Peas

When I got back from my honeymoon, I spoke to my grandma. “Are you happily married?” she asked. “Yes, Grandma.” “What have you eaten today?” “Eggplant and pea curry and chapatis.” “Good. If you’re eating properly, you must be happy.” Serves 4 as a main course Ingredients 5 tablespoons canola oil 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 2 large onions, finely chopped 6 cloves of garlic, crushed 4 large ripe tomatoes, chopped 1½ tablespoons tomato paste 1½ level teaspoons salt 1¼ teaspoons ground red chile ½ teaspoon ground turmeric 1 teaspoon sugar 4 medium eggplants (2¼ pounds), chopped into 1½-inch cubes ½ cup peas (fresh or defrosted) Instructions Put the oil into a wide-bottomed lidded pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the cumin seeds, stir for 30 seconds, then add the onions. ...

My father lives just on the edge of what we consider to be normal. He prefers confectioners’ sugar in his tea, has the buttons of his back pockets removed (for fear of damaging his car upholstery), and keeps a logbook of when he waters the plants. One time, he accidentally spread mushroom compost over the lawn and we ate mushrooms in every conceivable way for months. If you find yourself in a similar situation, this is a satisfying and delicious way to make use of them. ...