)

1 cup long-grain white rice (I substituted the rice for barley)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, such as safflower
1 medium onion, minced
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 tablespoon curry powder, plus more for garnish
1 teaspoon ground ginger
3 cups homemade or best-quality store-bought tomato sauce
2 cans (15 ounces each) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, plus lime wedges for garnish
1/2 cup plain low-fat yogurt

Directions

1. Cook rice according to package instructions; cover, and keep warm. While rice is cooking, heat oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add onion and garlic; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until onion is tender, 4 to 6 minutes. Add curry powder and ginger; cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute.

2. Add tomato sauce, chickpeas, and 1 1/2 cups water. Bring to a boil; reduce to a simmer, and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 8 to 10 minutes.

3. Stir in lime juice; season with salt and pepper. Serve stew with rice and yogurt, garnished with lime wedges and a pinch of curry.

Comments

[Daryl]

I could take abite out of that lime. It looks sofresh crisp!. The stew is making my mouth water and my stomach growl.

[gazellesoncrack]

I love, love, love Indian food. I could eat it every day. Unfortunately, I can't recommend any good places (unless you're going to be in the LA area).

However, I never have cooked barley.

(I have a great cookbook with easy, low-fat Indian recipes - I'll see if I can find it let you know what it's called.)

[magda]

Wow ... except for the ginger, I have all the makings for this dinner in my kitchen, right now. It must be a sign : )

p.s., I made your banana muffins yesterday; they are So. Very. Delicious. Thanks!

[Heidi Renée]

I made Indian for dinner last night, too, with potato, spinach, onion, garlic, and a spicy tomato sauce. I could eat it every day!

[Lydia (The Perfect Pantry)]

What a nice introduction to Indian food. It's such a rich and varied cuisine; I hope this is just the beginning of your exploration!

[Kevin]

Looks good. I have been wanting to explore more Indian cuisine as well.

[Joey]

Indian food is the best food. Looks delicious.

[Pearl]

stew looks so perfect for cold days :) i've never had indian food!

[lisa (dandysugar)]

Indian food is one of my favorite cuisines. This dish looks delicious! I like the addition of pearl barley in place of the rice. A very nice healthy meal.

[susan]

I have been talking about trying Indian food for so long.

I just need to do it.

[Elra]

Hi Maris,
The curry look really good, what I really impress is that you don't mind to try new ethnic food. Well done.
Cheers,
Elra

[Mandy]

Thanks for stopping by my blog. Indian food is one that I HAVE NOT tried. I've never cooked with curry before. This may be my next stop on my culinary adventure. Thanks for posting!

[Susan from Food Blogga]

I love these kinds of dinners where everything gets cooked in one pot and the end result is something hearty and satisfying.

[grace]

now THAT'S what i call a stew! thick and hearty and stick-to-your-ribs. some ethnic food scares me, but this is great. :)

[Debbie Davis]

Sounds delicious! I'm going to check and see if I have these ingredients in my pantry. Thanks for another wonderful recipe!

[Home with Mandy]

The title of this post cracks me up! I tagged you on my blog, check it out for rules to play!

[Home with Mandy]

When I said this title cracks me up, I was referring to "When I dip, you dip, we dip." There really isn't anything funny about Easiest Indian Stew...although I do want to give it a shot. :-)