West African Root Vegetable and Greens Curry

• 1/2 cup neutral oil
• 1 cup sliced shallots
• Salt
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 Tbsp grated fresh ginger, (2-3 inch piece)
• 2 tsp ground turmeric
• 2 Tbsp tomato paste
• 1 fresh hot pepper, pierced a few times with a fork or knife
• 14 oz can tomatoes with their juice
• 2 lbs peeled root vegetables - potatoes, sweet potatoes, turnips, carrots, parsnips, etc, cut into 1 1/2" pieces
• 1/4 cup basil
• 1/4 cup cilantro
• 1 lime
• 1 can coconut milk
• 4 cups julienned hearty greens, like kale or collard greens, tough stems removed

1. In a large pot saute sliced shallots in oil until caramelized and golden brown. Remove from pot, drain on paper towel and seaon with salt.

2. Drain all but 2 Tbsp of oil from pot and heat over mdium low (reserve oil for another use). Add garlic, ginger and turmeric and saute until fragrant. Add tomato paste and cook until it begins to brown and stick to the bottom of the pot.

3. Add tomatoes with their juices and whole pepper. Stir to combine then add 3 cups water. Bring to boil over high heat.

4. Season with salt and add root vegetables. Cook until just tender and still holding their shape.

5. Stir in coconut milk, heat through and adjust for salt. Add the greens and cook until tender. Remove hot pepper.

6. Serve in bowls sprinkled with cilantro, basil, caramelized onions and a squeeze of lime. Hot sauce on the side