Mirchi ka Salan

Step 1

Make a paste of the cumin, ginger and garlic with a mortar and pestle or in a food processor.

Step 2

Heat ½ tablespoon oil in a wok or skillet. Add the chili peppers and saute over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until brown spots appear. Remove the peppers to a plate and set aside.

Step 3

To the same wok or skillet, add ½ tablespoon oil and add the sesame seeds, poppy seeds and peanuts and saute until the peanuts look glossy and the sesame and poppy start to change color. Remove to a blender and blend into a very smooth paste with the coconut milk. Set aside.

Step 4

Heat the final remaining 1 tablespoon oil in the wok or skillet and add the mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds and onion seeds, if using. Once the mustard sputters, add the jalapeno, if using, curry leaves and the ginger-garlic-cumin paste. Saute for a minute or two.

Step 5

Add the turmeric and coriander powder, stir to mix, then add the tamarind concentrate. and the blended sesame-peanut paste. Mix well and saute the paste over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the paste begins to come smoothly off the bottom of the skillet and appears to ooze oil. This should take about 7-8 minutes.

Step 6

Add 2 cups of water. Mix well, bring to a boil, then add the chili peppers into the sauce. Bring the curry back to a boil and let it simmer for another 5 minutes. If it looks too thick, add more water.

Step 7

Add salt. Turn off heat and serve hot.