Go "Fusion" To Spice Up A Day, On A Budget

"Chef On A Shoestring" Akhtar Nawab Has Indian Roots, Grew Up In Kentucky, And Has Manhattan Eatery!

(CBS) 

Roasted Chicken, Brussels Sprouts and Curry

INGREDIENTS:

1 three-and-a-half-pound chicken
2 ounces butter, softened
4 sprigs thyme
2 cups Brussels sprouts, split in half
2 cups parsnips, with core removed
4 teaspoons curry powder
4 teaspoons olive oil

METHOD:

Pre-heat the oven to 400°F

Toast the curry powder until aromatic, about a minute and let cool. Then, rub chicken with butter.

Season the chicken generously with the curry powder, salt and pepper.

Place the chicken in a large baking dish and place in the oven.

Halfway through the cooking - about 20 minutes - add the Brussels sprouts, parsnips and thyme. Continue to cook everything together until the vegetables are tender, about another 20 minutes.


Banana Bread Pudding with Cardamom

INGREDIENTS:

1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 pinch ground cardamom
1 loaf brioche, diced
2 bananas
vanilla ice cream or gelato

METHOD:

Combine the sugar, milk and heavy cream in a medium-size mixing bowl.

Then add eggs, one at a time, as well as the cinnamon and the cardamom, whisk until smooth.

Add sliced bananas and diced bread and leave to soak for about 10 - 15 minutes.

Spoon into a baking dish and bake at 350 for about 20 minutes.

Serve with vanilla ice cream or gelato.


So, how did Akhtar do with our $40 budget?

1ST COURSE
Beets $3.87
Thyme $1.49
Garlic .39
Cumin Seeds $2.99
Honey $2.19
Dijon $2.69
Pistachios $2.00

2ND COURSE
Whole Chicken $6.36
Brussels Sprouts $2.00
Curry Powder $1.99

3RD COURSE
Heavy Cream $1.19
Cardamom $4.69
Brioche $3.49
Bananas .62
Parsnips 1.99
Ice Cream $1.99

TOTAL COST = $39.94!