Crock Pot Indian Food: Chana Masala

crock pot indian food chana masala

Ever since the new Indian restaurant opened down the street, I’ve been an Indian food junkie.  I wasn’t entirely new to Indian food; we’ve had it when traveling, but my experience was spotty at best.  Slowly, I’ve been working my way through the menu and hitting upon some favorites.  Among them, Chana Masala.  I recently made it at home in the crock pot and it’s super-easy.  Because the main protein in the dish is chickpeas, it’s also frugal –and healthy, too.  Definitely a win-win!

Frugal Tips:  Indian spices are not always cheap, but they’re necessary for authentic flavors in Indian cookery.  Think of them as an investment in frugal cooking.  Over time, the money you save cooking Indian food at home (which is pretty frugal) will more than make up for the initial financial outlay.

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Crock Pot Indian Food: Chana Masala
Cook time: 
Total time: 
 
Ingredients
  • 4 C. water
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 1 28-oz. can diced tomatoes
  • 1 6-oz. can tomato paste
  • ⅓ C. chopped fresh cilantro leaves
  • 2 tsp. garam masala
  • 2 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1 tsp. cumin
  • ½ tsp. cayenne pepper (more if you like more of a kick)
  • 1 tsp. ground coriander
  • 1 tsp. turmeric
  • 1 tsp. sea salt
  • 2 cans chickpeas, drained
Instructions
  1. Combine everything except the chickpeas in a crock pot and turn on low for 6-8 hours. Add chickpeas, and cook 2 more hours until they’re tender and have incorporated the Indian flavors. Serve over Basmati rice.

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Crock Pot Schweinbraten: German Pork Roast Recipe

crock pot schweinbraten german pork roast

How are YOU celebrating Oktoberfest this year?  How about an easy, one-pot German meal?  What’s great about this Crock Pot Schweinbraten recipe is you set it to go in the morning, and return home in the evening to your home smelling like an authentic German restaurant.  The only “work” involved is peeling and cutting the veggies (I used baby carrots to skip that step, making the prep work even easier).  Since all the veggies go in the crock pot along with the pork roast, it’s a true one-dish meal (but don’t forget the beer!).

Frugal Tips:  The pork is the most expensive part of this meal, but it doesn’t have to be.  Look for Manager’s Specials on pork roast when you shop.  At my store, they are indicated with a sticker on the package in the meat department.  Since pork roast freezes well, buy it when you see a great deal and cook it when it’s convenient for you.

Mommysavers members answer the question:  When someone mentions German food to YOU, what comes to mind?

Crock Pot Schweinbraten: German Pork Roast
Serves: 6-8
 
Ingredients
  • One 3-4 lb. pork roast
  • 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
  • 2 Tbsp. caraway seeds
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. cracked pepper
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 6 medium potatoes, cubed
  • 3-4 peeled carrots, cut into 2″ chunks
  • ½ C. white wine or apple juice
  • 1 27-oz. can sauerkraut
Instructions
  1. Rub the pork roast with oil. Rub in the caraway seeds, salt, and pepper. Set aside. In the bottom of a 6-quart crock pot, place the garlic, potatoes, carrots. Pour the wine or apple juice over the vegetables. Place the roast on top, top with the sauerkraut and its liquid.
  2. Cook on low all day, 8-10 hours or until pork is done and vegetables are tender.