Tuesday, June 23, 2009

japanese curry

It's risky cooking for my dad. He's yin, always choosing meat and potatoes over all other conceivable option. He'd rather eat in and watch the game on TV.

Me: "Dad, what do you want for your father's day dinner?"
Him: "Hamburgers."

Me: "Aw, I want to make you something special! If you could pick anything in the world, what would it be?"

Him: "Pizza."


I'm yang, preferring fresh tasting Cal Med fare or other interesting flavors. I adore eating out and consider myself a budding foodie (probably not apparent by these simplified meals, but I'll get to the good stuff soon!).

Him: "What's on your agenda tonight?"
Me: "Bran and I are going out to dinner at a place called Simon. The chef is Kerry Simon, Iron Chef America champion! He's creating a 4 course tuna tasting menu with wine pairing. I'm so excited!"

Him: "You had me until 'out to dinner.'"


My Funky Potato (would be an awesome band name, right?)

So you can see why he might be a bit apprehensive about this Japanese Curry business. Brandon did vouch for it- we have made it on other camping trips and he quite loves this meal- but it was very out of my dad's comfort zone. It didn't help that it's not the most visually appetizing meal in the world, though it smells divine! Dad, the trooper that he is, gave it a shot...

... and he liked it!

In fact, everyone liked it! It's quite a feat to successfully feed 14 hungry campers with a meal that only one had ever even tried before. Even the kids were fans. You'll like this. It's easy, warm, soul soothing. Perfect for camping. It will be an instant comfort food. I promise.

*Japanese Curry*
equal parts:
yukon gold potatoes, diced
carrots, diced
onions, diced
chicken, diced

oil for sauteing
water for boiling

1 (or more) box prepackaged Japanese curry*

white rice

*available in the Asian foods section of most big markets

*equipment*
1 high sided pot (such as a dutch oven)
something to make rice in
serving spoons

Saute your meat and onions in a big pot in a few tbsp of oil or butter. When the onions are soft and meat slightly browned, add in the rest of your diced veggies and add just enough water to cover the ingredients in the pot (about 3 cups). Cover and bring to a boil.

When the potatoes and carrots are just tender, add the broken up curry to the pot. Stir to mix. Let cook 5 more minutes.

Serve over rice.

5 comments:

Natty said...

Mmm, I love that golden brick of curry! What a clever idea! Camping curry. Tasty, tasty.

Katy ~ said...

Aaaah, interesting product; I have not seen it in my little city. Could one substitute just regular curry? This sooo reminds me of a dish my mother used to make when my brothers and I were at home. She never shared her recipe, but the ingredients look the same, except for the chicken. We were mad for it!

Cori said...

Katy~

I don't actually know! I did a little research and came up with this article : http://www.involuntaryart.com/slighted/culinary/japanesecurry.html

Hopefully it can shed a little light on it for you.

Melissa said...

I think you're plenty "foodie" already. Good honest food is why I like your stuff. Though the complicated stuff can be fun too. :) Congratulations on the curry success, especially with your dad... I think I would have easily shied away from serving it to so many who had never tried it. Kudos.

Heather S-G said...

Seriously...curry while camping!? You're pretty awesome :D Sounds really good!