NFU warns current fruit and vegetable shortages could be ‘tip of the iceberg’ | Express & Star

A reliance on imports is said to have left the UK vulnerable to ‘shock weather events’.

This content was originally published here.

Violence against journalists in Mexico is a crisis for free expression. We’re preserving their reporting in a digital archive.

This article is part of the Free Speech Project, a collaboration between Future Tense and the Tech, Law, & Security Program at American University Washington College of Law that examines the ways technology is influencing how we think about speech.

The 36-year-old vlogger appeared on my screen wearing a curly black wig with a big yellow bow, fake oversize glasses, and a green dress. Caricaturizing a homemaker, her signature over-the-top costume transformed Leslie Ann Pamela Montenegro del Real into her online persona: a satirical YouTuber best known as Nana Pelucas. From 2012 to 2018, Montenegro del Real and her husband ran an online outlet called El Sillón magazine from Mexico’s popular beachside city of Acapulco. Nana Pelucas was the host and reporter of El Sillón’s news shows.

This sort of video was typical for Montenegro del Real, whose satirical content included funny skits on local politics and interviews with local businessmen and politicians. But less than six months after she posted this video, Montenegro del Real was killed. On Feb. 5, 2018, she was dining with her husband in the restaurant they owned. Two armed men walked straight to their table and shot her three times. They then fled the scene.

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Between 2000 and 2022, 157 journalists were killed in Mexico. These statistics track murders of journalists that were likely connected to their work, and they make Mexico one of the deadliest countries for reporters in the world, often compared with countries at war. The difference is that in Mexico, reporters are not killed by airstrikes or bombs; they are not unplanned casualties. Instead, they are targeted and killed execution-style, just like Montenegro del Real. Many of the murdered journalists are not the hard-hitting investigative reporters you might have in mind, juggling whistleblowers and carefully pulling together sweeping exposés of corruption. Those reporters are targeted too, often via sophisticated methods like the spyware Pegasus—but in my research, I’ve found that most often the journalists who are murdered are those who worked locally and precariously: reporters who founded their own media outlets—blogs, websites, and Facebook pages—in which they posted about daily life in their towns. They reported on everything from a fight between drunken neighbors and the town’s soccer match to elections and roads.

In 2018, six months after Montenegro del Real’s still-unsolved murder, I found myself staring at her YouTube videos, playing one after another, unable to look away from my screen, trying to figure out how to pull together a comprehensive dossier of her work. This, I hoped, would help me understand what had led to her murder.

I closed the tab for El Sillón magazine, shocked that someone as creative and funny—and, above all, so seemingly harmless—had been killed. I returned to my working file. Displayed on the screen was a list of (at the time) 118 names, among them Montenegro del Real’s: fellow journalists who had been murdered in my country, along with links to the outlets where they had published before their untimely deaths. That list was the beginning of what would become the first and only archive that preserves the work of Mexico’s murdered journalists.

I perused the list again, as I had done dozens of times, overwhelmed and unsure of how or where to start the colossal task I had set out to do. After some aimless procrastination, and without much further thought, I clicked on a different link and began cataloging the work of another late colleague. Starting there seemed as good as any alternative.

The murders of Mexican journalists are rarely solved. Even when they do end in arrests, only hit men are ever prosecuted, leaving the masterminds to roam free, which means that motives are almost never established. That is why I wanted to create a database ripe with qualitative information—clues, if you will—that could help shed some light on unsolved cases and serve as a tool to study patterns of violence. If the investigations that these journalists were working on were so damning that someone had killed them to keep them quiet, then we needed to pull back the curtain.

But now, after five years of reading, watching, and listening to the work of killed reporters, I realize I was largely wrong about the why behind the gruesome and ever-growing list of murdered journalists. The work these journalists produced before their deaths, in the vast majority of cases, was not hard-hitting, Hollywood-style investigative journalism. Instead, it was daily, unwavering, and often opinionated hyperlocal news and citizen reporting that unequivocally denounced abuses of power and was often published online. It was low-budget, passion-driven, community-centered—and brutally dangerous.

Before being stabbed to death in 2019, local journalist Nevith Condés Jaramillo, from the state of Mexico, did one Facebook Live after another criticizing the lack of medicine in the regional hospital, calling out the mayor for half-built public schools, and demanding that a street with a huge pothole be fixed. In early 2016, before being shot to death in front of his house, Francisco Pacheco Beltrán, from Guerrero, published op-eds on his website complaining about the poor quality of public services in his town. One week before his murder, Pacheco Beltrán wrote about a neighborhood where residents had no running water, criticizing the mayor for “living with excess” while turning his back on residents. Similarly, Samir Flores Soberanes, from Morelos, used his community radio to rally people to protest the construction of a gas pipeline—until he was killed at dawn outside his house in 2019.

