Learning Through Others - Better Weeknight Kheema

We learn through our children. A friend said it recently. I hadn't heard that phrase in years, but I knew I had heard it somewhere. It took some time and reaching way back in my book of memories, and it came to me. It was something my mother said too. I've never really thought about it until now. And perhaps it is true in many ways.

Poet and Flower are learning to ice skate. Every year around Christmas, we head to the local Christmas market, which has a big beautiful ice rink set up for the season. A few years ago, the kids very much wanted to skate, so we booked tickets, rented skates, and headed out on the ice. I used to rollerblade in college, but it has been years. But I figured how hard could it be? Ice skating was kind of like rollerblading.

G and stepped out on the ice, and I quickly realized how wrong I was. Who knew ice could be so slippery? I avoid ice on sidewalks and parking lots, and now I was stepping onto a giant ice rink. I grabbed the rail and held on for dear life. The kids stepped out tentatively and then grabbed us for support. It felt like we were all going to go down in one giant heap. We survived the hour and happily hobbled back onto steady ground.

The kids asked us again this winter to go ice skating. G and I looked at each other and said no way. Flashbacks to the holding on to the rail with a grip of death came back to me. Instead, we stood by the side, watching graceful skaters alongside other families holding onto the railing tightly. I was so relieved to be on the other side of the glass.

And so it seemed to make sense that Poet and Flower should learn to ice skate. We wouldn't have to say no over and over, and they could enjoy skating with friends. I never had such opportunities as a kid. Sure, I learned to swim and play the flute, but some things were never even an option. And ice skating was one of those things. I am so grateful that the kids can do so much more than I did.

And so we all piled into the car and headed to the ice rink. The kids enjoyed watching an ice hockey game before their lesson (their first). I learned how to lace up skates (really tight because you don't want your ankle to move). I learned you can walk on the ground with skates on, although it's pretty awkward. And you can push a big bucket around on the ice to help you learn to balance. Things I would never have imagined.

And so, as in ice skating, I have learned how to make a better weeknight kheema. I love my mom's recipe, which you can find here, but sometimes you want something a little different. G has always been urging me to try something new despite my loyalty to my mom's recipe. I've tweaked her recipe a little to make a spicier version. I added garam masala and Kashmiri chili powder, adding a little depth and smoky heat. And in addition to fresh tomatoes, tomato paste, and peas, make it just a little sweeter. The sweetness compliments the smoky heat nicely. And the peas are the perfect excuse to add a few vegetables.

We are always learning. Through our kids, deliberate or by chance. I think skateboarding may be next.

Better Weeknight Kheema

Kheema or Indian minced beef with peas is a great weeknight dinner. In this version, I've added tomato paste in addtion to fresh tomatoes to give it a little more depth. It's a little more spicy with garam masala, Kashmiri chili pepper and cumin. And peas area great way to sneak in some vegetables.

Serves 4

• 2 medium onions (finely chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 inch of ginger (minced)
• 2 medium tomatoes (chopped)
• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon kashmiri chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (or chili powder (optional))
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen peas

1. Heat oil in medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and saute until soft and translucent, about 5-10 minutes.
2. Add garlic and ginger and saute until it browns and begins to stick.
3. Add tomatoes and tomato paste and saute until tomatoes are soft.

4. Add garam masala, cumin, turmeric, red chili flakes and kashmiri chili powder. Give it a few stirs and then add ground beef, salt and peas. Stir well and simmer for 20 minutes until cooked through.

5. Serve with roti or rice