Another week down and I am excited for the weekend as it means time to cook some healthy food, a passion of mine. These are two of our favorite dishes, and with a chill in the air, this is good healthy comfort food. I give you my version of Shira’s yummy coconut kale chickpea curry (her delicious recipe can be found here) and Naan (Indian flat bread). Enjoy!
Coconut Kale Chickpea Curry
- 1/3-1/2 c. coconut oil (or olive oil if you prefer)
- 1 T. cumin seeds
- 1.5 c. finely chopped onions (~1 large yellow onion)
- 1/3 c. sun-dried tomatoes, diced
- 1-1.5 tsp. salt
- 4-5 T. finely chopped fresh ginger
- 2 finely chopped fresh Serrano peppers (I add the seeds for some kick.)
- 4 c. cooked chickpeas
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1 small bunch scallions, chopped
- 4 c. curly green kale, chopped fine
- Heat oil in large pot on medium high for one minute.
- Add the cumin seeds and cook, stirring frequently, for about 30 seconds (the seeds will start to sizzle and become fragrant).
- Add the chopped onions and continue to cook on medium high for about 8-10 minutes, until the onions are soft and brown.
- Add the tomatoes, pepper, ginger and salt, and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring well.
- Add the chickpeas and coconut milk and stir well. Cover and bring to a boil. Once boiling, turn the heat to medium low; keep the pot covered; and cook for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- At the last minute, add the chopped scallions and kale and stir in well. Cook for one to two minutes further until the kale turns bright green. Serve immediately.
Stove-Top Naan (makes 4-5)
We don’t consume much gluten anymore but this is one dish we just can’t resist.
- 2+ c. flour (I used 1.5 cups organic bread flour and 0.5 cups organic sprouted whole wheat flour.)
- 1.5 tsp. active dry yeast
- 1 tsp. salt
- 2 tsp. raw sugar (I use Demerara)
- 1/2 tsp. baking powder
- 2 T. oil (I use coconut oil but you could use olive or a combination of coconut and olive)
- 3 T. Greek yogurt
- 3/4 c. lukewarm water
Our topping of choice: black or white sesame seeds or combination
- Dissolve yeast and sugar in 1/4 cup lukewarm water and let it sit for 10 minutes or until frothy.
- Combine together flours, salt, and baking powder and mix well.
- Mix the oil and yogurt into the flour.
- Add the water/yeast mixture and knead. Add a 1/4 cup water at a time to make into soft dough.
- Knead for 5-6 minutes until smooth and non-sticky. Place in greased container; spritz top with oil; cover and let rise for 2 hours or until doubled.
- After rising, knead the dough for a minute; use a little flour to help reduce stickiness; and divide the dough into 5 equal parts.
- Take each piece of dough, one at a time; sprinkle with sesame seeds; and roll/shape into 8-inch oval shape. Dust lightly with flour to help with the rolling.
Take the remaining Naan along on a picnic, with some good aged cheese and a glass of red…muy delicioso! 🙂
Paint Your Landscape 
Oh, Lu, Thank you so much for this timely blog. Now that I finally have a place to cook, I am going to go back to all of your former posts and print out all of the recipes you have posted, especially this one, so I can try them all. I don’t think it’s as cold here, as it is where you are, but it will be soon, and this sounds like just the ticket. I will go shopping next week for all of the ingredients I need and get started. What a great friend you are! Lucky me! I’m glad you are enjoying your weekend and getting some rest, I hope.
We are getting lots of rest this weekend. I should probably post more recipes as I love to cook. 🙂
Please do!
I will share the curry recipe to the chef in the house for he likes to experiment. Is it yummy as it looks?
We think it is pretty yummy! I really enjoy cooking but at times wish I had a chef in the house. 🙂
Yum! Yum! Yum! Looks good. I just had a cup of Kale & Bean with turkey sausage soup from Panera. It was sooo good!
I love Panera and that soup in particular! 🙂
I usually get Broccoli Cheddar. It’s my fave! But the kale & bean was spiced really well. 🙂
Amazing dish! 😀
Looks like dinner’s menu is set 😛
😀
Thanks LuAnn…looks yummy! The next few days here are forecast for rain and cool temps…great timing!
It is a great dish! 🙂
The chilly weather does make you want to cook comfort food. The Chickpea Curry sounds wonderful as does the Naan!! I love bread of any kind. Thanks so much for including the recipe:)
My pleasure. 🙂
Sounds really delicious LuAnn. I’m in hot pursuit of what changes I need to make to my diet to try and survive menopause (sorry gentlemen). For the last few weeks I’ve felt like nothing I’ve ever felt before. Fluctuating energy, fluctuating moods, fluctuating headaches. This is all new to me, and I dislike it INTENSELY. Even my usual anecdote of upping my exercise isn’t helping – it’s just been leaving me more exhausted.
