A Winning Dinner Plan: Indian Palate

On the menu was some not-from-scratch chicken, and several me-originals. Amazing how good things can turn out when you just start throwing things together!

Baked Chicken Tikka

6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (you can probably substitute with firm tofu, if you prefer)

7 Tbsp plain, lowfat yogurt

7 Tbsp Patak’s Tikka Masala Paste

1/2 White/Yellow onion

• Mix ingredients in a ziplock.
• Marinate for an hour.
• Cover bottom of Pyrex with thick sliced white/yellow onion
• Baked at 380, covered, for 30-40 minutes.

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Creamy Cumin Spinach

1 – 9 oz. package washed Baby Spinach

1/4 lg. Yellow onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 tsp Cumin seeds

4 Tbsp heavy cream

2 Tbsp slivered almonds, toasted

Salt & Pepper to taste

• Toast almonds in a pan. Set aside.
• Carmelize onions and add garlic just before they’re done.
• Chop spinach and add to onions.
• Toss in cumin seeds, salt & pepper.
• Let cook until thoroughly softened.
• Just before serving, add cream and mix well.
• Garnish with toasted almonds.

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Warm & Bright Sauteed Salad

1 Orange bell pepper, thinly sliced lengthwise

10 Crimini mushrooms, sliced

1 small handful Cilantro, chopped

1 firm (just ripened) Avocado, halved & cut into slices

Salt to taste

Dash of lime juice

• Saute bell pepper at a high temperature so that it blackens a bit.
• Add mushrooms when peppers are half done.
• Add salt, cilantro and avocado slices. Be sure to mix in thoroughly.
• Once cilantro is cooked through and avocado is warmed, add a dash of lime juice over the top.
• Toss and serve.

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Curried Tomatoes

1 lb large Cherry tomatoes

1 tsp Curry

1 tsp Sugar

Sprinkle of salt

• Slice tomatoes in half, and arrange (cut side up) in a Pyrex dish.
• Sprinkle curry, sugar, and salt over the top.
• Broil in oven for 5-10 minutes, or until soft and slightly charred.
• Serve.

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Simple Coconut Rice

To six servings of rice, add 4 Tbsp dried, shredded (unsweetened!) coconut. Add 1/2 tsp olive oil, and 1/4 tsp salt.

Cook as you would normal rice.

Mix & Serve.

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