No matter what time of year it is, this easy curry is my go to when I need to up my vegetable intake in a really tasty way. I can throw in whatever is in season, and I can also make an oil-free version, which makes it totally guilt free.
To make this curry for 3-4 people, you will need:
1 red onion, finely chopped (optional)
2-3 tablespoons of oil (coconut oil is a good choice)
2 large tomatoes, finely chopped or blended (or a tin of chopped tomatoes will do)
1-2 large green chillies - sliced down the middle and put in whole
1 clove of garlic, crushed (optional)
1 inch piece of ginger, crushed
2 heaped teaspoons of bottle masala (or good quality curry powder)
500 grams of assorted veg, I used cauliflower, snow peas and peas
1 teaspoon of salt
1/2 a teaspoon of sugar
lemon juice, vinegar or tamarind
Start by heating the oil on a medium fire and frying the onion slowly if using (10-15 minutes) taking your time stirring them until they are soft and caramelised. Adjust the heat so they don't burn, and if they are, add a splash of water now and again and scrape them off the bottom of the pan. (If I am running short of time I leave out the onion altogether).
Add the garlic, again optional, the chilli, ginger and the curry powder, fry a minute or so more, and start adding your tomato a very little at a time so you end up with a lovely thick masala paste in your pan. Finish adding the tomato so you have your gravy, throw in the salt and sugar, partly cover and cook for 15 minutes or so.
While the curry is cooking, prepare and lightly steam your vegetables. After 15 minutes, throw them into the curry, stir well and cook for another few minutes until they are fully cooked. Taste for salt and sugar, and add either a good squeeze of lemon juice, a tablespoon of vinegar or a teaspoon of tamarind paste. The 'sour' ingredient, along with the salt and sugar, is important to give your curry the right balance of flavours.
Serve the curry garnished with a few fresh ingredients - mint, basil or coriander leaves, sliced red onion, chopped cherry tomatoes are all good.