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So….moving is expensive.

Especially when a certain person keeps staring down beautifully outfitted kitchens on pinterest and convincing herself that (a) is price really an object when we’re talking about the living space of your dreams and (b) she can totally fit an island with a marble countertop into her 2xnothing kitchen.

In case you couldn’t tell….yes. A certain person is delusional.

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The.Boy and I went to IKEA this weekend and after we came close to killing each other within the first ten minutes of being there (let’s just say we have very different artistic visions for what we want our apartment to look like), we kind of took a step back and reset.

And after that, aside from the fact that everything we REALLY liked was so far outside our budget it’s probably in another time zone, it all went pretty well.  Between IKEA, Home Depot, Amazon, oodles of mason jars and a whole lot of chalkboard paint (oh yes…there is going to be so.much chalkboard paint (!!!!!))…I think we’re kind of done.

(Although if you guys have any really awesome pantry/kitchen organizing ideas for saving space I am all.over.it. So far, we’re planning on making those magnetic spice containers to put on the fridge, putting a magnetic strip on the wall for my knives, hanging pots and pans from the ceiling, and shoving every dried pantry item (beans, nuts, flours, grains, etc) into pretty jars. But we are SO open to more suggestions.)

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Another thing I learned during this expedition is that if one is going to spend an afternoon walking around what is essentially a warehouse crowded with annoying consumers…then one really needs to have a hearty lunch. Otherwise one might get cranky by about the first hour in…and that is totally sub-optimal.

This vindaloo is one such hearty lunch.  It is filled with two kinds of potatoes, bell peppers and some seriously bold spices which leave your belly and your taste buds feeling totally satisfied for hours.

This is my contribution to this week’s I Heart Cooking Clubs, the theme for which is Loving the Leaf…and yes, I somehow managed to flip this week’s and next week’s themes in my mind (I blame IKEA) so this week I’ll make a root veggie recipe and next week I’ll make something with leaves…and it will all even out in the end.

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Speaking of lunch, I had the most AMAZING one on Friday at the Bowery Whole Foods.  As I’ve mentioned before, they have an upstairs dining area that has been featuring a new vendor from Brooklyn’s Smorgasburg every month or so.  This month the vendor is YUJI Ramen!

YUJI Ramen is unlike your typical ramen because they utilize a Mazemen style of ramen preparation which has less broth and thicker chewier AWESOME-R noodles.  The idea behind this is that in Japan, ramen is eaten as a street food so it is consumed very quickly (within about 5 minutes), whereas in the US, it is eaten as a sit-down meal so it takes about 20 minutes to eat. However, in those 20 minutes, the noodles get soggy and mushy from all the broth!  Enter Mazemen, which has less broth so that the noodles retain their awesome texture.

We got the pickled market veggies (so.yum) and I got the miso roasted vegetable mazemen which was not only aesthetically pleasing with all of it’s vibrant colors, but also majorly delicious!  Definitely worth checking out if you’re in the Bowery area (or even if you’re not).

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Another cool thing going on at the Bowery Whole Foods location is that they’ve just opened up a snack bar filled with all kinds of amazing treats!  They have a wide array of donuts, magpies (kind of like…grown-up, good-tasting pop tarts), hull-less popcorn (so it doesnt get stuck in your teeth!), cupcakes, and smoothies.  We tasted a mango passionfruit donut, a cafe au lait donut, and a strawberry magpie. All of which were to-die-for. The mango passionfruit donut has the most intensely mango-flavored glaze you could imagine and was so delicious whereas the cafe au lait donut had an awesome crumb topping with riffs of cappuccino and espresso.  And then there was the magpie. You could actually taste the fruit and the butter in it, in a good way. Definitely quality stuff.