In their reporting, the archive demonstrates over and over again, these local journalists called out negligent politicians, unpopular kingpins, and corrupt businessmen; they demanded better public services and accountability. They didn’t uncover secret documents or find smoking guns. Their work often overlapped with activism. The crimes against them are expansive attacks on free expression and participation in civic life, in many different forms.

A few months after I first tried to start documenting Montenegro del Real’s work, I mustered the courage to click back into the webpage for El Sillón magazine. When I did, I found myself once again shocked: The website I had visited mere weeks before no longer existed. Its domain was up for sale, the ad on my screen noted, after payment for it had failed. The work of killed journalists—often published on their own online outlets or social media platforms—tends to be self-financed. They rarely made a living from their journalism, and most had other sources of income, like driving a cab or selling tacos. That is also why, after they’re killed, their work often disappears.

Millions of People Collect Plastic for a Living. What Happens if It Goes Away?

Luckily, not all of Montenegro del Real’s legacy was lost. Most of her videos are still available on YouTube, where people from all over the world have expressed their shock over her murder and left their condolences in the comments. But few other journalists posted on YouTube, so Montenegro del Real is an exception.

Pacheco Beltrán ran an online outlet that was lost, along with his work, after payment for the domain suddenly stopped, years after his death. Ricardo Monlui Cabrera, killed in 2016 in Veracruz, migrated his print paper online a few years before being murdered; months after the crime, his website disappeared too. Rubén Pat Cauich, José Guadalupe Chan Dzib, and Francisco Romero Díaz—killed between 2018 and 2019 in Quintana Roo—worked together on a breaking news site hosted on Facebook. Their work was lost after being flagged as sensitive content and subsequently taken down.

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But I kept at it, and by late 2019, when I launched the archive, I had been able to hire a team, and together we were able to preserve more than 12,000 clips from 43 journalists. Today, as a small nonprofit, we continue to read, catalog, and preserve the work authored by killed journalists—a number that, sadly, keeps growing in Mexico. As that number grows, I am more convinced than ever that this digital repository will be an invaluable tool for qualitative analysis that can help design better public policy (in partnership with public and private organizations) to prevent violence against local reporters and citizen journalists. Mexico’s federal government and some states have special programs to prevent violence against reporters and activists that could, for example, use the data to identify moments of increased risk in specific places. Similarly, collaborations with companies like Meta could help journalists evaluate risk based on the reach of their content, the sensitivity of its timing in their local context, and the reaction to it.

We owe it to murdered journalists to preserve and engage with their work. It is key to honoring their legacy, and to protecting the Mexican journalists who continue to bluntly speak truth to power with very few resources, relying heavily on technology to spread and amplify their cries for justice.

Future Tense
is a partnership of
Slate,
New America, and
Arizona State University
that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society.

‘Tremendous project’ at San Luis Dam showing progress: Roadshow

Q: I was traveling with a friend recently from Gilroy to Santa Nella and we passed the full San Luis Reservoir on the trip. What a sight!

There is a lot of construction going on near the face of the dam along Pacheco Pass. It must be a tremendous project, as there were trucks full of materials and a series of gravel, rock and dirt yards full of raw materials to be moved somewhere else, as well as trucks driving across the top of the dam.

That was an area where you could see the Tule elk that have been able to make the dam and surrounding territory their home. I think they will move back into the hills and we might never see them again. Too bad.

I hope you can find out what is going on.

Alma Gay Rush, Morgan Hill

A: It’s a $1.2 billion project to rebuild the largest dam in Santa Clara County in order to reduce the risk of the dam failing in a major earthquake. The San Luis Dam now impounds up to 2 million acre-feet of water in the San Luis Reservoir, the largest offstream reservoir in the United States.

In another regional dam project, construction crews have started to dig a new outlet tunnel at Anderson Dam near Morgan Hill. The tunnel will be 24 feet high and 1,700 feet long and will allow the reservoir east of Highway 101 to be drained more quickly because of an earthquake, major storm or other significant incident.

The tunnel will be finished late in 2024, and a 13-foot-high pipe will be installed inside. Then the work will shift to tearing down the 240-foot earthen dam and replacing it with a new dam and concrete spillway that’s capable of withstanding a 7.2 magnitude earthquake.

