HERE S a spicy, but not particularly hot, vegetable dish. This is a good accompaniment to lamb chops, perhaps with some greens. Ingredients 275g (10oz) yellow split peas 2in stick cinnamon 4 dried red chillies 1 tsp ground turmeric 225g (8oz) potatoes 1

HERE'S a spicy, but not particularly hot, vegetable dish. This is a good accompaniment to lamb chops, perhaps with some greens.

Ingredients

275g (10oz) yellow split peas

2in stick cinnamon

4 dried red chillies

1 tsp ground turmeric

225g (8oz) potatoes

1 large clove garlic

1/2in cube fresh ginger root

1 1/2 tsp salt

200ml (7 fl oz) tinned coconut milk

1 small onion

1 tsp black or yellow mustard seeds

1/2 tsp fennel seeds

8 dried curry leaves

4 tbsp vegetable oil

Method

Wash the peas well and drain. Put the peas in a large pan with the cinnamon stick, turmeric and two dried chillies. Add 11/2 pts (900ml) water and bring to the boil. Simmer gently until the peas are tender. Peel the potatoes and cut into small chunks.

When the peas are just softening, add the potatoes and salt to the pan, together with the garlic and ginger, peeled and cut into fine strips. Add a little more water if necessary and simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the coconut milk and stir.

Meanwhile, peel and finely slice the onion. Combine all the remaining spices in a small bowl. Heat the oil in a small frying-pan and stir-fry the onion until it starts to turn brown. Add the whole spices and stir well. Put the peas in a serving dish and add the onion and spices, stir to mix and serve immediately.

Plenty for 4 servings.

JUDY BROADWAY