Despite taking an Indian cooking class a couple years ago, I still reach for Grub Hub to place an order whenever I’m craving rich saag paneer, crispy dosas and tangy chicken tikka masala. It turns out I don’t always have to — I can reach for a jar of Stonehouse 27, which offers quality Indian flavors, and whip up dishes at home.When a sampler box arrived at the office, I grabbed mild Cashews and Cream and medium Tomato and Chilies. At the grocery store I picked up blocks of tofu and garlic naan to serve alongside the basmati rice I always have in my pantry. I put the rice on to cook and fried the tofu while I heated the oven. Once the tofu was golden, I inverted the jars of sauce over two saucepans and placed the naan in the oven — dinner was ready in 20 minutes.
It couldn’t have been an easier dinner to make, and since each jar makes four servings, we had plenty leftover for work lunches this week. Our favorite was the Cashews and Cream, which is made with onions, garlic, paprika and cashews. Tomato and Chilies offered accents of earthy cinnamon.
But you don’t have to go the traditional route like I did. Stonehouse 27’s website offers easy recipes for its sauces, which also include Dates and Tamarind and Cilantro and Coconut. Try them as a pasta sauce, in nachos, or with mussels. Cook with veggies and top with an egg. Use as a marinade. The sauces are incredibly versatile, and one jar can go a long way.
Founder Sharon Fernandes, who grew up in India, wanted to bring a healthier edge to Indian cooking. The sauces are made with fresh herbs and produce, agave nectar instead of sugar and have no added salt. Finally, Indian food without the guilt — and in less time that it would take for your delivery to arrive.
— Amy
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