Living by the seaside and very close to a fishmonger makes it easy for me to get hold of the most beautiful squid. I like to pair it with bright green mangetout in this coconut curry for a pleasing crunch.

SERVES 2
2 tbsp sunflower oil
1 tsp black mustard seeds
10 fresh curry leaves
1 green chilli, thinly sliced
1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, grated
2 tomatoes, finely chopped
40g fresh coconut, grated
200ml water
3⁄4 tsp salt
1⁄2 tsp chilli powder
1⁄2 tsp ground turmeric
2 tsp ground coriander
400g cleaned squid, thinly sliced
80g mangetout
- Heat the oil in a pan and add the mustard seeds. Once they start to sizzle, add the curry leaves and green chilli followed by the onion and cook over a medium heat for 6 minutes until the onion is softened and lightly golden. Add the garlic and cook for a minute.
- Stir in the tomatoes and cook over a medium heat for 2 minutes until they start to soften. Then add the coconut with the 200ml water, cover and cook over a medium to low heat for 10 minutes until everything is mushy and cooked.
- Add the salt and ground spices and mix well. Then add the squid and cook over a medium heat, uncovered, for 2-3 minutes until just cooked.
- Stir in the mangetout and cook for a minute longer, then serve.
Now buy the book
Chetna Makan’s new book Chetna’s 30-Minute Indian is published by Mitchell Beazley, priced £20. To order a copy for £17.80 until 27 June go to mailshop.co.uk/books or call 020 3308 9193. Free p&p on orders over £20.