Moroccan-seasoned chickpea, spinach and quinoa stew

 I knew I wanted chickpeas, and wasn't quite sure what else to do with them.  I was tempted by the thought of a not quite Buddha bowl, but then it was a horrible day so I decided I fancied some comfort food.  And this was dead easy!  Serves 4.

1/2 cup dried chickpeas, soaked and then cooked for 12 minutes in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot (or use 1x400 g tin, drained and rinsed.  Your call!)

2 small red onions, peeled and finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, crushed

1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced

1 chunk butternut, peeled and diced

1 tin chopped tomatoes, plus 1 tinful water

1/2 cup quinoa

Salt

1/2 teaspoon harissa spices

1 tsp Moroccan seasoning

1 tsp ras el hanout

(or 2 tsp of whichever one of those you prefer)

1/2 tsp all-purpose seasoning

A few sprays of cooking oil

1/2 packet of spinach, wilted under boiling water and roughly chopped.

Put the onion and garlic into a heavy-based pan with the cooking oil, and allow to cook for a few minutes, then add the rest of the ingredients.  Bring to the boil, and allow to simmer for about 15-20 minutes.  Add the spinach and stir until it wilts, then serve at once.

Sag Paneer

 I keep on experimenting with curries, and I don't suppose this is authentic, but it is very good!  Serves 2

1 onion, peeled and roughly chopped

1 clove garlic, peeled and crushed

1 chunk root ginger (I use frozen cubes, but if you use whole ginger, then peeled and grated)

2 large tomatoes, peeled and roughly chopped

1/2 packet paneer, cubed

1-2 tbs cooking oil

1-2 tsp curry powder, either proprietary or a blend of cumin, cardamom, mustard seeds, fenugreek, turmeric, garam masala and chilli powder (I blend this up in advance)

1/2 package baby spinach leaves.

Put the spices and oil in a pan and fry for a moment or two, then add the paneer and fry, stirring frequently, until the cheese is brown on all sides.  Lift this out and put aside.

Blend the onion, garlic, ginger and tomatoes into a puree and then put this in the pan where the paneer just was, and fry this off gently for about 10-15 minutes, again stirring frequently (I cooked rice to go with this while I was at it).  Wilt the spinach by putting it into a colander and pouring boiling water over it, then when it has cooled a little, roughly chop it.  When the puree is cooked - it will have thickened up nicely and stopped looking raw - add in the spinach and the paneer, with a splash of boiling water if necessary, and bring back to the boil.  Serve with rice or naan or similar. 

I might try making this - or a similar curry - with a tin of tomatoes, pureeing the onion, ginger and garlic separately (perhaps with a drop of water).... we shall see.  I like experimenting, and I like curry!