Nelum Ala Curry (Lotus Root Curry)

1. In a pan with hot oil, add mustard seeds and fenugreek seeds.
2. When the seeds begin to pop, add half the onion and sauté for a few minutes.
3. Add the lotus roots, 2 garlic cloves, curry (spice blend), turmeric, curry leaves and half of the pandanus leaves.
4. Continue to sauté for 2 minutes so that the lotus is covered with spices and herbs.
5. Add the light coconut milk and stir for 2 minutes. Pour the thick coconut milk. It is not necessary to use all the can but you may adjust based on how rich you want the sauce to be.
6. Cover the pan and simmer until lotus roots are tender enough. Depending on the thickness of the lotus slices, it may take 10 to 15 minutes.

Hot sauce

1. In a skillet, sauté a little oil, add sambal (spicy sauce), green hot pepper, one garlic clove, a few pandanus leaves and the rest of the red onion. Sauté for a few minutes.
2. At serving time, add one tablespoon (or more) of this concoction to spice up your lotus curry.