Indian Food: The Quest for something I can pronounce!

Well, the food genre this month is Indian. (no, not as in Native American) And I, Amy, am responsible for the planning. In my research/menu planning I've realized this is going to be a challenge. Challenge is good. I love to learn new things, however, the shopping list might just get the best of me. I think I will have to pre-shop just to see if I can find these things in the store. If not, I may have to adjust the menu accordingly. On the bright side...I've expanded my vocabulary. Do any of you know what ghee is? I did not, until today. I was happy to learn that is clarified butter. Now, if only the other common Indian ingredients were as simple. Another one I've encountered is garam masala (not to be confused with the oh-so-tasty marsala). That one is a blend of spices, so still manageable. The next one, I'm not so sure of. It's cardamom. Cardamom is a pod-like item in the ginger family. Maybe it is more common that I think. Oh, and one more...humor me, please. It's called sago. The information I've read leads me to believe it is similar to tapioca. But, I just don't know if it is similar enough to use as a substitute. Anyhow, I haven't even looked at a store, so I'm getting way ahead of myself here. If anyone has any input for my venture....I'd love to hear it!

There are two ingredients I know I will use. Potatoes and chili peppers. Probably together. (this is a little teaser...you will have to check back later in the month to see what has been prepared/cooked)

I have had fun researching. It takes me back to when I had research papers in college. This is more fun, however, since I don't have to submit it in a particular format, nor am I being graded!