I'm so Bengali ... I love it

My palate has a curious nature and always wants to experiment. However, there is one item that I will NEVER be able to cut out of my life.... RICE. Scrumptious white elongated granules that emulate whatever flavor you want them to! In my opinion, these petite pearls are perfect partners for just about anything. Telling a Bengali to live without rice is like telling a human to breathe without oxygen. Even though I have learned to compromise by going for Roti or Brown Rice, I still have my moments of sheer weakness. This was a classic moment as such.

It was dinner time and I was craving some serious yummy in my tummy. Nothing but rice would do - Trust Me. As soon as the rice cooker started doing its thing, I got busy making curry. What, you thought I'd make something different with rice?!?!

The piece de' resistance was Aloo Muttar (potato & pea curry). Fresh fingerling potatoes, peeled diced and cooked for 6 minutes with 3 cups of water in the microwave. 1 large onion, 5 cloves of garlic and 1/2 inch piece of ginger grated and sauteed in a pan with a pinch of cumin seeds and 1 tbsp olive oil. Frozen peas added with 1 large chopped tomato, turmeric and fresh chili powder. I cooked this for 10 mins on med-low flame and then added the drained potatoes with 1.5 cups of fresh water. Cooked on medium flame till liquid bubbled and turned it to simmer. Added a dash Fat Free Half & Half, some salt and 1 tsp sugar (to enhance the spice and salt). I like a little bit of tang, so I always squeeze 1/2 a lime before I take it off the heat.

I served this golden concoction with a generous cup of rice.




Let me tell you .... satisfaction was supreme during that meal. I had glorious bites filled with flavor blasted carbs and I loved it!!! The Bengali Beast in me rests happily ............. for now :o)