Mixed vegetable salan

Dry roast the peanuts in a wok or kadai for 3 minutes on medium-high, adding the sesame seeds for 2 minutes more, then the coconut for another 2 minutes until everything turns golden. Remove the pan from the heat, tip everything into a bowl and leave until cool enough to handle. Transfer to a high-speed blender or smoothie maker, add 300ml water and purée to a smooth paste. Crush the crispy onions between your palms and drop them in.

Wipe the pan clean and bring 1 tbsp oil to heat on high. Add the peppers or chillies and cook, without moving them, for 30 seconds, until charred and blistered. Remove and add the remaining oil to the pan. Sizzle the mustard seeds, cumin seeds and fenugreek seeds, then the curry leaves in quick succession. Mix in the ginger and garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

Tip the carrot and cauliflower in with the turmeric, coriander and chilli powder, stirring well to mix together. Add the chillies back to the pan and pour in the blended curry paste. Cook, uncovered, for 15 minutes on a medium heat until the vegetables are soft – add more water (up to 200ml) if needed to keep the vegetables submerged as they cook. Use the blender cup or jug to use every drop of the curry sauce.

Stir in the tamarind paste and broccoli, season with salt to taste, then simmer for 5 minutes, until the broccoli is just tender. The curry can dry out when it cools, so add a dash more hot water to loosen before serving. It should have a thick, creamy way about it.