The only think left is to scrutinize my diet with a fine tooth comb and track my reactions after each meal. I started a couple of days ago, and also began a new round of dietary related research online. It’s so confusing! We already rarely eat meat, limit our ‘bad’ fats, and eat lots of produce. I’m experimenting with reducing my caffeine from 16 oz in the morning to 8 oz, and I’m cutting back on sugar, my one Achilles heel, though even that bad habit is fairly minor in the grand scheme of things.
The one bright spot is I haven’t gained any weight yet because our active lifestyle. I guess there’s a silver lining in every cloud! But, in all seriousness, any dietary suggestions you might have on how to get through this most exasperating phase would be most welcome. -)
My MIL once told me that our 50’s would be the best years of our lives, and in many ways they are, but she neglected to tell me all the nasty stuff about menopause. I will send you a separate email so as not to bore the men, although I believe many of them have a similar experience, one that is not often discussed.
You two will be eating real good this weekend. Enjoy!
Yes we will! 🙂
Thank you, LuAnn! Not sure if we will be ambitious enough to try it but it is inspiring me to cook more.
Can not believe that you two are working at Amazon! Don’t think that we are brave enough to do that. Please take care of yourself!
There is a Pilates movement called the piriformis stretch….an instructor friend highly recommends it.
I cannot believe we are working here either Lynne! As I have mentioned to a few others, I think there was a part of Terry that needed to know he could do this, given the setback he had earlier this year. I’m thinking tackling a mountain, out in nature somewhere, sounded more appealing! I am doing many stretches for the piriformis, so I may be doing something similar your friend has recommended.
Looks delicious, LuAnn. It’s good that you’ve written it down (and shared!). For years I would throw ingredients together and a week later not be able to repeat a really great dinner. Now I write them down (mostly) too. I agree with Lynne above. The piriformis stretch is very helpful when you are doing a lot of walking.
I have to write them down now as well, which probably speaks somewhat to my age lol! Whenever Terry likes a recipe, and I seem to change them up a lot, the first question he asks is, “can you remember how you made this”. My aches and pains are beginning to subside a bit, but my new mantra is “I am never doing this again”!
Gayl and I hope you take your new mantra advice in your very last comment to whichwaynow101. We want to enjoy more of your hiking blogs in the future, preferably in Florida this winter. Tell Terry hi for us.
Actually, my mantra is Terry’s sentiment as well! Once at Amazon is enough for him as well. This winter it may be long walks on the beach, which is something I think about often. Hope you two are well. Have a great Thanksgiving! 🙂
Yum! Definitely share more recipes!
I may just do that!
Wish I was coming for dinner, LuAnn. Looks very yummy indeed. 🙂
Wish you were too Sylvia. I would love to meet you! 🙂
I’m not sure where you find the energy but good nutrition really helps. Keep sharing your recipes although I’ll probably take a pass on the kale. We really have tried 😉 Hope you have a very relaxing weekend!
Since Nina has dubbed me the “kale queen”, I am disappointed you don’t like one of my favorite greens. 😉 Hope you are enjoying warm, sunny days. Weather here is getting cooler, with grey skies, which is ok since we are justing getting some R&R this weekend.
Ohhh that looks yummy! What time shall I be there for dinner?? (grins)
Since you live in one of the states we love the most, how ’bout I bring dinner to you? 😉
Is this what you cook in your mobile meth lab these days (Breaking Bad reference there)? I will be happy to be invited for some food hehe, you do make it sound delectable and mouth watering.
This is one of those crazy things I cook in our little tin can of a home! As for the Breaking Bad reference, you once again are a few steps ahead of me. We have yet to see this, but as I write, season 1 is winging its way to us through the Netflix channels. 🙂
This pleases me, I like to inspire you with lots of goodness in terms of visualnessness.
😀
LuAnn, this looks fabulous! We are both Indian food and chickpea lovers and seem to find ways to throw them in with everything! Can’t wait to try this delicious recipe! 🙂 ~Terri
If you love Indian food and curry, I think you will love this one! 🙂
Both recipes are a must try..looks very good!!
If you like vegetarian food and curry, I think you would really enjoy this. Hope all is good with you Gerri. 🙂
Well anything with chickpeas…lord have mercy! Then you even added the red glass of wine…does life get any better than this?!!♥ Blessings.
Not much! 🙂
Lu Ann thanks for sharing this, your timing was perfect. Chris was going to a friends home to watch football. One of the people there is really food conscious and I know what is usually served during viewings so I decided to make your curry and send it along (couldn’t make the naan, too not enough time). It was loved. I didn’t have the scallions on hand but did have some of our radish pods that I used instead.
The first time I made this I was really surprised at how much Terry loved it. I have made it for several other friends since and had the same reaction, and it is good for us! 🙂
Okay, this is better LuAnn, taking my mind off the two of you guys in warehouse city, working your behinds off!
