Welcome to Indiana....or India?

I think there is a misconception about the Midwest, often that good food does not exist or rather difficult to find. And while I agree with these sentiments to an extent, I have found that if I can't find it then I sure as heck can make it! Being that I am a west coast girl at heart, and have been exposed to a variety of ethnic cuisines, I dedicate this one to my dear Indian friend, Maggie (back in Cali)!!! I have been craving (and let me tell you folks, the craving has been deep) for some Indian food. This last meal planning session I found myself perusing my 1,000 Indian Recipes book for ideas and came across two recipes that sounded interesting. One was a Curried Chicken dish made with yogurt, spices and caramelized onions and the other recipe was for mixed vegetables in a tomato cream and yogurt sauce. What you see above is the final result, it was the first plating, so to speak (and I may add Paul helped himself gladly to it). While eating our meal, Paul and I were discussing the various elements of Indian food that make it so special, so unique. We delved into the heating and cooling elements Indians use with food. The fresh chiles and spices, may "heat" the dish, but the use of yogurt adds a cooling element. That's why you will may see a dish of "raita" on the table at an Indian restaurant or home. When you eat the spicy foods, the raita or yogurt dishes cools you off. Indian food also uses the various healing properties of many pantry items and foods to take care of physical ailments. Food is not only a source of pleasure, but also a source of healing and health. This may be Indiana, but we sure can cook some yummy Indian food!!!