That phase of the project won’t be finished until 2032.

Paul Rogers, natural resources and environment reporter for the Bay Area News Group, has written much more about the dam, including an article from last December, updating the progress on the project.

Q: I’m replying to a reader’s comment in one of your recent columns about headrests blocking the view when drivers turn their heads when backing up.

I’m short, and when I turn my head, all I can see is the headrest. When I bought my current car, I removed the driver’s headrest and took it to an upholstery shop. They lowered its height by 6 inches, so I can see over it when I turn my head. When I rent a car, I remove the headrest and toss it into the trunk.

Sue Kayton, Menlo Park

A: Thanks for this recommendation for having your car’s headrest shortened. It’s one that others may want to try.

Look for Gary Richards at facebook.com/mr.roadshow or contact him at [email protected].

Guest Post – Eli from Coach Daddy Talks Leftovers – The Meaning of Me

That’s right. Leftovers. Food that was not consumed at some previous meal.

Leftovers are a reality in every kitchen. If you tell me you don’t have any in your fridge right now or that you never eat them, well, I would have a hard time believing you.

Moms love leftovers. At least this mom does. Leftovers give me a bye night in the kitchen. True, I love to cook. But sometimes I just don’t want to think about it. It’s hard to come up with great ideas every. single. night. And I have blog posts and kids’ books to write. When I ask the Hub for input, we often end up playing a down and dirty round of What Do You Want to Do About Dinner. So leftovers get planned intentionally here every now and then. Or every week.

I’m pretty lucky in the leftover food department. My family takes them in stride. Sometimes they give up a little “Huzzah!” when I say “we’re having the leftover ____” from the other night, especially if it’s Zilla’s favorite Swedish meatballs.

Or tacos.

Here to offer the Dad’s perspective on leftovers is my new-ish friend and awesome blogger, Eli from Coach Daddy. Eli’s posts are sometimes funny, sometimes thought-provoking, sometimes poignant. His Go Ask Daddy and 6 Words features are fantastic. Please give him a warm welcome here and then go check him out over at his place. You’ll be glad you did.

Leftovers. I know people who won’t eat them, under any circumstances.

I’ve refereed skirmishes that have broken out over whose leftover China Den is whose.

Leftovers. They’re polarizing.

They’re a cornerstone of human life. Since Ubod the Cro-Magnon failed to finish a side of mammoth in one sitting. (He saved the rest in the back of the cave). Napoleon, Alexander the Great, Redd Foxx and even Mitt Romney partook. Leftovers: Constant as death, taxes, and the raiders missing the playoffs.

In modern family life, leftovers fall into the dwindling domain of a father’s jurisdiction. You’ll find it in the Bylaws of Fatherhood. It’s right there. Next to “exterminator,” “cash dispenser*” and “rule bender.”

*- Not including dads whose finances look less like Mark Cuban’s and more like Argentina’s. You can’t squeeze sweet and sour sauce from an empty packet.

The Rules of Leftovers are unofficial and unwritten, well, until now. Here’s what you need to know about leftovers – from dad’s ornamental throne.

Bring it from the table: Dad will pick up your crayons and crackers, but your box of chow is your responsibility at the restaurant.*

*-Sesame chicken not included in this clause. Dad will hold it.

One-week rule: I’ve read in National Geographic that organized Caucasian families have a color-code system to help keep leftovers from going uneaten. In our house, if it crawls (fast), toss it out.

photo credit: cseeman via photopin cc

Ribeye Rules: No one can eat any leftovers of a steak that costs more than $13 without written consent from the person who ordered it.*

*-Expect an inquisition. Ain’t no kid getting a porterhouse when dad’s footing the bill.

Zero-soda Regulations: Dad knows you have water and juice and Kool-aid. Dad knows the level of his Coke Zero at all moments.

So endeth the reading.

What’s your family’s leftover story?

When he’s not fishing and waxing philosophic with one of his kids or trying his damnedest to keep them young, Eli Pacheco writes the blog Coach Daddy. Follow him on Google Plus, Pinterest and Twitter.

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Aid Struggling Families With Gifts of Livestock

Assist Struggling Families With Gifts of Livestock

Someplace in a neglected edge of the United States or 47 various other nations around the globe, a family members dealing with appetite as well as destitution can aid suffer itself if it had some animals.

You can money all or component of the expense of assisting such a family members with Heifer International, which for even more than 50 years has actually supplied ranch pets as well as training in lasting farming to inadequate family members with minimal sources.

