Score a Hole-in-One with Chana Masala from the Caledon Country Club

We are happy to announce that this week’s pledges to the Vegetarian Monday campaign are the staff of the Caledon Country Club. Lucky for us, and our readers, this includes their Executive Chef who has kindly shared a fabulous and hearty vegetarian stew for today’s meatless meal.

Chef Mike Maracle has been the Executive Chef at Caledon Country Club for the last seven years. His culinary skills have delighted many guests from those indulging in the Clubhouse restaurant to the hundreds of weddings and events that have put their trust in the Club to provide a delicious dining experience.

 

 

 

 

 

As vegetarian and vegan fare gain more and more followers Chef Mike would like to share his recipe. Chana Masala is a warm dish of stewed chickpeas, tomatoes and onions. Both carnivores and vegetarians will enjoy this dish. Adjust the green chilli to your desired level of heat. Serve over basmati rice (or how about trying kaniwa, the little cousin of quinoa that is full of protein) with warm naan bread or crisp papadum.

Ingredients:
· 1 onion, chopped
· 1 tomato, chopped
· 1 tbsp chopped ginger
· 5 cloves of garlic, peeled
· 1 green chilli pepper, seeded

Combine above ingredients in a food processor and pulse until it is a smooth paste. Set aside.

· 3 tbsp olive oil
· 1 tsp chilli powder
· 1 teaspoon coriander powder
· 1 teaspoon garam masala
· 1/2 tsp turmeric
· 1 tsp salt
· 1 cup water
· 1 15 oz can of chick peas, rinsed and drained
· 1 tbsp of chopped cilantro for garnish

Directions:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add paste and cook for 5-7 minutes. Add spices and cook for 3 minutes. Add water and bring to a boil and simmer for 7 minutes. Reduce heat to medium low, add chickpeas. Cook until heated through. Taste for seasoning and adjust consistency with additional water if necessary (it should be nice and saucy, not overly thick). Garnish with cilantro. Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional notes on vegetarian news from Chef Mike, Caledon Country Club:

• Trying to add protein to your diet can be challenging for some people. Try almond milk, nut butters (sunflower seed butter is a delicious change), paneer, soy crumbles and ancient grains.
• Ramen noodles served in a spicy vegetable broth are an extremely satisfying snack or meal and are very popular with food trucks.
•  The juicing option is an ever popular and convenient way to uptake vitamins, enzymes and micro-nutrients. Use it to boost your immune system and fight off diseases.
• Clean eating by enjoying a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, limited sodium and sugar and little to no processed foods will noticeably improve your physical and mental health.