Easy Potato and Yellow Split Pea Curry

Last week I missed posting the healthy meal plans series due to a stomach bug. I just couldn’t even think about food! But this week I am starting off with one of the healthy recipes I’ve been wanting to make for awhile now – yellow split pea curry. Maybe it’s from being sick or saying, “ADIOS WINTER!” but this week seems to be all about stew. Beef stew. Veggie Stew. Chicken Stew.

Easy Potato and Yellow Split Pea Curry

Serves 4-6

INGREDIENTS
1 tbsp oil
1 onion, grated
3 garlic cloves
1-2 tsp ginger paste
2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp coriander
2 tsp garam masala
1 tsp turmeric
salt and pepper to taste
1 cinnamon stick
2-3 medium potatoes
1 cup yellow split peas
small bunch of cilantro
4 cups water

DIRECTIONS

• Sauté onion in oil until soft and add ginger and garlic.
• Add the rest of the spices and sauté for a minute or two until you can smell the aroma.
• Add water, split peas, potatoes and cilantro.
• Simmer for 30-45 min until peas are tender and sauce has thickened.
• Serve with Basmati Rice.

meal two

Moroccan-style Beef Stew
This is actually a very easy stew to make that is very kid-friendly. Use the pressure cooker!
2 spoonfuls ginger paste
1 tsp paprika
2 tsp turmeric
1 tsp cumin
4 garlic cloves
1-2 tsp salt
1/4 cup oil
1 cup beef broth
onions
1-2 lbs stew meat

If using the pressure cooker, you can add it all at once, stir up the beef to coat it with the spices, then add the broth and enough water to cover plus one inch. Cook beef for 15 minutes, then add vegetables (potatoes, carrots, etc.). Cook for another 5 minutes under pressure, or keep cover off and cook 15-20 to thicken sauce.

meal three

Falafel Sandwiches with Salad
I used to work in Downtown Boston where there was this amazing Middle Eastern lunch place that made the best falafel. Serve this falafel on pita with tomatoes and cucumber. You won’t be sorry.

meal four

Split Chicken Breast and Carrot Stew
Another reason worthy of learning how to use the pressure cooker. This stew is sweet and savory.
(Will post recipe this week in a separate post!)

meal five

Taco Night
I could eat “mexican” food every night if my family allowed. I settle for once a week.
Sauté ground beef with diced onion and add homemade taco seasoning at the end with a bit of water if desired. Simmer for a few minutes. Serve with beans, lettuce, salsa, cheese, sour cream, and chips.