| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Moderate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 170 | 10g | 4g | 18g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 2g | 4g | 0.2g |
As I raise my wooden spoon and open my cookbook to the page brimming with colourful spices and the warm, inviting aroma of the Water Caltrop Curry, I can’t help but feel a heart full of love for this particular recipe. This dish, with its rosy tomatoes and crisp water caltrops, carries a stunning medley of taste that never ceases to satisfy my palette. It’s a delicate balance between bold flavours and nutritious ingredients.
A Stew with a Story
Long before my French-Creole roots found their way into pastries and sweets, my ancestors were honing their skills with warm, comforting stews. And the Water Caltrop Curry speaks to that rich heritage. It’s a dish with history, carrying with it the intricate flavours and health benefits of herbs and spices like turmeric, cumin, and ginger and garlic paste, which are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Health Benefits in Each Bite
The Water Caltrop Curry is not only a feast for the taste buds but a boon for your health as well. Water caltrops, or water chestnuts, are incredibly hydrating and low in calories, making them ideal for individuals watching their weight. Moreover, they are packed with nutrients like potassium and vitamin B6. The added coconut milk provides a source of healthy fats, and the potent curry leaves give an extra punch of nutrients from iron, fiber, and calcium.
The beauty of the Water Caltrop Curry is that it isn’t just a stand-alone dish. Its versatile enough to pair with warm, fluffy rice or even crisp paranthas. It’s similar to the hearty, vegetable-based curries of Indian cuisine, just like the lip-smacking Okra Curry or the sumptuous Drumstick Masala.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a culinary novice, the Water Caltrop Curry’s blend of spices and ingredients, along with its surprising versatility make it a recipe to treasure. It’s not just about producing a delectable dish, but about savouring the familiar comfort that comes from preparing a meal steeped in history.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of water caltrop (also known as water chestnuts)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped
- 2 green chillies, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup of vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon of red chilli powder
- 1 tablespoon of coriander powder
- 1 cup of coconut milk
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon of curry leaves
- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh coriander for garnishing
Method
Step One
Start by a preparing your ingredients. You need to peel and finely chop the onion, tomatoes, and green chillies. Set these aside. Also, make sure the water caltrop is clean and ready to be cooked.
Step Two
In a large pan, heat up the vegetable oil over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds.
Step Three
Next, add the finely chopped onion to the pan. Sauté until they turn a golden brown color. Once done add the ginger-garlic paste and stir well. Make sure to sauté until the raw aroma of the ginger and garlic goes away.
Step Four
Add the chopped tomatoes and green chillies to the pan. Mix everything well and cook on medium flame until the tomatoes are done. It should turn into a paste-like consistency.
Step Five
Now it’s time to add in the spices. Put the turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and coriander powder into the pan and mix everything well. Cook for a couple minutes to allow the spices to blend with the vegetables.
Step Six
Add the water caltrop to the pan, followed by the coconut milk and salt to taste. Make sure to mix everything well together. Cover with a lid and simmer it on low flame for around 10-15 minutes or until the water caltrop is cooked.
Step Seven
Lastly, throw in the curry leaves and stir. Allow it to simmer for another couple of minutes with the lid off. Once done, switch off the flame and garnish with fresh coriander.
Step Eight
Your Water Caltrop Curry is now ready to serve. Enjoy this delicious curry with rice or bread for a wholesome meal.
