I can't believe we had a sun filled May bank holiday weekend! What better way to spend it than with friends on the Kentish seaside. To kick things off I took along a 'curry in a bag' so Friday evening was all laughs and relaxation – no one slaving over a hot stove. I had some leftover rib of beef so slow cooked a beef garam masala the night before then dashed together a wet fish curry using monkfish, fresh prawns, sweet potato, French beans, tamarind, coconut and spices. Bombay potatoes, jasmine rice, roast okra, cucumber & cumin yoghurt, popadoms, pickles & fresh mango chutney were all washed down with our favourite fizz and a great time was had by all. We made amends by taking a morning walk along a picture perfect seafront guarded by cheery beach huts and dotted with happy splashy dogs, picnicing families and some nutters in bikinis and speedos (where would a day on a North Sea beach be without 'em!).
It seems hard to believe that a year ago my husband, Simon was undergoing batteries of tests to establish whether he could withstand what turned out to be a ground breaking operation that saved his life. After months in hospital and now a year of recovery weekends like these, with family, friends, great food and lots of laughs, simply can't be beat.
Hmmm, it's clouding over - nothing for it but a proper English BBQ - ala brolly. Til next time my 'thumbs-up' Friday night 'curry in a bag' menu is:
Spicy beef in tomato garam masala
Asian wet fish curry
Bombay potatoes
Jasmine coconut rice
Roasted okra with tomato petals
Warm plain naan bread
Fresh mango chutney
Popadoms & lime pickle
Mango granita & grape jelly with orange & lemon tuilles and fresh fruit
