Pineapple and Green Peas in Almond Broth

Ananas Hari Matar Shorba. Serves 6 to 8. Place 1 1/2 Tbs each of the almonds and cashews and all of the sesame seeds, coriander seeds, and coconut in a blender or food processor, cover and pulse to a coarse powder. Add 1/2 cup of coconut milk and the ginger and chilies, cover and process until smooth. Pour through a strainer, pressing out all of the liquid. (You can substitute water for coconut milk if you like. I much prefer the coconut milk, though). Heat the ghee or butter in a 3 quart/liter saucepan over moderate heat. Add the remaining 1 1/2 Tbs. each cashews and almonds and stir-fry until golden brown, then remove them with a slotted spoon and set aside. Drop in the black mustard seeds and fry until they turn gray and pop. Pour in the seed-nut milk and cook, stirring to prevent sticking, for 2-3 minutes. Pour in the remaining 1 1/4 cups water or coconut milk and the saffron threads and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the pineapple, cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the pineapple is tender. Add the frozen peas 1-2 minutes before serving. Remove the pan from the heat, stir in the cream, nutmeg, and garam masala, and garnish each serving with the fried nuts. Delhi-Style Garam Masala: 1/3 cup whole cloves five 3 inch cinnamon sticks 1/2 cup green cardamom pods 1 cup cumin seeds 3/4 cup coriander seeds or Gujarati-Style 3 Tbs grated coconut 1 Tbs sesame seeds 2 Tbs black mustard seeds 1/4 tsp saffron threads 1/4 cup green peppercorns 1/4 cup white peppercorns 2/3 cup green cardamom pods 3/4 cup cumin seeds 1/4 cup ground nutmeg Pan toast on the stove for 15 minutes, on low heat, stirring every 5 minutes or so. Or oven toast in preheated 200 F oven for 30 minutes. Crush the cinnamon with a kitchen mallet or rolling pin and tap the cardamom pods to release the black seeds inside, and discard the pods. Grind small amounts of the toasted spices until they are reduced to a powder. Be sure to cool thoroughly before storing away from heat and light.