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One year ago…Meyer Lemon Cupcakes with Meyer Lemon Curd
Two years ago…Lentil Mango Picadillo, Pecan Pie Bars
Three years ago…Italian Easter Bread
Four years ago…Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchilada Casserole, BBQ Chicken Burgers with Texas Home Fries

Two-Potato Vindaloo
Serves 4-6, adapted from Plenty

Ingredients

  • 8 cardamom pods
  • 1 tbsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tbsp coriander seeds
  • 1/4 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 12 shallots, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp brown mustard seeds
  • 1/2 tsp fenugreek seeds
  • 25 curry leaves
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh ginger
  • 1 red chili pepper, finely chopped
  • 3 ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup cider vinegar
  • 1 3/4 cups water
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • salt
  • 2 1/2 cups yukon gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch dice
  • 2 small red bell peppers, cut into 1-inch dice
  • 2 1/2 cups peeled sweet potatoes, cut into 1-inch dice
  • cilantro leaves to serve

Instructions

  1. In a small heavy-bottomed skillet, dry-roast the cardamom pods, cumin seeds, and coriander seeds over medium heat until they start to pop. Remove the cardamom pods and transfer to a spice grinder. Break open the pods to release the seeds inside and then put the seeds into the spice grinder. Grind until it is a fine powder. Add the turmeric, paprika, and cinnamon and mix to combine. Set aside.
  2. In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat the oil. Add the shallots, mustard seeds, and fenugreek seeds and saute on medium-low heat for 8 minutes or until the shallots start to brown.  Add in the spice blend, curry leaves, ginger, and chili pepper. Cook for another 3 minutes. Add the tomatoes, vinegar, water, sugar and some salt. Boil then simmer, covered, for 20 minutes.
  3. Add the potatoes and bell peppers. Simmer for another 20-30 minutes, or until potatoes are tender. Remove the lid and allow to bubble until sauce thickens. Season to taste with salt. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro.

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You are reading this post on Eats Well With Others at https://joanne-eatswellwithothers.com. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to the author and or owner of Eats Well With Others. All rights reserved by Joanne Bruno.
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78 Responses to Two-Potato Vindaloo

  1. london bakes says:

    Oh I feel your pain. I blame pinterest for making me all aspirational and wanting to have a pretty new flat and spending money that I don’t have on ridiculous glass ornaments. I am yet to tackle ikea though but, when we do, I will take heed of your excellent advice and have a bowl of this for lunch!

  2. Foodycat says:

    You are moving in together? Oh how lovely! It seems like only yesterday you were going on really awful dates and now you have a wonderful man who seems to be really nice to you. How perfect!

    Also, this looks delicious.

  3. Yeah… moving is such a pain. And there are just so many opportunities to fight about things. But, when it’s all done, it sounds like you’re going to have one pretty awesome place. And you’ll be living together. How great that will be!

    Speaking of greatness, I am totally loving this vindaloo. Those spices bring a huge smile to my face.

  4. Suresh Urs says:

    Wow! What a recipe. It’s just mind blowing. Awesome post. Thanks CLick for
    Mock tail.

  5. Vindaloo! What a fun word to say. But I think this dish would be even more fun to eat. Sounds wonderful! 🙂
    Best of luck planning for the move. Figuring all these things out will be so worth it in the end!

  6. Beth says:

    Gorgeous vindaloo. That might even convince me to walk into IKEA on the weekend – or maybe not.

  7. Eeeeeee! Shopping for a new living space is so much fun…I’m jealous ;). I love the sound of this dish – it sounds like a nursery rhyme. And it sounds delicious.

    I’m super excited because the very first Whole Foods in this area is opening this week – it’ll be my first experience w/ WF!!

  8. IKEA alone on the weekend would make me want to scream. Let alone having to make a bunch of joint decisions about decorating a future place! Cheers to you for taking that on.

    This spiced dish looks great. I’ve been meaning to pick up some cardamom lately.

  9. Big Dude says:

    I learn lots of new things by blogging – I’ve never heard the word Vindaloo before. While I’m lukewarm on Indian food in general, this looks so good and has so many things I like, I think I will have to try it.

  10. Amy says:

    My advice would be to not shop together. Lol. No no. It is so overwhelming, I know. And it doesn’t really get easier. Just buying things later, like a stupid lamp will make you twitch – it’s the paradox of choice. Also? IKEA is like a black whole. That seems to attract the slooooowest women who love high heals and sparkly shirts. Wth?

  11. Almost done?! WOO HOO! I’m not close to being finished. We have the necessities, but man, the new place is nowhere near pretty. I hope the end of moving goes well for you. It can be such a drag sometimes!!

