vegan guests arriving in four hours - please help!

[ringle]

I have two vegan guests - one of whom is also a very important client of mine!! arriving on four hours.

Please please help me make a variety of delicious curry dishes. I can pop down to the shops. I can cook reasonably well but I'm used to being able to use meat to add favour,etc.

www.theguardian.com/profile/meera-sodha

Some great recipes.

How about a creamy chickpea and spinach curry made with coconut milk? I made a pumpkin curry with coconut last week. Sprinkle some toasted cashew nuts on top.My DD is vegetarian and we often make vegan meals without realising it. If all else fails, there's always beans on toast!

Are you averse to using jarred curry paste?

Soften a couple of finely chopped onions, add half a jar of rogan josh or madras curry paste (or almost any curry paste I guess - this isn't authentic, but it's quick and easy!) and cook out the spices for a couple of minutes. Add a bag of sweet potatoes (peeled and cubed), add a tin of chopped tomatoes, a tin of chickpeas and a tin of tap water. Simmer until the sweet potatoes are cooked. Turn off the heat and stir through a big handful of chopped fresh coriander. BOOM. Done.

lol beans on toast!

yes to the guardian link. Crabapple,have you made any of these? can you recommend easier ones from the list?

yes to chickpea spinach coconut. Are you able to share a recipe?

I'm just losing a bit of confidence here....

With curry, you rarely taste the meat so it's a good choice. Make sure you fry your spices in the oil before adding the onion and garlic(lots). Mustard seeds and cumin seeds are great for this. Full fat coconut milk and a little veggie stock too.

Are you averse to using jarred curry paste?

no!

blast I just ran out of cumin seeds

I'm going to have to go shopping....

by the way, I love cardamon.

I've just made the perfect one. butternut squash and chickpea curry.

I've used frozen butternut squash as can't be bothered to cut and chop.

onion
butternut squash
tin of chickpeas
coconut milk
tikka masala sauce (I used a jar but you can make homemade with tomato onion and spices.

throw all into a large saucepan and simmer until cooked.

www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/vegetables-recipes/sweet-potato-chickpea-amp-spinach-curry/

I've just made this as we are going to centre parcs with two vegans and it's delish xx

www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/jul/08/new-potato-chard-coconut-curry-vegan-recipe-meera-sodha

Make a Dahl - www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2011/jun/02/how-to-cook-perfect-dal

Buy some flat breads

www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/oct/07/aubergine-black-eyed-bean-dill-curry-recipe-vegan-meera-sodha

Ok I don't cook to reap but make this type of curry most weeks so can give a rough idea. For 4 people?

2 white onions chopped
3/4 grated cloves of garlic
1tbsp coconut oil or veg oil

1tsp cumin seeds
1tsp coriander seeds
1tsp mustard seeds
1tsp turmeric
1tsp ground cumin
1tsp garam masala

1 tin coconut milk
1 tin chick peas
1/2 pint veg stock
1 bag baby spinach

Serve with brown or white rice

Heat oil and spices gently 2 mins
soften opinion and garlic
add chickpeas and veg stock and simmer 5 mins
Add coconut milk and simmer again before adding spinach to wilt
Season to taste and serve with fresh coriander

Dry toast cashew nuts in a pan and scatter on top

Put rice on first as the curry doesn't take long. Tastes better if cooked ahead or day before(for future)

Oh and buy some yougurt, mint and cucumber and make a quick raita and put some chutneys on the table.

Rice, Chapati, Dal with no cream or butter, Vegetable curry, an Indian green salad (cucumber, tomatoes, Onions sliced), Indian pickle, popadums and you are good to go!

Vegans don't eat yoghurt!

quick question - what is the best type of potato to curry?

crabapplecake vegans = no Yogurt. Soy yogurt tastes horrible in a raitha.

Add chilli if you want heat obvs.

ringle the cheapest

Okay, perhaps i'm not the best person to answer that...

Red ones are the best OP.

I am encouraged that you are using tinned chick peas.

It gives me hope!!

pity about the yoghurt!

Sweet potato is lush in a curry but cooks quickly, so don't add too soon unless you want a mush. Love a regular spud in a curry too. Oh and cauliflower loves a curry.

Chop white onions and fry on a low heat until they are nice and brown. Add a good amount of tumeric, along with your chosen curry paste or chosen spices. Add tinned tomatoes and frozen peas. Right at the end, chuck a load of baby spinach in.
Personally I would add tofu, but some vegans get a bit bored of that.
Dead easy, and really nice.
Serve with rice
Maybe make some Bombay potatoes or similar style dish too?
You can get decent vegan "butter". I think the brand is called Pure.
Good luck!!

Yes tinned all the way, unsalted water though!