2 Reviews and a Cow Curry

So I know I haven't been a very good blogger lately, in fact I have really sucked at it.  Part of that is because I haven't been a very good Paleo eater either, meaning not at all. 

Why you ask???  Well the short and long of it is that I got lazy.  I let myself slip off one time, and then could just never seem to get the willpower back to get back on.  But, I have made a deal with myself and I am now going to get back onto Paleo eating. 

I need this, my body needs this, my brain needs this.  Needless to say I haven't felt very good since coming off the diet.  I've been tired and bloated and listless.  But hopefully that will all change for the better this week.

So in this mind frame and in the spirit of getting back on the wagon I bring you two recipe reviews and a new recipe I came up with last night...

Recipe Reviews

#1    Paleo Chocolate Cupcakes



http://www.thewannabechef.net/2012/01/27/paleo-chocolate-cupcakes/

Many of you have asked for the recipe for the chocolate cupcakes I made for the Paleo party I had at my place.  I have been very remiss in getting it posted..  so without further ado..  here it is.

These cupcakes are easy to make which is defiantly the first thing I look at when doing a new recipe.  Not to many ingredients and things I typically have on hand.. so  big thumbs up there.

Second test is taste and texture and boy these sure passed those tests with flying colors.  They are rich and dense and not to grainy from the coconut.  Just one will be enough to kill that chocolate craving.  They are also really good out of the fridge so you can save them for snacks throughout the week.

In summary;  they are nice enough for any party (especially when topped with a bit of chocolate ganache frosting) but easy and quick enough for a weeknight  chocolate craving. 

Just to let you know, when I made them I substituted honey for the palm sugar and decreased the amount of coconut milk by 2 tablespoons.

#2   Chocolate Zucchini Bread

http://paleomg.com/moist-chocolate-zucchini-bread/

Kim was kind enough to bring some of this yummy bread to training the other night to let us all try it, and all I can say is thank you Kim!  This bread was amazing.  You would never know it was made from zucchini.  It did not have the heavy zucchini taste that this bread can sometimes get depending on the recipe. 

I can't comment on how easy or hard this was to make as i didn't make it.  But judging by the recipe it looks easy and should only take things that you already have on hand (except maybe sunbutter..  but you can always sub a nut butter for this as long as there are no nut allergy's). 

For the second test, this bread passes with flying colors.  It is moist and chocolaty (I seem to be saying these words a lot lately) and just plain delicious.  A small piece of this bread would be more than enough to satisfy your chocolate cravings as it is pretty rich.  This bread is so good that you could take it to a party and I don't think anyone would know it was paleo (unless you decided to enlighten them about the yummyness that Paleo cooking can be).


All in all, these two recipes should help all of you who are chocolate lovers like myself not miss your chocolate quiet so much, which may just help you stay true to Paleo just a little bit longer. 


Now, for the new recipe.  This is something that I came up with last night as I had some stew beef lying around that needed to be used up.  You don't typically find curries made with beef (I believe that is because Hindus revere the cow) but I figured, heck, its beef, what have I got to lose.  So I came up with this.  It is not the fastest recipe in the world, only because you need to let the  beef boil for a bit so it gets nice and tender.  Other than that though, its a pretty simple recipe that comes together quickly.  And, if you make lots of Indian food (as I do) you should have all of the spices and ingredients already on hand.  So without further blabbing, here it is..

Spicy Cow Curry

Ingredients

• 800 Grams Beef Cubes
• 2 Cups Beef Stock
• 1/3 Cup Diced Onion
• 3 Bay leaves

For the Curry Sauce

• 1 thumb sized piece ginger, grated
• 4-5 cloves garlic
• 1/2 to 3/4 tsp. chili or cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp. ground coriander
• 1 tsp. cumin seed
• 1/2 tsp.  pepper
• 1 tsp. turmeric
• 1/8 tsp. cardamon (break open the pods and just use seeds)
• 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
• 1 Tbsp. hone 
• 1 14 ounce (400 ml) can coconut milk (not lite)

Directions

 

• Place stock in a large pot over high heat. Add the meat, onion and bay leaves.  Bring to a boil then reduce to low to get a simmer. Cover with a lid and simmer about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until meat is tender or near-tender.

• Add all 'curry sauce' ingredients except coconut milk in a small bowl. Mix sauce into beef and stir until well combined.  Place top back on pot and continue simmering 30 more minutes, stirring occasionally.

• Taste-test the curry, adding more chili if you want it spicier, pr salt and pepper if needed. If too sour, add a little more honey. If too salty or sweet for your taste, add a touch more lemon juice. If too spicy, add more coconut milk.

• Transfer to a serving bowl, or plate up on individual plates or bowls. Top with fresh coriander or basil if desired. Drizzle extra coconut milk on top(if desired), and serve with cauliflower rice.