Day 94! Lesotho - Curried Potatoes and Onions (Kerrie-aartappels en Uie) and Greens with Pumpkin Seeds - Up Next, Liberia

Greens with Pumpkin Seeds and Curried Potatoes with Onions

Tonight's meal from the South African country of Lesotho features simply prepared vegetables as the stars of the show. True to my goal of cooking less meat in 2011, I chose two dishes typical of Lesotho's cuisine, which, eaten in combination provided a satisfying and healthy meal. Nothing fancy or complicated, just healthy, tasty vegetable dishes. Okay, I will admit that the meatatarian males in my house whined with such pathetic persistence, that I caved and fried some chicken cutlets just to shut them up. I, on the other hand, was perfectly happy with vegetables as the main course.

Located in the southern part of the African continent, Lesotho is officially known as the Kingdom of Lesotho. The country is a completely landlocked enclave, surrounded by South Africa. Translated, Lesotho means "Land of the people who speak Sesotho." Like many African countries, 40% of the people of Lesotho live below the poverty line, some subsisting on as little as $1.25 (U.S.).

Cuisine in Lesotho is heavily influenced by the Malay culture. Spicy curries, chutneys, pickled fish, pork and lamb kabobs are typical fare. As in many African countries, carbohydrates such as maize, cassava, rice and plantains are common staples. Peanut based stews, eggplant, tomatoes and spinach are also commonly eaten throughout the country.

Greens with Pumpkin Seeds (Adapted from Celnet)

2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 small bunch of scallions, thinly sliced into rings
1 lb (package) spinach - or any cooking green - roughly chopped
2 zucchini, roughly chopped
4 Tbsp. pumpkin seeds
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Heat the oil in a pan, add the onion and fry gently for about 4 minutes, or until soft. Stir in the scallions, spinach, zucchini and pumpkin seeds, then season to taste with salt and black pepper. Cook gently over very low heat until zucchini are done and the spinach has wilted (about 8 minutes)

Curried Potatoes and Onions (Kerrie -aartappels en Uie) - (Adapted from Celnet)

3-4 potatoes, in small dice
1 large onion, sliced
4 Tbsp. butter
1 1/2 cups beef stock
1 Tbsp. curry powder
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
1 Tbsp. sugar
1 Tbsp. flour
Salt and pepper to taste

Fry the onion in the butter until lightly browned, then add the potatoes and stir occasionally until they are warmed through. Add all the dry ingredients and the lemon juice to the stock then pour this mixture over the vegetables. Cook and stir until the sauce has thickened and then cook for about 5 minutes more until potatoes have softened.

Final Assessment: Two lovely and simple vegetable dishes, I'd eat any time, any day. The pumpkin seeds add a nice crunchy touch to the spinach and zucchini dish. The curry potatoes were very good, with a nice combination of sweet and spicy. Both can be served alongside meat, rice and chutney.