If you’re looking to offer a present that’s both purposeful and also distinct, begin a brand-new custom this vacation period; give away a lamb, cow, or any type of various other ranch pet in honor of your mommy, papa, grandparent, customer, any person or instructor close to your heart.

Right here’s exactly how it functions: A goat sets you back $120 (or a share for $10) as well as can provide a family members with a number of quarts of milk each day. Guest of honors get an one-of-a-kind present card that defines the charitable payment made in their name.

When the family members has actually finished training and also ready suitable centers, they will certainly get the pet that Heifer International gives.

This pet will certainly offer woollen or milk or transport or eggs – and also a pledge of brand-new hope and also tranquility for this family members. Surplus items are offered to provide additional revenue for college products, medication as well as real estate renovations.

Every recipient household guarantees to “hand down the present” of its pet’s children to one more household in requirement. The following family members to get a pet as well as training makes the exact same assurance, and also so on up until a whole area is raised out of destitution as well as right into self-direction.

Heifer International offers the response for benefactors that are searching for even more responsibility of what their philanthropic bucks are doing as well as that want even more certain, lasting solutions to hardship and also take care of the Earth.

Right here’s exactly how it functions: A goat sets you back $120 (or a share for $10) as well as can provide a household with a number of quarts of milk each day. Heifers are $500 ($50 a share), ducks, geese as well as chicks are $20, as well as a hive of honeybees is $30. Guest of honors obtain a distinct present card that defines the charitable payment made in their name.

The Allure of La Lupe ‘The Queen of Latin Soul’ – LatinTRENDS

The Allure of La Lupe ‘The Queen of Latin Soul’

In the world of music, there are few performers as captivating as La Lupe, aka ‘The Queen of Latin Soul’ also, Known for her electrifying stage presence and raw talent, she left an indelible mark on the Afro-Cuban music scene. Born Lupe Victoria Yoli (December 23, 1936) in the Oriente province of Cuba, La Lupe’s journey to stardom was filled with passion and determination.

At the tender age of 19, La Lupe decided to follow her dreams and participated in a local singing competition. To everyone’s surprise, she emerged victorious, wowing the audience with her rendition of Olga Guillot’s bolero “Miénteme.” This early triumph propelled her career forward, leading her to Havana where she met her first husband, Eulogio Reyes, and joined his band Los Tropicuba.

As a solo artist, La Lupe quickly gained recognition for her unique style. Onstage, she fearlessly incorporated her Afro-Cuban Santería beliefs, captivating audiences with her spiritual and passionate performances. Her fame transcended borders, attracting the attention of luminaries like Marlon Brando, Simone de Beauvoir, and Jean-Paul Sartre.

However, La Lupe’s life took a tumultuous turn after the Cuban revolution. Exiled from her homeland, she arrived in New York City in the early 1960s, alone but determined to rebuild her career. It didn’t take long for her to make connections in the vibrant music scene.

She collaborated with esteemed artists like Mongo Santamaría and a young Quincy Jones. And fate brought her together with Tito Puente, resulting in the creation of some of her most celebrated hits, including the soulful ballad “Qué Te Pedí,” recently reinterpreted by Kali Uchis.

She mesmerized audiences with passionate performances at a cabaret called La Berraca, embarking on a prolific journey that resulted in over ten records in just five years. Along the way, Lupe entered into her second marriage with salsa musician Willie García, with whom she had a son. However, like her previous marriage, this one also ended in divorce.

Despite her undeniable talent, La Lupe faced numerous personal and professional setbacks. Following the sale of her label, Tico Records, she struggled to maintain her success. Rumors of substance abuse circulated, although her loved ones vehemently denied them.

She attempted to revive her career in Puerto Rico and later upon her return to New York City. Tragically, a severe back injury in 1984 confined her to a wheelchair and marked a turning point in her life. A devastating fire further compounded her misfortunes, causing her to lose cherished possessions. In the twilight of her life, she suffered a stroke, which eventually led to her untimely death from cardiac arrest.

Yet, La Lupe’s legacy refuses to be forgotten. Over time, her contributions have been rediscovered and celebrated. Juan A. Moreno-Velázquez penned the revealing biography “Demystifying a Diva: The Truth Behind the Myth of La Lupe” in 2013, shedding light on the enigmatic artist.

