"Chicken" Saag

Indian night again? You better believe it! There is nothing like a warm curry over rice on a cold and rainy fall day like we had today. I, of course, made the dhal again. I swear, every time I eat this dish I understand how Esau could have sold his birthright for a bowl of pottage. The saag is also pretty fantastic. You can also use kale in this dish, but will have to cook it longer. I used fake chicken tenders that I bought today in a moment of weakness--those things are a total freakin' rip off! $3.49 for 6 ounces of "meat?" Stupid gouging grocery store!

INGREDIENTS:

- 16 oz baby spinach leaves, washed (or kale)

- 1" piece of ginger, minced

- 2 garlic cloves, crushed

- 1 cup of water

- 2 tbsp oil

- 2 bay leaves

- 5 black peppercorns

- 1 onion, chopped

- 4 small tomatoes, chopped

- 2 tsp mild curry powder

- 1 tsp salt

- 1 tsp chili powder

- 3 tbsp plain soy yogurt

- 1 pkg Yves Chicken Tenders (or 1 can of chickpeas)

METHOD:

1. Cook spinach, without water, in a large pot with a lid for 5 mins (longer if you are using kale). Remove from heat and add ginger, garlic, and 1/4 cup of the water. Blend with a handmixer (or throw in food processor). Put mixture in a bowl.

2. Heat oil and fry bay leaves and peppercorns for 2 mins. Add onions and fry until golden brown.

3. Add tomatoes and simmer for 5 mins. Add curry powder, salt, and chili powder and mix. Add spinach mixture and remaining water. Simmer 5 mins.

4. Add yogurt and mix. Add "chicken" or chickpeas and heat through. Serve over basmati rice.