The ingredients you’ve listed here make this sound absolutely delicious! Photographs also indicate same. Along with the yummy food, I hope the two of you are enjoying some “down time” and relaxation. Yes, a chef, that’s what you need – that’s the ticket! Do take care of you, dear friend! 🙂 xx
I am taking this adventure one day at a time and must say I have a newfound appreciation for those who work day in and day out at physical jobs like we are doing. We pass full-time employees here and many look like their eyes are glazed over. It is a tough life for those who have to do this.
I’ve been offline this past week until today so I’m hoping you and Terry are still hanging in there LuAnn. I know you can hear the words in my head I’m thinking but not saying here! Much love, dear friend! xo
I am doing much better and there is so much I could say as well, however I will not on this venue. Hope you and your family are well. 🙂
Gotcha on the venue, but that’s okay, I can read your mind (ha,ha)! Everyone is fine. I’m still trying to figure out how to organize everything that I’d like to accomplish so it will work out, sigh, but all is well, have a Tasty and wonderful Thanksgiving LuAnn! 🙂 xo
Happy Thanksgiving to your family as well Penny! 🙂
Thanks LuAnn. I hope your Thanksgiving was as delicious as ours was. Christina makes just the best homemade dinner rolls (secret ingredient – potatoes in the mixture)! I hope today and the next week are survivable ones for you. Please feel free to send an email (if vending is needed dearest friend)! 🙂
We did have a nice Thanksgiving dinner with some great folks we have met but it is never the same as having friends/family get together for a meal. Thanksgiving is one meal I have always loved to cook. I may just send you that email. 🙂
Yes, do send me the email, LuAnn! I’m right here! I agree about cooking on Thanksgiving too! 🙂
As soon as our schedule clears a bit I will send an email. Our workweek is now 5 10-hr days and Friday is our first day of rest, thank the gods.
Thank the Gods indeed, sweet friend! Hang in there, LuAnn! You’re in my thoughts daily, sending you lots of positive energy!:) xo
Positive energy is something I could use, actually any kind of energy to get me through these last two weeks. 😉
You surprised me, Lu! You don’t just eat Naan but you know how to make it. Kudos to you. Sorry to say, it irates me a bit every time I hear some Americans miss so much of their own regular food that they find “cultured” food not appealing esp. when they are in “foreign” land. I love Indian food as it’s always about spices.
I am one spicy girl! You may not have noticed that when we met as we were both a bit “shy” I think. Next time look out! The beauty in being in other countries is delving into the local culture and customs and food is one of these. I have always been adventurous about trying new foods. I love, love, love spicy food so when we lived in Mexico for a year, I was in heaven. The local food was divine. 🙂
It looks delicious – and I am sure the homemade nan bread is impossible to resist 🙂
Although we don’t eat much gluten these days, this is one bread hard to resist when I make chickpea curry. They go so well together. 🙂
this sounds great! i love kale & anything with coconut milk, did not think to put the two together. definitely will have to try cooking this. yum!!
Sooo yummy! 🙂
This sounds so yummy! I am late in visiting…migraines ugh! However…I am here now and always thinking of you! I hope you’re taking really really good care of you whilst working so hard!! I’m sending huge hugs….and tons and tons of love!! I hope you are able to have a relaxing weekend(?)! ❤❤❤!!
The weekends are relaxing, but I find myself wishing they too would hurry by so this chapter will soon be over. 😉 Sorry to hear about your migraines Christina. My mother suffered with those monthly and thankfully that is something she did not pass down to me. Hope you are well now and able to enjoy time with your friend from across the pond. Sending big hugs your way. 🙂
I am hopeful things get to slow down for you, most especially this time of year!!! My sincerest apologies for my late reply…with a few household incidents, our guest from over the pond and kids…I’ve been running nonstop. All is okay now and we are almost past the hectic part of this season. I am definitely ready to enjoy the magic this season always promises. Also am so very hopeful to catch up with you and all our WP friends soonest!!! Sending huge hugs and all my love to you❤❤❤!!!
Ah ‘Channa’ and ‘roti’ is one of my favourite comfort foods too! Have never tried adding kale though!
I thought you might already be enjoying these foods. They are some of our favorites. 🙂
I love chickpea. I can eat Naan every day 🙂 Thank you for the recipe, LuAnn! Have a great Sunday! Are you traveling Florida now?
Hope you are having a great Sunday as well Amy. Unfortunately we will not be traveling to FL until after the holidays. We are planning to spending this Christmas with Terry’s folks in Ohio.
Happy Thanksgiving, Luann. I know you have a lot to give thanks for this year. 😉
We do Rommel, thank you. Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. 🙂
This sounds really good, LuAnn.
I hope all is well with you, and am just popping in to let you know that I’ve started a new blog, which replaces my ‘Hammock Lady’ one.
You can find me here: http://anotherday2paradise.wordpress.com/
Coconut kale sounds FANTASTIC. I have never known what to do with kale!
I have many recipes for kale. This is one of my favorite vegetables. 🙂