Ela Troyano’s documentary “La Lupe: Queen of Latin Soul,” released in 2007, offered an intimate portrayal of her life. Fania Records also paid tribute to her with the release of the comprehensive two-disc anthology “Puro Teatro” in 2011.

A rare treasure from the past, a performance on The Mike Douglas Show in 1971 showcases La Lupe at the height of her career. Fearlessly, she takes on the iconic Frank Sinatra classic “My Way,” infusing it with her own flavor.

With every note, she exudes a vibrant energy that is uniquely her own, effortlessly blending English and Spanish lyrics and punctuating the performance with her characteristic “ayyy yiyiyí” exclamations. The crescendo of the song finds her stomping, jumping, and discarding her jacket, a vivid representation of spontaneity and raw emotion. See video below.

La Lupe’s unparalleled talent and boundless spirit continue to inspire generations. Her story reminds us that true artistry transcends boundaries and that the greatest performers leave an everlasting impact on the world. As we honor her memory, we celebrate the Afro-Cuban legend whose music and fiery spirit will forever ignite our souls.

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Celia Cruz & Johnny Pacheco – Song of the Day – Havana Times

Today’s featured artists are Celia Cruz from Cuba and Johnny Pacheco from the Dominican Republic with “Tres dias de Carnaval” (1975).

MASSAGEM DE PEDRAS 😬#shorts

Super massagem de pedras #shorts

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Pharmacy Pioneer: Francisco Rodolfo Pacheco’s Remarkable Journey of Innovation and Advocacy

Title: Francisco Rodolfo Pacheco: A Life Dedicated to Pharmacy

Introduction:
Francisco Rodolfo Pacheco, a renowned pharmacist, was born in 1937 and spent his life making significant contributions to the field of pharmaceutical sciences. Pacheco’s passion for understanding medications and their impact on human health began at an early age and led him to pursue a career that shaped the development of pharmacy as a profession. Throughout his remarkable journey, Pacheco emerged as a respected expert in the field, revolutionizing pharmaceutical practices and demonstrating unwavering commitment to improving patient care.

Early Life and Education:
Francisco Rodolfo Pacheco was born into a middle-class family on March 15, 1937, in a small town in southern Mexico. From his childhood days, he showed an innate curiosity towards science and medicine. Encouraged by supportive parents who recognized their son’s potential early on, Pacheco pursued his academic aspirations with determination.

Pacheco completed his primary education at the local school with exceptional grades before enrolling at Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán (National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition Salvador Zubirán) in Mexico City for secondary education. It was during this period that he cultivated a keen interest in chemistry.

Following secondary school, Francisco Rodolfo Pacheco secured admission to Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (National Autonomous University of Mexico). He decided to specialize in pharmacy due to its unique blend of scientific knowledge and direct impact on patient well-being. Excelling academically throughout his undergraduate studies, he graduated with top honors from the School of Pharmacy.

Career Achievements:
After completing his formal education, Francisco Rodolfo Pacheco embarked on an illustrious career dedicated to advancing pharmaceutical research and practice. His initial professional experiences included working at renowned pharmacies where he honed both technical skills and interpersonal abilities, establishing a strong foundation for his future endeavors.

As Pacheco’s reputation as an exceptional pharmacist grew, he was offered a position at the prestigious Pharmaceutical Research Institute in Mexico City. During his time there, he made remarkable contributions to drug discovery and development. Pacheco’s groundbreaking research led to the creation of several novel pharmaceutical formulations that significantly improved patient outcomes and revolutionized treatment protocols.

Pacheco’s expertise expanded beyond research and development as he recognized the importance of disseminating knowledge to future pharmacists. He took on teaching roles at various universities and served as a mentor to numerous aspiring professionals. Through his dedication to education, Pacheco played an instrumental role in shaping generations of pharmacists who followed in his footsteps.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Francisco Rodolfo Pacheco actively participated in professional organizations dedicated to advancing pharmacy practice worldwide. He served on executive boards and regularly presented at international conferences, sharing insights from his extensive experience with colleagues from around the globe.

Legacy:
Francisco Rodolfo Pacheco’s contributions have had an enduring impact on the field of pharmacy. His tireless efforts advanced drug discovery and optimized patient care strategies. Throughout his career spanning over four decades, Pacheco received numerous accolades for his outstanding achievements and was recognized as one of the foremost experts in pharmaceutical sciences.

Pacheco’s passion for improving patient outcomes extended beyond academia and research; he advocated tirelessly for equitable access to quality healthcare services across diverse communities. His advocacy work helped shape public health policies and ensured that marginalized populations had equal access to essential medications.

