This is the week of changing the plan. I had a recipe all lined up for today, but then I shared our dinner last night and you all asked for the recipe on Instagram.
I created this sauce a few weeks ago for a family dinner where the theme was “Surf and Turf.” Together with my mom, we made a buttery rosemary strip steak and this healthier option for seafood. And, while it might seem like it’s concocted in a gastronomy lab, the truth is: it’s probably the easiest recipe I will ever give you.
For the record, it’s inspired by Tikka Masala but the spices vary from a traditional Masala… which is probably why I keep writing “Marsala”… you can take the Italian from Italy but you can’t take Italy out of the Italian, huh?
Alright, so let’s get into it!
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
FOR THE SAUCE
(1) can of Coconut Milk
(1) tube (about 14 oz from Trader Joes) of tomato paste
2 tablespoons of canola oil
2 tablespoons butter
2 small onions (or 1 large onion) finely diced
1 1/2 tablespoons garlic finely grated
1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon ground red chili powder (if you don’t like spicy, don’t use it)
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup water if needed (if it gets too thick)
Coconut Flakes to garnish
FOR THE PROTEIN & CARBS
For this part, you can used pre-cooked shrimp, or really any type of seafood. The first time I made this I used one of those frozen bags of calamari, shrimp & scallops from Trader Joes. You can also use chicken thighs if you’re not into seafood.
Not going to lie to you: last night I used pre-cooked shrimp and you would never know ;)
For the carbs, I use brown rice but I would also suggest farro grains. I think farro would absorb the sauce better.
PUT IT ALL TOGETHER:
In a medium saucepan, brown your garlic and onions with the butter. Once brown, add in your tomato paste, turmeric, chili powder, and spices. Allow to simmer for 5-10 minutes until thickened, and then add in your coconut milk and stir. Then, add in your proteins (with any juice it has!) and let it simmer together. If the sauce seems thick, just add a little water and stir.
When ready to serve, add those coconut flakes for garnish and watch as they add that kick you need.
Happy weekend, everyone! As always, I hope you follow along at @leannegelishstudio. I was told recently it’s not “instagram appropriate” to not have a Salt with Soul gram… and, while that might be true… Instagram is an illusion and I’d rather you just get to know me in one place. (I say this after staying up late making cOnTeNt for Love Yourself Space… it’s all so much, ha!)
As always, thank you for being here. I’m so grateful.