Grateful for S Asian cooking knowledge in these times

[JanisMoplin]

I hope this doesn't sound smug which is why I have put it here. But with the cost of living crisis, am feeling so grateful that many of us S Asians know how to eat very cheaply and make 50 things out of lentils:) I can keep food bills low because I am used to vegetarian cooking as well. Tonight dinner was kaali daal ( black daal), a cucumber raita and bhindi fry, dinner for 4 very cheap.

Tomorrow we are having masala dosas with coconut chutney for lunch.

Yum. A daal is really one of the most delicious and nutritious things to eat.

May I ask how you make the coconut chutney please?

I think being able to cook and in these times cheaply is more of a life skill that some believe being able to swim is. After all we all have to eat to survive. Not going into water will also keep me alive too.

here is a recipe I use for coconut chutney. www.indianhealthyrecipes.com/coriander-coconut-chutney/

I haven't always been keen on cooking and I am still not some days. I spent much of my twenties avoiding it. But as I am now 50, I think it is a life skill. Teaching my DC ( who also try to avoid it but I hope some will sink in).

Thank you.

Agree with you

how do you make the masala dosa?

I’d love to enjoy cooking. I think it’s wonderful you can conjure up delicious foods cheaply. Fantastic ♥️

DH and İ are lapsed vegetarians but I think we'll be returning to some of our old favourites, I love lentils luckily.
I'm not South Asian but I too have thrifty home cooking skills Scottish heritage style!

Is it easy to get fresh coconut where you are for the chutney? I find that's the most difficult part.
I've used dessicated coconut a few times but it's not that great.

Seen it in supermarkets already prepared.
Asian shops sell them whole I think.

You can buy frozen grated coconut which is great.

Thanks both! I shall check the frozen aisle next time. 🧐