How lucky could a girl get? At my own dinner table last night, I was again treated like a Queen - no, make that a Persian Princess, when the boyfriend (who also happens to be a Principal of a local school) of my spiritual daughter brought over a Pakistani masterpiece that left me moaning and in ecstasy for most of the meal. I couldn't decide what was more enjoyable: eating the delicious food or the fact that I didn't have to do the cooking...I think it's a tie.
The dish was an aromatic delight of Eastern spices such as turmeric and curry, and worked magic on not only our taste buds but our digestive systems as well (and my husband, who was suffering from a cold, could momentarily breathe again). I don't know how the Principal made it, or how much time it took to cook, but I can tell you there was chicken as tender as can be simmering in a tomato-based sauce and served over rice, and every bite warmed me up on its way to my stomach.
Evidently the Principal has a friend from Pakistan from whom he learned how to make this dish. My lesson for the evening? I gotta get me some new friends...am I too old to become a Pakistani Pen Pal?
But hold on, I'm not done. This meal was only topped by the absolutely delicious side dish we shared: Roasted Cauliflower. Now I've had plenty of cauliflower in my time, and have eaten it many different ways, but this dish tops them all. The secret? Turmeric. And go figure: this spice is one of the healthiest you can eat!
Try it tonight (I'm making it again, but I'll be making more this time): Cut up a head of cauliflower and toss lightly with olive oil, salt, and sprinkled with turmeric. Roast about 25 minutes at 425 (I'm totally guessing here because I was only half paying attention, with the other half of my attention on my glass of champagne). Trust me when I say this is an absolutely delicious way to cook a veggie (even if my kids didn't necessarily agree).
So thank you to the Principal (all you locals can figure out who I'm talking about) for giving me a break from cooking, and delighting my senses with the taste of Pakistan. I'm pretty sure he had no idea what a treat the evening was for me (since his eyes were feasting both on the good food and his beautiful girlfriend, as it should be).
And thank you to the country of Pakistan for opening my eyes to a new world of food. Bahut Shukria...actually make that Bahut Bahut Shukria (thank you very VERY much). First Spanish, now I'm speaking Urdu? Damn I love the language of great food!
Here's wishing you a December menu filled with all your favorite countries!
Yours in health & happiness,
Suzanna Quintana, Holistic Health Coach & Certified Foodie
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