  12. Johanna GGG says:

    looks great – reminds me I need more mustard seeds – pronto! V exciting that you are shopping for a kitchen – so many possibilities though do people really live in the sort of kitchens you see on pinterest – not I. I did put a few drawers in my pantry this week so I can pull out the stuff that gets stuck at the back (better than the lazy susan idea)

  13. LOL, I had to unfollow pretty much all of the kitchen boards on Pinterest because it was making me want to do all kinds of crazy things in our house 🙂 You are very brave to tackle Ikea on a weekend… Anyway, the combination of spices in this dish sound wonderful – love it!

  14. Vindaloo is my favorite Indian dish. I haven’t been able to make one at home that I’m really satisfied with yet and am always on the look out. I can’t wait to try this one! (Also, I think more relationship fights happen in IKEA than anywhere else on earth!)

  15. We call IKEA the “Ultimate Marriage Tester”… which is why we always go there with a very specific list in mind. 🙂 As for this vindaloo, it’s totally calling my name!

  16. You are very brave lady! I have a panic attack every time I walk into IKEA. BTW This dish sounds fabulous!!!

  17. Get in mah face.

    Also, boys and IKEA do not mix.

  18. This sounds tasty! I love indian food and haven’t been able to perfectly recreate any recipes at home yet

  19. Jessie says:

    Ah, Joanne … you’ve been bitten by the crazy-awesome kitchen bug, too. One day, we’ll both have kitchen you’d find on the pages of Better Homes and Gardens. One day …

    This vindaloo looks delicious and hearty for those times when you just need a substantial dish! Love it!

  20. Pam says:

    Yeah for you… moving in with The.Boy. is a big step. Congratulations – he’s a lucky guy! 🙂

    The vindaloo looks comforting, hearty, and delicious.

  21. marie says:

    Yes, yes, I was drooling over all your awesome WF eats on instagram. We don’t have a WF here but just got a new health food store ‘Roots’ that has an amazing salad bar, burrito bar, coffee and smoothie bar and tons of bulk bins. I ate lunch there last week with my sister and plan on going back real soon.

    I have a magnetic strip for my knives and a hanging pot rack, both are great. Good luck with the move.

  22. Ashley says:

    Wow…the spice blend in this dish looks phenomenal!! And congrats on getting done(ish) with picking out goodies for your new place! Yay 🙂

  23. Sippity Sup says:

    It’s so fun to plan a kitchen, but at the same time I hope I never have to do it again! GREG

  24. Lynn says:

    Planning a new kitchen sounds like a great way to incorporate some organization that you didn’t have before, like hanging pots. I’d love to do that, but have a galley kitchen.

    The vindaloo looks marvelous!

  25. SallyBR says:

    Now I have that “one tequila, two tequila, three tequila… FLOOR” in my mind

    naaah… rather have the one potato, two potato…

    Nice to know you did not kill each other at IKEA – some arguments are fun to have, and I know yours fall in that category 😉

  26. Pam says:

    Can’t wait to see all your chalkboard painted items!

  27. Love the chalkboard paint – I can’t wait to see pics!

  28. Thanks for all that…now I am STARVING! Chalkboard paint rules.

  29. Monet says:

    I know I know! We have been moving this past week, and it is such a fun (haha) experience. I think chalkboard paint is great…and I also love this wholesome bowl of potato vindaloo. Looks beyond satisfying!

  30. bellini says:

    Yes, it is nice to dream and plan and then dream and plan some more. Usually the guy just agrees with whatever the woman wants for home decor:D WalMart has tons of space saving items for cupboards and even the fridge. As for the dish I could never refuse a potato.

  31. You’re ready to kill each other just SHOPPING in IKEA? Wait until you try to put together some of the store’s furniture. Good luck with those little Allen wrenches or whatever they call them 😉

  32. Haha, love chewingthefat’s comment – TOO true! And if this vindaloo didn’t look so scrumptious, I would be totally hung up on staring at that mango passionfruit donut for hours! Great recipe, Joanne.

  33. Eileen says:

    Oh, I hear you on the tiny NY kitchen issues. You have the right idea with all the vertical storage plans. When we lived in Brooklyn, the best thing about our kitchen was our hanging spice rack–no taking up cabinet space! Otherwise: stackability. We stacked our pots and pans and lids and pantry as much as humanly possible. So getting stackable storage containers is super important! And did I mention that all our lesser-used appliances and fancy glassware lived in the hall closet? 🙂 Anyway, this vindaloo looks delicious–definitely perfect ballast for a long day filled with people. Good luck with your move!

