Indian Curry {teaching culture through food}

As school starts this year, I want to encourage you to think outside of the classroom when it comes to your children’s education.  Those of us who grew up in the public or private school arena may tend to think that schooling is for the classroom.  And while it’s true that many things can be learned in the classroom, most of our education actually happens outside of formal schooling.

Teaching Culture Through Food

Most likely, you learned your colors before you were school age by objects you were exposed to daily.  In turn, most of our perceptions about life – people, cultures, values, etc – come from what we’ve been exposed to within our family. So think about the things your family does on a daily basis and turn those moments into teachable moments – this can happen without your children even knowing they’re learning!  Cooking and eating is an easy and fun way to do this. We all need to eat, so why not use this as an opportunity to not only teach your kids how to cook, but also about the world in which they live.

That’s why we try to make it a point to use food to introduce our children to new cultures – it’s such a fun and delicious way to learn about different places and people around the world. This Indian Curry recipe is a great example of an easy to make recipe that can introduce your whole family to a new culture.  

Before making this recipe, look India up on a map with your children.  Learn some basic facts about the country, and learn about how missionaries in that country  are advancing the gospel, or about how organizations like Gospel for Asia are working within the country. Maybe even consider sponsoring a child in that country, if you feel led to do so.

After learning some interesting facts about India, consider visiting a local Indian market, or grocer, if you have one nearby. Buy an authentic Indian dessert or candy for the family to enjoy.  Or you might even want to be daring and purchase some goats milk to serve with the curry.  India has one of the highest populations of goats in the world, which are used for their milk and meat in India. In fact, curry in India is normally made with goat meat, lamb, or vegetables.  I’ve used chicken in this recipe, which isn’t as commonly used in India. We like to serve this savory dish with Naan (Indian flat bread), which is another traditional food of India.

Easy Indian Curry

1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
1  tablespoon curry powder (affiliate link)
2 tablespoons ghee (or butter)
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 lb. cooked and chopped chicken
2 cups chicken broth
3 oz. tomato paste (about 1/2 of one small can)
3/4  teaspoon salt

In a small bowl combine the lemon juice and curry powder to create a paste. In a large skillet over medium heat combine the ghee, chopped onion, garlic, chicken and curry paste.  Sautee until onion is translucent, taking care not to burn the garlic. Add the chicken broth, tomato paste, and salt, stir to combine. Let simmer for 15 minutes covered, then uncovered and let simmer for 15 additional minutes. Serve over rice and with Naan for an Indian cultural experience your whole family will enjoy!

Blessings,
Katie, Simple Foody