This is a menu created by a handful of food and wine bloggers who all wanted to do something for the victims of the tsunami. So we did what we do best perhaps, we contributed our recipes. It's been said before--we are all connected. We are all connected to this region in some way, even if just through our appreciation for the food. Hopefully we are also connected in our concern and our generosity.



By clicking on the menu items you can visit other blogs and see other recipes. But when you are through exploring, please consider making a donation to those in need. Perhaps you will be providing them a meal too.



Samosas

Makes 16, but you can make 1/2 this recipe if you prefer



2 cups flour

1/2 tsp salt

4 Tbsp oil

6 Tbsp water, more if necessary



Filling:

1 onion, finely chopped

2 T oil

4 large potatoes, cooked and cubed

1 cup green peas

1 t cumin

1 t garam masala

1/2 T fresh grated ginger

1 T lemon juice

4 T water

1 t salt

pinch cayenne



For the filling--saute the onion, toast the spices in the same pan and add the rest of the ingredients, tasting for seasoning and adding a few tablespoons of water if dry.



For the pastry--Rub the oil into the flour then slowly mix in the water, knead for 10 minutes then let the dough rest for at least a half an hour. The dough will be VERY stiff. Knead the dough again and divide into eight balls which you then roll flat to about six inches in diameter, cut in half and forming a cone shape, fill with 2 T of filling. Use water to seal the pastry on along all edges. Shallow fry in oil until golden brown. Serve with chutney, especially a fresh mint and cilantro type that Derrick has posted on his blog.