Conclusion:
Francisco Rodolfo Pacheco will always be remembered as a visionary pharmacist who transformed our understanding of medications’ potential impact on human health through groundbreaking research, education, mentoring, and advocacy work. His unwavering commitment to advancing pharmacy as a profession serves as an inspiration for current and future generations in their pursuit of excellence within this critical field.

How to make vegetable samosas – recipe | Food | The Guardian

Homemade samosas are a world away from those dry. cardboard triangles sold under the name in supermarkets. Instead, they have delicately flaky and deliciously rich pastry and a generous stuffing that’s easily tweaked to suit all tastes. Veggie-friendly, portable and very moreish, they’re easy to prepare ahead, too, making them a great choice for picnics or taking to work for lunch.

Prep 15 min
Rest Up to 1 day
Cook 1 hr
Makes 24 mini samosas or 12 larger ones

For the pastry
130g plain flour
¼ tsp salt
½ tsp nigella seeds
(optional)
2 tbsp neutral oil, plus extra for greasing

For the filling
1 medium potato (about 175g)
1 small green chilli
1 tbsp finely grated ginger
1 tbsp neutral oil
½ onion
, finely chopped
½ carrot, finely chopped
50g green cabbage, cored and finely shredded
50g paneer, cut into small dice (optional; or crumbled feta, chopped cashews or peanuts, or more of the vegetables)
Fine salt
40g peas
Juice of ½ lemon
1 small bunch fresh coriander
, finely chopped
Neutral oil, for deep-frying

For the masala
10g cinnamon sticks
1 tsp cloves
1½ tsp cumin seeds
3-4 small dried red chillies

1 Start the pastry

To make the pastry (if you’re really averse to pastry making, you could use two layers of filo brushed with melted butter instead, but I promise you it’s worth the relatively minimal effort), put the flour in a large bowl and whisk in the salt and nigella seeds, if using (though optional, they look pretty and taste great).

2 Knead, then rest

Rub the oil into the flour, then add just enough cold water (probably about 50ml) to bring everything together into a stiff dough. Knead the pastry on a lightly greased surface for about five minutes, until smooth, then brush with a little oil, cover and leave to rest. (You can make this a day ahead and store, wrapped in the fridge.)

3 Cook the potato …

Give the potato a good scrub (leave the skin on, unless it’s very dirty) and put it in a small pan of cold water with a generous shake of salt. Bring to a boil, simmer until tender in the centre, then drain, return to the hot pan and leave to steam dry. Roughly mash the potato, then set aside.

4 … and make the masala

While the potato is cooking, finely chop the chilli, removing the seeds and pith if you don’t want the samosas to be too hot. Pound to a paste with the grated ginger, then set aside. Toast the ingredients for the masala in a hot pan until fragrant, then grind to a smooth powder.

5 Fry the veg

Put the oil in a large frying pan on a medium heat and fry the onion until soft. Add the carrot, turn down the heat slightly, and cook, stirring, for five minutes. Add the cabbage and fry for another five or so minutes, until it’s beginning to soften. Meanwhile, if using paneer, sprinkle it with salt (there’s no need to do this if you’re using a saltier cheese).

6 Finish the filling

Add the paneer and peas, cook for a couple of minutes, then stir in the ginger and chilli paste and half a teaspoon of the masala spice blend, and cook, stirring, for another couple of minutes. Stir in the mashed potato and lemon juice, then season to taste. (You can, if need be, make the filling a couple of days in advance.)

7 Roll and shape the pastry

Divide the pastry into 12 x roughly 18g balls for small samosas (or six x 35g ones for larger pastries), then cover with a damp tea towel so they don’t dry out. Roll out one ball into a roughly 10cm-diameter circle (or 18cm for larger samosas), then cut it in half. Wet the round edge of one half with water, form into a cone, then press together the edges to seal.

8 Stuff the samosas

Stir the coriander into the filling mixture, then stuff into the cone. Wet the top edge, pinch to close, then fold over any remaining pastry. Repeat with the remaining dough balls and filling, making sure each samosa is well sealed. (Once filled, they can be kept, covered and in the fridge, for a few hours until you’re ready to fry.)

9 Fry and serve

Heat a deep frying pan with about 4cm of oil to about 175C (or use a deep-fat fryer). When the oil has come up to temperature, add a batch of samosas (don’t overcrowd the pan) and cook until golden brown, turning as necessary. Scoop on to paper towels and serve immediately, or pack in a single layer for transporting.

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