Savory or sweet, the ring mold is always fusing form with function.
It is probably best that one's food, particularly when it is curry based, never be associated with something so...eruptive. Nevertheless, spicy curry in a rice-y ring spoke to the chop suey-flavored menus of exotic, mid-century restaurants; a volcano just seemed like the natural progression.
I've mentioned before that I detest waste - especially when it comes to food. I'm becoming famous for my treatment of leftovers that leaves those eating totally unaware of the previous meal from which the current one started its life. A curry was the perfect foil for the chunks of chicken and remnants of roast that needed to be repurposed at our house; it is also an ideal base for any leftover proteins and/or vegetables you might have on hand.
MR TINY'S COCONUT CURRY
Ingredients:
1 14 oz. Can of coconut milk
1 Large onion sliced
2 Cloves of garlic minced
1 Medium yam or sweet potato cubed
2 Large carrots chopped (or a couple handfuls of baby carrots)
2 Potatoes (any variety) cubed
1 Tbsp. Sugar
2 Tbsp. Curry Paste (any variety)
2 Tbsp. Fish Sauce*
Chili flakes*
1 Bunch of cilantro/coriander chopped*
Any leftover protein (chicken, pork, beef, tofu)*
Shredded Coconut
Water
Rice (any variety, and enough to fill a ring mold) prepare as directed on package
Directions:
In a saucepan, boil carrots, yam, and potatoes until fork tender. Drain and set aside.Start a heavy-bottomed pot on medium-high heat. Skim the coconut oil off the top of the canned coconut milk and add to the pot to use as your cooking medium. Add onion and saute until translucent.
Add garlic and cook just until fragrant. Add curry paste and chili flakes (to taste) and mix into onions and garlic (many of the spices in curry paste are oil soluble and need to bloom in the heat of the oil). Add protein and cook until heated through. Add coconut milk, sugar, and fish sauce. Lightly rinse the coconut milk can and add about 1/2 can of water to the curry. Add vegetables to the mixture. Reduce heat and simmer until ready to serve.
Prepare rice in a rice cooker or according to package instructions (to underscore the coconut flavor in the curry, I added about 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the rice). Press rice into a ring mold prepared with cooking spray. Unmold rice onto a serving tray, fill with curry, and garnish with cilantro.
Lava flow!!! |
Although I am well known for my leftover makeovers, I have a strict policy against leftover leftovers. Knowing that I had made quite a bit of food, I sent out a text message inviting several people over for a supper of Coconut Curry Volcano. In response, one text inquired, "What does that mean?" My only reply was, "Bring your bib and come on over!"
Haunted George versus The Volcano He liked it so much that he had two helpings - after washing his hands and saying grace, of course. Then again, his shirt kind of says it all... |
The next attempt at the Coconut Curry Volcano will definitely include a more-organic, more-volcanic shape (out of brown rice maybe). We're developing a better presentation as well, with the interactive experience of making the volcano erupt (still hammering out the details of that one). Until then, enjoy this appropriate musical interlude.
"Volcano" - The Three Suns
Speaking of presentation, get a load of MUSIC MIKE!
Cheers!
Mr. Tiny
Ring molds and Jello molds, going the way of dinosaurs! Your coconut curry volcano looks like it was a flowing feast for the taste buds. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Mick!
DeleteI was just thinking the Ring Mold would be an excellent way to present chicken fricasee - nom! Thanks for the carb laden inspiration Mr. T!
ReplyDeleteThat is so funny that you mention chicken fricasee; right before I posted this I deleted a picture from an old cooking pamphlet of chicken fricasee in a ring mold! If you make it, please be sure to post a picture
DeleteI love curry but some brands are better than others. I remember my mm would use Tupperware molds to make fun Jello molds for our parties as kids. I've been looking for molds whenever I remember.
ReplyDeleteI wish I had the patience for a good. layered Jell-O mold but I always forget and end up with a solid-color mold. I feel much more secure in my savory culinary endeavors!
DeleteBoth my grandmothers were Co-Queens of the ring mold. Which is probably why I love them so much! Gold star for imagination on this one! FAB!
ReplyDeleteThanks DtB!!! Did they pass any of their skills down? We've got to revive the ring mold!
DeleteThis looks yummy, and the fact that the curry comes out of a volcano makes it even more appealing! I just hope there weren't any volcanic eruptions following the meal... *boom,boom*! ;)
ReplyDeleteI think everyone survived the night! Hahahahaha!!!! Now I've got to come up with more ring mold ideas!
DeleteI love weird old food presentation ideas! It seems everyone used to be very concerned with a festive presentation, which I can totally get behind. This is such a good way to modernize the "ring mold" idea! Yours actually looks modern and artisan, rather than kitschy. Great job!
ReplyDeletexo, Michelle
Neon Rattail
Thanks Michelle! Wowee, I've never been afforded the title of "Artisan!" You've given me confidence to try more!
DeleteThat looks sooo good! I have a ring mold but have only used it once for a rice and meatloaf concoction that had palm trees made out of carrots.
ReplyDeleteIs there pictorial proof of your trees? I would love to see those! Thanks!
DeleteThat looks amazing. Love these kind of posts!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I'll try to do more. I love cooking, I just need to get creative!
DeleteThat looks good! I want to make it for Jesse. I missed out on a tasty night.
ReplyDeleteOne of these days we'll get our dinner parties to work out!
DeleteI do in fact own a few ring molds and jello molds too. I have never used my ring mold for rice though but I have made a mean rainbow jello.
ReplyDeleteI envy people who can make complicated Jell-O molds work....I always forget that things are in the fridge until it's too late. Fortunately, I love Jell-O and will eat it anyway it comes!
DeleteLooks absolutely delicious!
ReplyDeleteThanks Elise!
Deleteoh my gosh that veg-all one at the top is really grossing me out. maybe it is the dog food brown lumps in the middle. ugh.
ReplyDeleteHahahaha!!! You know, starving people would be happy to have dog food...or at least that's what my grandma would say.
DeleteWhat a good idea.... I think I will try the chocolate one with fruits salad....
ReplyDeletePlease do and please be sure to take pictures of the result. I would love to see your creation!
Delete