Culturing a Family for Under $5

In my last blog, I discussed trying something outside of your comfort zone. During my experience as a vegetarian I came to find new and delicious meals that were easy and cheep to make. One of my favorites is a simple two course meal that a friend of mine, who is a native of India (and a vegetarian), made for me.I often make these two dishes separately, but they're two of my favorite (and the simplest) Indian dishes to make.

When I started this blog, I hoped to find exciting and wonderful opportunities for the money savy folk. In my next two blogs, I'd like to continue this by offering these two Indian dishes, both of which can be made for under $5.

WARNING: Any good chef will tell you that the best way to cook is by using your eyes, mouth, and nose, and with Indian food, they do just that. What does this mean? Quite simply, there are no real quantitative amounts offered in the recipe-- best to base it off of the smell, look, and taste. But be not afraid, your senses will thank you for trying this.

Indian Veggie Slaw

The Under $5 Ingredients:

• 1 Package Chopped Cabbage (coleslaw)
• Turmeric (this is a yellow powder, usually found in the spice isle)
• Black Mustard Seed (if you can't find black, regular will work, but the results are not quite as delicious)
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Vegetable Oil
• Cayenne Pepper (optional for a little kick to your meal)
  
  

Start off by coating a skillet with vegetable oil. It should be just enough to cover the bottom of the skillet.

Place this over medium heat and add the black mustard seed right away. Gently roll the bottom of a spoon over the mustard seed so that it cracks the seed partially open. This will release more flavor.

Stir in turmeric. Add enough so that the oil appears lightly yellow.

Add at least a tablespoon each of garlic and ginger. Base this amount on your preference. I usually put in two spoonfuls of garlic and a little less ginger to give it a little more potency. Add a little cayenne pepper here (if you're not used to spicy food, stick with only a shake or two, cayenne pepper can be quite strong). Stir.

Add the whole package of cabbage and stir. As you stir, the cabbage should start turning yellow. Cover and cook for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

This is wonderful served with buttered and warmed tortillas. You can either warm them in the microwave, or when the cabbage is done cooking, empty the skillet and warm tortillas on that--this will add more of the turmeric and other spices to the tortillas for extra flavor.

Voila, an easy Indian dish for at least 4 people and all for under $5!