Sweet Potato, Spinach and Chickpea Curry. Whole Wheat Pita Bread. 2% Greek Yogurt. Cilantro. Cayuga Ridge Cayuga Cuvee.

“It’s just another manic Monday”.

I can COMPLETELY relate to this song. Monday is often a crazy/busy day for me and at the end of it, all I want is good wine and good food with minimal effort. I try to plan ahead and make dinner the day before so that I don’t feel rushed and can relax when I get home.

Indian food is perfect for “make ahead meals”. The flavor is SO much better the next day after the ingredients have had time to marry. I have only recently started experimenting with a Indian dishes. Chana Masala and Dhal were my first attempts! I love Indian food but was always too timid to make it on my own. I was surprised by how easy it was and immediately became infatuated with the flavors.

I have been on quite ginger and cilantro kick . This dish had it all. A little sweet, a little heat and some cool, creamy 2% plain Greek yogurt to balance it all out. I paired my meal with Cayuga Cuvee (a lightly acidic/sweet table wine) because it was the last sweet wine in my supply. I wish I had a dry Gewurztraminer to pair with this meal. The Hermann J. Wiemer Gewurztraminer with Chana Masala was the most incredible food experience. The balance was perfect.

Flavor Heaven,

Nora

What are your favorite spices?

Chana Masala. Cilantro. Greek Yogurt. Whole Wheat Flat Bread. Hermann J. Wiemer 2008 Dry Riesling.

It was the Chana Masala that just kept giving. And I loved every second of it. I made this last week and froze some for potential “It’s too hot to cook” nights. It froze wonderfully and so did the pre-cooked pizza dough “flat bread” I made.

Dinner tonight was as magical as the first time. The only thing I would change was the wine. I liked the Riesling but when I had this dish with the Hermann J. Wiemer 2008 Gewurztraminer it enhanced the flavors tremendously. I can’t wait to make Chana Masala again! When I move into my new apartment I plan to take full advantage of my freezer.

For dessert I had another Jala Bar. Because I am sweating to death for the second night in a row and they are delicious.

Real Food Tomorrow,

Nora

What are meals that freeze well?

Dinner: Chana Masala. Greek Yogurt. Cilantro. Whole Wheat Pizza Dough. Hermann J. Wiemer 2008 Dry Gewurztraminer.

I almost considered writing this entire post about wine. I had a glass and a half of Gewurztraminer with dinner and it made me believe that everything was right in the world. I love this wine by itself but the flavors in the Chana Masala provided me with a whole new experience.  I kept taking a bite and holding it in my mouth with the wine. Then taking a bite of food and cleansing my palate with the wine. Gewurztraminer typically pairs well with spicy food, however; I believe that the complexity of the spices I used (Coriander, Cumin, Masala, Turmeric and Cayenne) made the pairing incredible. It was a perfect balance and the most enjoyable meal I have made in a long time.

Dessert:Frozen York Peppermint Patty (and a few swipes of Sunflower Seed Butter while packing lunch.) Mint chocolate much? Love these.

Contemplating Life,

Nora

How often do you have dessert after dinner?

**I have dessert every night. Sometimes big sometimes small but ALWAYS end on a sweet note .**

So…..when I was home and had access to a real kitchen, I made Chana Masala and Whole Wheat “Flat Bread” (using purchased pizza dough).

I am currently levitating. Every part of this meal was essential. The heat of the Chana Masala was eloquently balanced by the creamy, cool Greek yogurt and lemony cilantro. The sweetness of the toasted, doughy, whole-wheat bread was a perfect vessel for the hearty bite. And the wine…oh the wine. I could not have picked a better wine. The 2008 Hermann J. Wiemer Dry Gewurztraminer needed this spicy dish to bring out its beauty.

Can dinner be magical? If it can, than I hereby proclaim this meal Houdini.

I have always been too intimidated to make Indian food. This was my first attempt and I can assure you that it will not be the last. The flavor was unreal. For once in my life I am beyond happy to have leftovers. I wouldn’t mind eating this for dinner every night.

Full and Happy Monday,

Nora

Have you ever been intimidated to make a cuisine or dish? Did you eventually try?

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