Sabzi (vegetable) Korma

Let's bust a few myths first of all:

"Korma" doesn't mean "slightly sweet, mild curry for wimps". It actually refers to the cooking style and means "braise".

Braise: fry first and simmer in liquid in a closed vessel.

Vegetable Korma: braised vegetables.

And yes, I am going to use chilli powder and it won't be extremely mild. So there!

Serves: 4
Cost per person: 2.50 zl (50 p)

You'll need:

- an aubergine
- 1/3 of a cauliflower
- a sprinkling of peas and green beans
- 2 small-medium onions
- 1 inch ginger
- 1 fat clove of garlic
- a handful of fresh coriander leaves
- 4 tsp almond flakes soaked and blended
- 100g of cream
- some black pepper and salt to taste
- 2 tsp coriander seeds
- 1/2 tsp fennel seeds
- 4 green cardamons
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp chilli powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp paprika 
- some water
- some veg oil

Let's prep and go!

1. Cut up the aubergine, salt and leave for 30 minutes

2. Meanwhile, dry roast the coriander seeds, fennel seeds and cardamons. 

3. Blitz in a coffee grinder

4. It's lonely so get the other spices ready on the same plate.

5. Chop up the cauliflower and get the coriander ready

6. Chop those onions real fine and get ready to mince the garlic and ginger into a paste.

7. Fry the aubergine until golden brown along with the cumin seeds. Season with black pepper.

8. Remove from the pan when golden (around 7-8 minutes) using a slotted spoon so that most of the oil remains in the pan for frying the onions in.

9. Fry the onions until golden (around 15 minutes) with some salt then add the ginger/ garlic paste. Fry for another minute.

10. Add the spices and fry for half a minute to make a paste.

11. Add some water and the cauliflower.

12. Finely chop the coriander and add along with the peas and green beans. Cover and simmer for around 10 minutes.

13. Almond cream in.

14. Aubergines in. Cover and simmer for a further 5 minutes. Check the seasoning. 

15. Turn off the heat. Stir in the cream. Done!

Cost:

- Veg: 5 zl
- Rice to serve: 2.50 zl
- Cream and almonds: 1 zl
- Spices and coriander: 1 zl
- Rest: 0.50 zl

Total: 10 zl
Serves: 4
Per person: 2.50 zl