This week has been bitter sweet…
My daughter came home a the beginning of the week in tears. A girl at school had been causing trouble for her by bullying her and getting the boys to throw things at her. Now, Ellie is a good, strong girl with a lot of friends and although this hurt her on the inside she did as I had always taught her and held her head high. She put on her i – pod and ignored the girl as a slight irritation.
But as the week continued things got worse until Ellie cracked. I can’t tell you the feeling you get as a mum when your child is bullied, shes nearly 13 but your protection instinct kicks in and you just want to fight something! I wrote a strong letter to the head of year and promised Ellie that no matter what we’d make it stop.
But I still felt really helpless and agitated so I did the only other thing I know to do… I set about making her favourite food. My mum always did this for me when I was upset and I have passed on the comfort food tradition to my children, there is nothing that can’t be made better with a good meal and a hug!
Eloise loves curry so we had Beef rogan josh, jerra chicken, Bombay potatoes and home made coconut naans.
Although not a cure for bullying, It definitely tasted good and lifted the mood. Eloise went to school the next day determined to sort the nasty situation out. At lunch time the head of year rang, she said she was very impressed with Ellie’s attitude and maturity and she was confident they could sort it out.
Since then it has seemed to calm down, and i am a very proud mum. Although I wouldn’t wish it on anyone, this episode has given me a real insight into how strong my little girl is and how much she has grown. I know (one day) I can let her out into the world and trust she’s strong enough to handle what life throws at her.
For those with a love of curry and a need of comfort I have left the recipe below, but if your making it for someone else, don’t forget the hug. Its an essential ingredient!
Love Helenx
Eloise’s Comfort Curry Banquet
Jeera chicken
Cook’s notes- I found this recipe on www.mydish.co.uk but I have changed it slightly to my taste. ( I hope you don’t mind Sujata)
Ingredients-
1 tsp turmeric powder,
4 tbls cooking oil,
half a large pot of yogurt,
1 tsp of dried coriander,
4 large chicken breast (each sliched into fillets)
2 large onions,
3tsp cumin seeds,
2 x2inch sticks of cinamon,
good couple of grinds of black pepper,
3 cloves,
2 green chillis,
2 tsp of ginger-crushed,
3 cloves of garlic-crushed,
1 tsp garam masala powder,
salt to taste,
Method-
1. chop the onions into really small pieces
2. cut the green chillies into half
3. pour oil in a large non-stick pan and warm
4. add the cumin seeds, Cinnamon and cloves and let it splutter (crackle)
5 add the chopped onions and let it cook until the onions are dark brown [not just transparent]
6. now add the chicken pieces and increase the heat and stir fry until the chicken turns brown
7. add the crushed garlic, ginger and chilli and stir fry for a couple more mins
8. add salt, turmeric, coriander powder.
9.continue stirring and finally reduce the heat onto med and add the yogurt.
10. cover the pan and let it cook for at least 30-40 min until the chicken is cooked.
Best Ever Bombay potatoes
Ingredients
3 tbsp sunflower oil
1 tsp mustard seeds
½ tsp ground cumin
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp garam masala
1 tsp chili powder
5cm/2in piece fresh ginger, grated
1kg/2lb 3oz potatoes, peeled, and cut into smallish cubes
350ml/12fl oz vegetable stock
4 tomatoes, roughly chopped
1 bunch coriander, roughly chopped
Method
1. Heat a wok until hot and add the oil.
2. Add all the spices and the ginger and stir-fry for one minute until fragrant.
3. Add the potatoes and stir to coat in the spices.
4. Add the stock and bring to a gentle simmer. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
5. Stir in the tomatoes and coriander.
6. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper and serve.
Beef Rogan Josh
500g diced beef,
1/4 to 1/2 a jar of rogan josh paste ,Depending on taste, (I use Pataks)
2 onions,
2 tins of tomatoes,
100ml water,
fresh coriander,
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil,
Method-
In a good sized pan start frying the onions gently, once soft add curry paste and beef for a few mins.
once beef is sealed add the toms and water and cook for about an hour, I keep the lid on for the first 45 mins and then remove so the sauce has time to thicken. You can cook this dish slowly for as long as you like, the longer you leave it the nicer it becomes!
and finally …
Coconut naan Bread
Cook’s notes- I got this from Tanya Ramsey’s Book, its better than Gordans! (Sorry Gordan!, but I’m pretty sure you don’t care what I think!)
1lb of plain flour,
2sp baking powder,
1 tsp of salt,
125ml of milk,
125 natural yogurt,
1 egg,
1oz dessicated coconut,
1oz ground almonds,
1 tsp of sugar,
5 tbsp of water
Method-
Pre heat the oven at 220oc 425of gm7.
Sieve the flour abd baking powder togher in a large mixing bowl. Add salt.
In a second bowl beat together milk and yogurt and egg.
In a third bowl mix together the coconut, almonds, sugar and water to form a paste.
Make a well in the flour mixture and add the milk mixture. Using a wooden spoon, carefully mix together the flour and liquid until they make dough.
Turn the dough out onto a floured board and knead for around 4 mins.
Divide into 4 or five balls.
Take one dough ball and flatten in between your hands. In the center place a good teaspoon of the coconut paste and fold the dough over then roll the whole thing flat until it resembles the size of a large Naan.
repeat with all the balls of dough.
Then cook on a lightly oiled tray for about 8 -10 mins.
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