  34. yum! love your ideas for the kitchen 😉 someday i’d love a magnetic strip for my knives! (and some better knives, lol) and a pot rack!

  35. Luckily my hubs didn’t care how I decorated, in any room! He just likes it to be clean and preferably not hot pink…lol! Which I can’t stand myself. As far as organizing my cupboards/pantry they are full. I agree with Eileen about stackables. The vinaloo does sound like a hearty dish to get you through a day of shopping!

  36. Love vindaloo and this version looks great! Can I tell you that I’ve never been to IKEA? It’s crazy, right? I think the closest one to me is in Toronto – but, Ive heard they are fun. Good luck with the shopping and move!

  37. Hotly Spiced says:

    I have just moved and yes, it’s expensive. So many unexpected purchases like door mats and picture hooks and towel rails and light fittings and then there’s the issue of replacing everything damaged or broken in the 2km journey from one abode to the next. I know Ikea has some great things but I totally hate their shopping experience. Now I know what if feels like to be herded cattle. In my old house I had all pots, pans, woks etc hanging from the ceiling – so convenient and such a space saver. I also had a magnetic strip for knives and scissors – can recommend both xx

  38. Simply Life says:

    I’d love to see pictures of your new kitchen! And yes, moving is definitely way too expensive.

  39. Gwen says:

    I’m ever so grateful that my husband has ZERO decorating skill or input, total free range for me! Take it from a girl who’s lived I 3 houses, the most recent with a kitchen much smaller than the last *sniff sniff ;( invest in some ‘racks that allow you to slide your pans, cookie sheets, cooling racks etc rather than stacking them. Major sanity saver!

  40. Danielle says:

    I love vindaloo – this looks really good!

  41. I love the Elfa stuff at The Container Store. There’s an awesome rack that you can put on a wall or door and fit tons of spices, jars, bottles, etc. They have really neat ideas.

  42. teresa says:

    i need to eat at wf’s more often! everything looks so good.

    LOVE the vindaloo, it looks like it would definitely hit the spot! good luck with the apartment hunting and shopping!

  43. Colynn O says:

    Oh. My. Goodness. That vindaloo looks right up my alley. Yum!

    Good luck with the move! I’m sure that you will both end up loving your place despite your current disagreements. And for your kitchen, growing fresh herbs in the windowsill would be super cute. 🙂

  44. Oh my gosh, did I completely miss the post where you announced you’re moving in together?? CONGRATS! That’s a big step 🙂 I hope I didn’t miss that you’re engaged or something? And yes, it’s hard not to have serious kitchen jealousy anytime you open up pinterest.

    This recipe looks so good! All my favorite flavors 🙂

  45. The list of ingredients sounds absolutely amazing! What a delicious dish with such simple ingredients.

  46. Blond Duck says:

    I went to Ikea once and barely found my way out.

  47. I love a good vindaloo…yours looks so colorful and delicious! I’m also definitely going to have to check out that ramen when I move!

  48. LOL! Love that about ikea- me and my hubby used to be that way until he learned very fast I AM ALWAYS RIGHT! LOL! Kidding- seriously love this vindaloo- amazing

  49. Your kitchen sounds like it will be amazing, I can’t wait to see what you do with the chalkboard paint! And it’s always nice to dream about what your future kitchen will have, so don’t stop hoping! My future kitchen has two ovens 🙂
    Love your vindaloo!

  50. Karis says:

    I’m thankful that IKEA and The Container Store are over 2 hours away . Close enough for when I need them, but not dangerously close. I’d love to see photos of your new kitchen. I could really use some ideas to improve mine!

  51. Emily says:

    The vindaloo looks so good! It’s real purty.

    That Whole Foods sounds amazing! I’m craving ramen and donuts now!

  52. tigerfish says:

    Well, at least the yukon gold and sweet potatoes do not have any differences in the vision of this vindaloo. In fact, the sweetness of the sweet potato balances the spice so well.

  53. That Girl says:

    PLEASE take pictures when you’re finished. I’m always looking for kitchen inspiration.

  54. Cathleen says:

    I can’t imagine getting angry in IKEA, that place always gets me super excited. Also, I am SO jealous about the chalkboard paint. Your place is totally sounding my dream place..
    Now this looks like a meal to remember. I’ve got to make this!

