∻ TRUE or FALSE ∻

[Shelti]

Please answer TRUE or FALSE to each

statement, then leave another one

for the next person, and I will begin with ~

You know how to eat
withchopsticks

[Angharad]

(Yeah--I like the "restuffing" action on the burritos.)

Yup, I do know lots of authentic Indian recipes. As a long-time vegetarian/vegan, it's almost unavoidable--lol. It's an ancient and GREAT cuisine with a gazillion spices blended to make luscious dishes which are also good for your digestion and health. If you ever want a recipe, I'll be happy to post one if you tell me what kind of ingredients you like (I also have recipes with meat). What's interesting is not only the use of spices, but also the differences in cooking techniques. For instance, when an American says, "sauté the onions," it usually means until golden brown. When an East Indian says, "sauté the onions," it means until very dark brown--almost burnt. TOTALLY different flavor.

You like to experiment with new cuisines.

[Westerly_2]

yes

You have a dish using eggplant, garlic and curry you  can cook in the oven or microwave, which is not too time consuming, and you will share that with us?

[Angharad]

I found something that isn't exactly what you asked for, but it's close. Indians don't usually use prepared curry powder--also, there are almost always lots of spices and different preparations, so dishes take a bit of time. But, on this dish you could do most of your prep while the eggplant bakes.

    Bhartha (Spicy Indian Eggplant)

Bhartha (sometimes “bharta”) is a vegetarian Indian dish best served over a bowl of jasmine rice. Great condiments are cucumber raita (recipes online—just cucumber and plain yogurt with a few spices), and a (bottled) mango chutney.

Serves: 4 
Prep time: 5 min 
Cook time: 1 hrs 20 min

• 1 large eggplant
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium fresh tomatoes, diced (may use canned)
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger (or, far better, use 1-1/2” piece of fresh peeled ginger, grated)
• 2 teaspoons curry powder (for a more authentic flavor, use garam masala instead)
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
• ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• 1 pinch Black pepper, or to taste

1. Prick your eggplant all over with a fork and bake it in a 350° F oven until soft, about one hour or more. (OR, cook the whole eggplant--stem and leaves removed--over the open flame of your burner, turning often, until the inside is soft and the outside is charred--about 20 minutes.)
2. Remove the eggplant pulp (discarding the skin), allow it to cool some, and chop it up; the eggplant will be mushy and it may completely collapse into a pulpy mess--this is perfect.
3. In a large, hot, dry sauté pan, quickly “toast” all the dry spices (except salt) for 30 seconds or so to deepen the flavor. Remove and set aside.
4. Heat the oil in the pan over medium heat. Add onions and cook until deep golden brown, 7 or so minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for a minute or so. Add tomatoes and all of the spices except for the salt. Reduce heat slightly and cook down for 7-10 minutes.
5. Add eggplant and mix to combine, cooking until heated through. Use the back of a wooden spoon to mash any large chunks. Add the peas for the final few minutes of cooking so that they retain their color. Add salt to taste, as well as any additional spices to your liking. Season with additional black pepper, if desired.

You like to have a few girlfriends in to try new dishes and just gab.

[Westerly_2]

yeah, used to. They're scattered now

(Thank you for the recipe!)

you enjoy a pot of tea and a crusty pastry with a few friends from time to time

[Angharad]

(You're welcome for the recipe.)

Yeah--same story as yours.

You remember "ice cream socials"

[Aggie]

Ya, had an ice cream social at Bluebonnet German Society last month.

Your going to the 163rd annual Praha Picnic held on August 15th every year.

[Westerly_2]

Sorry, no.(What is I?)

There's a county fair in your community before the summer is over, and you're going to it.

[Aggie]

Ya, Washington County Fair. Austin County Fair and Fayette County Fair, Praha is a gathering place near Flatonia Texas for all Czechs in Texas every August 15th.

Only 48 stars were on the US flag when you were born.

[Angharad]

True. 

You weren't allowed to read comic books as a kid.

[Westerly_2]

nope, they didn't care. In my family, movie mags and the daily newspaper were the height of literacy.

When you were school age, your parents were rather permissive of your reading materials, and didn't ban much.

[Angharad]

Correct. They didn't ban anything. 

You were never interested in romance novels.

[Westerly_2]

you got that right

You're okay with mysteries or "thrillers" now and then, just to amuse