Domesticity

I'm not sure what compels us females to feel we need to declare our self-worth by gloating about our domestic abilities on our blogs...  (I'm sure there's a dissertation or two somewhere out there on this phenomenon.)  But, ladies and gentlemen, and perhaps against my better judgment, I'm going to just that this evening.

A little background, please.

Since coming to Africa, our guts have taken a direct hit.  Let me explain:  We haven't exactly been eating like kings recently.  In the days of the interns, eating out was nearly a thrice-weekly experience.  Unfortunately...the fun ran out with the funds.  So, we are now taking a more prudent approach to sustenance.  It's actually been somewhat of an organic experience, if I can say that.  We're eating like the Africans do these days.  (See pic below.)  Are we saving shillings?  Absolutely.  But, here's the catch:  My blessed husband is waning right before my eyes.  (I unfortunately and inexplicably seem to be waxing.)

It is inferred at least a couple of times a week that I am a terrible wife.  How could I let him starve like this?!...He's wilting!  (What they don't note in their criticism is that they all have "house helps" that have a hot dinner waiting for them the minute they get home...  Us?  We get home late, lay down for what is supposed to be a 5-minute break, and don't wake up until our empty stomachs are growling loud enough to disturb our slumber.)  But...touche.  I guess.  I am the wife...  And by all traditional societal morays, I am in charge of nurturing my family.  (Sorry to let you down, Mom B.  But if you're reading this...read on!)


We decided that we need to supplement our prudence.  So...this past week we garnered some good cooking advice, some amazing spices, and some cheap ingredients which all simmered together for one, fantastic, and very filling meal.  [Polish fingernails on sleeve here.]  I must give Aaron the credit for the idea...and Mama Rose for the advice.  But (now here's where the gloating begins)...while Aaron was out doing some Church assignments tonight, I worked some magic that I didn't even know I had in me.  Fluke?  High probability.  Flavor?  Definitely.  It was so good I can't not share.  It was a little curry dish.  If you like curry, continue reading.  If you don't, just know that we deliciously benefited from a little serendipity this evening.

(Cross your fingers that our luck continues...for Aaron's sake!)

African Curry - Andi Style
(Disclaimer:  I am not a chef.  This is not an exact science.  This was enough for two starving people.)

1.   Warm some cooking oil in a pan (Probably enough to cover the bottom of the pan.)
2.   Add 1 - 2 chopped green onion and cook until golden brown
3.   Add a handful of chopped cilantro
4.   Dice 2 - 3 Roma tomatoes
5.   Add tomatoes and cook on low
6.   Add salt and garlic powder (or minced garlic) to your liking and approximately 1 tsp. sugar

7.   Squeeze 1/2 of a small lemon or lime and pour juice into the pan
8.   Let the ingredients "stew" together for a few minutes
9.   Crush approximately 1/4 - 1/2 c. roasted, salted peanuts into a powder
10. Add a little water to the peanuts and create a paste
11. Add peanut paste to the "stew"
12. Continue to let the contents cook on medium low
13. Add chicken (ours was already cooked, so I just shredded it into the pot)
14. Add about 2 tsp. of yellow curry and more garlic/salt, if desired
15. Add cinnamon to taste
16. Let it "mellow" (??) for a few minutes
17. Serve over rice

You may need to add a little water as it cooks down.  I've also heard it's good to use chicken stock or coconut milk in place of water...but we didn't have any.

Bon Appetit!