  55. Audra says:

    New apartment is exciting!! But yes- moving sucks- I’m sure your space will be so cute and pintrest-worthy.

    This vindaloo sounds wonderful- maybe I’ll have to invite myself over for dinner at this new place 🙂

  56. Sometimes, I fantasize about living in IKEA. It amazes me what those decorators can do with such small places. I also love their lingonberry juice. Hard to resist. Reading about your new cohabitation is my newest entertainment. It’s definitely an adjustment. Me things the Boy is going to be spoiled by all your cooking and baking.

  57. Stacy says:

    Your vindaloo is beautiful! The whole family are fans of spicy and curry so I am pinning this in Recipes to Try. As for Ikea, we have a policy. If you have to go on the weekend, get there when they open. You can get in, get out and no one gets hurt. Mostly.

  58. Kari says:

    This looks like just the thing for off-setting moving dramas. And yes – jars. They are the solution to kitchen space woes (and racks to put them on).

  59. I agree, you need to eat before shopping! Have fun setting up your apartment 🙂

  60. Ohhh that donut looks gorgeous. And I love the sound of this recipe and all the million spices that are in it.

    Moving is SO expensive! Worst! But it can be fun “playing house” and setting up everything where you want it.

  61. I’m definitely trying this recipe! Looks yummy and simple! Thank you for sharing & good luck on your move.

  62. Abby says:

    Love this vindaloo! All those amazing flavors in one yummy bowl, and I can see my guy loving it too. Go for that marble island!

  63. Oh the joys of cohabitation and compromise! I’m pretty sure with this kind of meal on hand you can convince the.boy. to do almost anything 🙂

  64. Dining Alone says:

    My husband hates going to IKEA, but his Mom will spend hours in that place! I wish you all the luck in moving, it truly does suck 🙂

  65. Velva says:

    Going to IKEA is like crack. The vindaloo looks really good.

    Congratulations on your new living arrangement. Very cool.

    Velva

  66. Lora says:

    I love the idea of using both sweet and gold potatoes. Yum!

  67. Candace says:

    This vindaloo is absolute perfection. Amen.

  68. You’re right – moving sure can be expensive, and sure can put a hell of a lot of strain on the relationship. If you can survive this, you’re in great shape.

    This dish is wonderful. I’ve had it bookmarked for ages, and it suddenly got a lot higher up on the list, especially with cooler autumn evenings settling in now.

    Good luck with the move.

  69. Katerina says:

    Creating a home is not easy at all! It is your shelter from everything that bothers you in the outside world. It definitely needs time and effort but I am sure in the end you will be rewarded! The vindaloo is the perfect remedy for an exhausting day shopping!

  70. I totally feel your tiny kitchen pain. I ordered new cookware a few weeks ago and have been trying to figure out storage solutions ever since. We don’t have high ceilings so that’s out. Good luck!! This vindaloo is gorgeous!!

  71. Karen says:

    I love the word vindaloo… makes me want to skip to my Lou 🙂

  72. Laura says:

    I just bought potatoes. Maybe it is a sign. 🙂

  73. Michelle says:

    The colors in your vindaloo make me happy! Bright and happy.

  74. What a dish! Nice to see you again, Joanne! It’s been a while since the Game-changers blogshare! IHCC promises to be a fun one to be involved in! Your vindaloo looks gorgeous! And hey… love those greens a top ! Cilantro is always a good topper and gives a nice blast of green flavour!

  75. I had this tagged as a possibility to make next week. 😉 It looks absolutely fabulous–so warming and good. Best wishes on the move! 😉

  76. Chalkboard paint? How fun! And yes, I wish I could have my dream kitchen with an island but Jason and I have no budget for that right now! Maybe some day…

    Now this vinadloo – wow! I’ve never had vindaloo but I really want to try it now! Plus, I’m all about potato-carb-overload 🙂

  77. Kim says:

    Moving is so exciting!

    I look at this recipe every single time I go through the book. I always wish there was a picture of it. Looking at your pictures makes me wonder why they didn’t include a shot of this dish in the book. It looks stunning! All those gorgeous colors. Beautiful!

  78. joe says:

    why is everyone commenting on going to IKEA, setting up a new kitchen and a personal relationship? What about the vindaloo recipe??? Has anyone even tried to make it and was it delicious?

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