Tasty Lentil and Corn Curry: A Fusion of Flavors

Posted August 11, 2023 by: Admin #Kitchen

This Italian-style corn and bean curry incarnates delectable flavors and abundant nutrients, drawing inspiration from Italian vegan Rastafari cuisine. This recipe makes a sumptuously rich and health-conscious dish, an impeccable choice for a well-balanced, nutrient-rich lunch or dinner. Its long-lasting quality lends itself perfectly to meal preparation. Infused with pleasant spices and rich in protein, it offers a comforting and soothing experience. Enjoy this pea curry on its own or with rice and cornbread.

Reasons to love this dish:

Ingredients

200 g black-eyed peas
2 tbsp. coconut oil
1 onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
3 green onions, chopped
1 sprig fresh thyme
2 tsp garam massala (or colombo)
1 tsp. sweet paprika
1 tsp. turmeric
2 tbsp. tomato paste
400ml vegetable stock
200ml coconut milk
Salt and pepper to taste

Let’s start cooking by following these step-by-step instructions:

Preparation the Day Before:

Begin by immersing the beans in cold water. On the following day, proceed to drain and rinse them, followed by cooking the beans in an ample amount of water.

Subsequent Day:

In a skillet, sauté onion, garlic, green onion, and ginger using coconut oil as the base. Introduce the aromatic spices, pre-cooked beans, stock, and coconut milk to the mixture. Bring the amalgamation to a vigorous boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer for a span of 15-20 minutes.

Presentation:

Serve this delightful creation with rice or in its unadorned form. Embellish with freshly chopped parsley, a subtle drizzle of vegetable yoghurt, and the option of chili oil for an added kick.

How to store this Curry ital de haricots cornille?

Place the remaining portions in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. The dish retains its flavor wonderfully for up to five days. Remarkably, its flavor even refines over time, making advance preparation a fantastic option.

What is “Ital”?

The essence of Jamaican cuisine is intrinsically tied to the Rastafarian influence and the way of life known as Ital. In my birthplace of Guadeloupe, a place where Jamaican roots have touched, I’ve naturally embraced this lifestyle and dietary philosophy. The Rastafarian community settled in during the late ’70s, and being of Jamaican descent myself, this journey feels like second nature.

While traditional Jamaican dishes often include meat or fish, Ital cuisine leans toward vegetarian or vegan practices. The term “ital” originates from the word “vital,” with the “v” replaced by an “i” to symbolize harmonious coexistence with nature. Rastafarians foster a holistic approach to food, from its preparation to consumption, advocating for utmost natural purity. In alignment with this ethos, they steer clear of processed foods, additives, oil, salt, and sugar. Further, the consumption of animal products is prohibited, as this way of eating reflects a compassionate connection with the universal life force, denouncing all cruelty to living beings under God’s domain.

These dietary principles bear resemblance to the dietary laws outlined in Leviticus 11 of the Jewish tradition. Notably, pork is unequivocally shunned among Rastafarians. Food, for them, transcends sustenance; it’s a conduit to merge with nature and functions as a healing elixir for the body, contributing to “strucha” or inner equilibrium.