The Louisville Chef

I enjoy making new dishes and finding ways to make them either vegetarian or even better, vegan.
It is sometimes more challenging than others, but I must admit that this traditional southern Indian fish curry transitioned over very well. Southern Indian food is often vegetarian, but they often also make use of local seafood, as in this dish, when it is prepared in the traditional manner.


The key to this dish is the tamarind concentrate and coconut milk. I really don't think there is any substitute for either of these ingredients. Roasting the potatoes, gives them a texture which works well with this curry.
If you have the time, this sauce benefits from a day in the refrigerator and then you can roast the potatoes and add them in when you are ready to serve. Additionally, any leftovers are wonderful when heated up.

Note: If you do not have a spice grinder, you may use pre ground spices.

Ingredients

1.5 lbs Potatoes, peeled and cut into 2 inch chunks and roasted in the oven until well bro…

Risotto is one of the simplest dishes imaginable, yet it is so often prepared poorly. The key is patience and flawless ingredients. There are no short cuts here.
There are many so wonderful versions of risotto, but I personally like this one as it allows you to learn to basics without any trouble. It really is a simple recipe. 



You will note that this is completely vegetarian and can be made as a vegan dish by substituting out the butter and cheese with non dairy options. I've made it both ways, and have to say both are excellent. 
If you can follow these few simple steps, you will create a world class risotto in your own kitchen to rival most any. I always suggest a quick read through the recipe prior to beginning so you fully understand the process. 
Here are the few things to remember:
You will need the stock to be boiling and on the stove next to your risotto pan. Save yourself a lot of mess and hassle by placing it on the proper side. If you are right handed, place it on your righ…

Just returned from the spice island of Grenada. Such a lush and stunningly beautiful island. Very friendly people and so many wonderful spices, fruits and vegetables. It is a true garden of Eden. 


Just to name a few, Grenada's rich soil supplies nutmeg, mace, clove, bay leaf, cacao, ginger root, banana, breadfruit, star fruit, papaya ,cassava, limes, and too many others to name. It is said they can grow everything on the island except wheat and apples. 

Unripe cacao. When it is ripe, it turns yellow. The cacao seeds are inside



Cacao plantation with sorting and drying areas
The process of harvesting nutmeg is truly fascinating. Nutmeg grows on trees which are medium sized and when the fruit drops to the ground, it is ready to be processed. 
Nutmeg Tree


After drying for a few weeks the pods are dropped to crack open the outside hull to reveal the nutmeg seed, which is meshed with bright red mace. The mace is then removed and dried in boxes, while the nutmeg is graded, by being suspended i…