Topic: Hi and Help Get me Started Please

[JP]

Hi there my name is JP (John-Paul) and I've been a curryholic for... my favourite curry is Ceylon 

I've joined up in the hope that I get my arse in gear and try and make some proper curries... and move away from the jar ones that me and the wife probably have about 3 times a week (we like curries ;D)

I've had a quick look around and would like to know if people get their spices online if so where from and if there is a list of which ones you should get as I assume there is some common ones used in a lot of different dishes.  Also what base would you recommend for the beginner.

The kinda curries I'd be looking to make would be, Ceylon, Patia, Dansak, Tikka Masalla, Rogon Josh and dopiaza.

thanks in advance for any advice
cheers
jp

[Cory Ander]

Welcome to cr0 JP.

would like to know if people get their spices online if so where from and if there is a list of which ones you should get as I assume there is some common ones used in a lot of different dishes

I'd guess most people buy the individual spices from an Asian store or supermarket.

This thread suggests the more common ones you need: 

http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/curry/index.php?topic=1766.0

There are several on-line spice stores suggested in these threads:

http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/curry/index.php?topic=1696.0

http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/curry/index.php?topic=2398.0

http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/curry/index.php?topic=2787.0

http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/curry/index.php?topic=3442.0

Also what base would you recommend for the beginner

Try Bruce Edward's as a starting point:

http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/curry/index.php?topic=2815.0

[PaulP]

Hi JP,

I would recommend either the Sns2008, the Taz base or (I haven't tried this one yet but the feedback is good) the Cory Ander (CA) base and associated recipes.

There are other good recipes to be had here but the recipes for these 3 are pretty clear which helps a lot, and the feedback is good for these recipes.

I use http://www.spicesofindia.co.uk/ for mail order spices but I also use the local shops when I can.

So pick a base to start with and note the ingredients, check out what other spices you will need and get started! You will need a stock pot of at least 4.5 litres, a method to blend (either upright blender or stick) and some plastic containers to store your finished base.

I certainly won't be buying any more jar curries after getting started on this forum!

[JP]

Thanks a lot for the pointers and links 

Time to pick a curry or 6  and compile a shopping list  ;D
 

[JP]

Just a quicky hopefully... I'm thinking of going with the SnS base and wondering if you can use any base with any curry or is this not the done thing and you should go with the recommended base with each of the recipes.

I was thinking of doing a Chicken Tikka masala (wife's fave) http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/curry/index.php?topic=539.0

a Dhansak http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/curry/index.php/topic,1097.0.html

and a ceylon http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/curry/index.php?topic=3868.0

to start with.

cheers


 

[PaulP]

Hi JP,

You can mix and match base recipes and final recipes but to begin with you might be better with a matched pair.

SnS provided a good madras recipe with his base but CA has published probably the most comprehensive range of recipes to go with his base. His recipes are also very clear to follow.

I'm going to make the CA stuff next as I'm now totally out of base after a good few Taz base cooking sessions.

Hope this helps.

PaulP.

[joshallen2k]

'm going to make the CA stuff next

I'm curious to try the Taz method with other bases.

Anyone try this?