Butter Chicken

2 Tbsp butter
1 medium chopped onion
2 tsp minced garlic
1 Tbsp fresh ginger, minced
1 tsp Indian chili powder (use less if you don't like spicy)
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1 can chopped tomatoes (including juice)
2 Tbsp tomato paste
1 Tbsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 whole rotisserie chicken, skin and bones removed and cut into bite-size pieces
1/3 c half-and-half
1/4 c sour cream
1 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

1. Saute onion and garlic in butter until onion is tender (about 5 minutes).
2. Add ginger, chili powder, turmeric and cinnamon. Cook and stir for one minute.
3. Stir in tomatoes, tomato paste, brown sugar, salt and pepper. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 10 minutes stirring occasionally.
4. Add chicken, half-and-half and sour cream. Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes more.
5. Remove from heat. Stir in cilantro. Serve over basmati rice or Indian Fried Rice.

Indian Fried Rice (Bhagharay Chawal)

This rice is easy to make in a rice cooker and has a wonderful fragrance. I love to smell it cooking. It goes great with any Indian recipes that are served over rice. I always double this recipe because my family loves it so much.

3 c. basmati rice (you can use brown basmati rice, too)
1 small onion, chopped
2-3 Tbsp. vegetable oil
½ tsp. minced garlic
1 tsp. salt
¼ tsp. whole cumin seeds
4 whole cloves
4 whole cardamom pods
2 inch cinnamon stick, broken into a few pieces
5 c. water or the right amount for your rice cooker

1. Wash rice and leave to soak in fresh water for 20 minutes or longer. Drain.
2. In a heavy saucepan, on medium heat, saute the onion in the oil until translucent.
3. Add the garlic and stir well.
4. Add the salt, cumin, cloves, cardamom pods and cinnamon sticks. Fry well for 1 minute.
5. Add the rice and stir until the water evaporates (about 10 minutes)
6. If you're using a rice cooker, transfer the rice and spices to the rice cooker. Add the water and cook until absorbed. Water amounts may vary if you're cooking the rice on the stove top depending on the type of rice. Use the amount of water called for in the package directions.
7. Remove the whole spices before serving.

Curried Peas and Tomatoes

I found this recipe on AllRecipes.com a few years ago. My kids are iffy on it, but it's one of my favorites. It's pretty spicy, so if that's a problem, use less chili powder.

4 teaspoons coconut milk
1 teaspoon Indian chili powder (use less if you don't like spicy)
1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander seed
1 pinch ground turmeric
salt to taste
2 teaspoons oil
1 onion, chopped
1 small cinnamon stick
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon fresh ginger
2 cans chopped tomatoes with juice
1 pound bag of petite peas

1. In a small bowl, mix together coconut milk, chili powder, coriander, turmeric, and salt.
2. In a medium sauce pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion, cinnamon stick, and cumin seeds; saute until onions are soft.
3. Stir in ginger, tomatoes, peas, and coconut milk mixture. Reduce heat, and simmer until hot. I like this barely cooked so the peas still have a firm texture and sort of pop in your mouth.
4. Can be served over rice (basmati rice is best), and is really good served over Indian Fried Rice

Tips: You can use spices that are pre-ground, but the flavor and scent is better if you use whole seeds that you grind fresh yourself. I grind my spices with a coffee grinder which makes it really easy. Also, Indian chili powder is much more spicy than Mexican chili powder, so start with a small amount; you can always add more if you want more heat.

Corn with Sour Cream and Coconut

I made this for the first time last night with an all Indian dinner, and it was SO GOOD. It's my new favorite corn recipe. And of course, I forgot to take pictures. Next time.

2 c. frozen corn
3 T oil (I used coconut oil)
1 tsp cumin seed
1 med onion, chopped
1 Serrano pepper, finely diced (use 1/2 if you don't like much spice)
1 tsp salt
1 pinch turmeric
¾ c. sour cream or plain yogurt
1/4 c. unsweetened shredded coconut (you can get this in a health food store)

1. Saute onion and cumin seed in oil until onion is clear.
2. Add serrano pepper, corn, sour cream (or yogurt), salt, turmeric, ½ - 1 cup water.
3. Cover and cook over medium until simmering. Remove lid and cook until sauce thickens.
4. Add coconut.

Next time, I'm going to try it with yogurt instead of sour cream so it will be healthier.