The Cottage Smallholder

6-8 squirrels
4 tbsp olive or nut oil
5 cardamom pods
a cinnamon stick
1 onions
2 tsp fresh ginger, chopped
2 tsp garlic, chopped
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp coriander powder
¼ tsp turmeric powder
½ to 1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tbsp paprika
1 tsp garam masala powder
1 large Tomato
1 tsp tomato purée
150 ml water
A pinch of Salt pinch. Or buy some
Yoghurt or 1 tin coconut milk
Fresh coriander to garnish

Prepare the ingredients
First of all, chop up the tomato finely and set aside for later use. Next, finely chop the onions and set aside. Finally, cube the  squirrels into bite-sized pieces, season with a little salt and also put to one side.

Make the masala paste
Mix together in a bowl the ginger, garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cayenne, garam masala and paprika. I add a little red food colouring too.

Fry the onions in ghee.
put the oil into a pan over a medium heat. When hot, add the cardamom pods and cinnamon stick leave for a few miunits and then remove. This flavours the oil, giving it a wonderful aroma. Add the onions and cook while stirring, until brown.

Add the spices
add the masala paste and stir for a while.

Add the remaining ingredients
add the tomato and tomato purée and stir for a minute till thoroughly combined.
Pour in the water and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly.
Taste the sauce and season with salt if necessary.

Cook the squirrel
Add the diced squirrels and mix well into the masala.( BTTB) & Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the  squirrel is cooked and tender.
Garnish and serve to me.