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Author Topic: Coconut milk in a Madras!  (read 36,161 times)

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The discussion centers around the unexpected use of coconut milk in Chicken Madras, a dish traditionally not associated with this ingredient. While some participants express surprise at its inclusion, others share that they have encountered coconut in Madras before, often preferring it in moderation to enhance the dish without overpowering it. The consensus suggests that while coconut milk can be used in a Madras, it alters the dish's character, potentially making it more akin to a Ceylon curry, and opinions vary on whether it should be included at all.

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Offline mike travis

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Coconut milk in a Madras!
« on: January 02, 2010, 08:44 PM »
Hi folks,  ;) over the festive period (seems so long ago now) we ordered in an Indian takeaway. I had my usual Chicken Madras. When I tipped it out onto the boiled rice it was yellow and had a distinctive smell and taste of coconut milk. I have been eating Madras for as long as I can remember and have never had one with coconut milk in. It wasnt a mix up in the order, as I got the exact same dish a while ago. Coconut milk in a Korma yes but a Madras!

                       your views please............. mike
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Offline PaulP

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Re: Coconut milk in a Madras!
« Reply #1 on: January 02, 2010, 09:09 PM »
I wouldn't expect any coconut products in a madras.

Having said that I do use coconut milk/cream in some of my hotter curries as the wife likes it that way.

Did you enjoy your madras or did the coconut ruin it for you?

PaulP.
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Offline joshallen2k

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Re: Coconut milk in a Madras!
« Reply #2 on: January 02, 2010, 10:06 PM »
I've definitely had coconut (may have been powder, not necessarily milk) in a Madras many times. I prefer it without, but its still a nice curry.

Here in Canada, it seems every Madras has coconut in it. But here, a Madras is nothing like a BIR Madras at all. I'd describe the flavour as coconut and curry leaves, low-medium heat.  :(
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Offline Secret Santa

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Re: Coconut milk in a Madras!
« Reply #3 on: January 02, 2010, 10:07 PM »
I usually put coconut milk in my madras, but not enough that you can detect it in the finished item. In other words, if you can taste it, you've used too much.

It's presence in the dish still helps though, in my opinion.
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Offline Domi

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Re: Coconut milk in a Madras!
« Reply #4 on: January 02, 2010, 10:48 PM »
round here some do and some don't Mike...I had one last night from a takeaway and it tasted faintly of star anise, looked orange and had a turnippy/swedey undertone....I still ate it though though I was very, very drunk....lol
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Offline JerryM

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Re: Coconut milk in a Madras!
« Reply #5 on: January 03, 2010, 10:32 AM »
goodness me - we aren't half guilty.

i made 976bar's Nepal Chicken (mango) recently and had coconut milk leftover. i'd also seen a white liquid going into quite a lot of malik's dishes.

i ended up adding to my usual 976Bar Kashmiri and Admin's Jalfrezi. As Secret Santa says just a touch. It worked well. not enough to open a tin for but it did get me thinking of freezing it.
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Offline Cory Ander

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Re: Coconut milk in a Madras!
« Reply #6 on: January 03, 2010, 11:12 AM »
I tend to add coconut to many of my curries (cos I like it). 

However, to my mind, adding it to a Madras (which I admit I often do) takes it more towards a Ceylon, in my opinion, especially if lemon juice is also added.
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Offline Mikka1

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Re: Coconut milk in a Madras!
« Reply #7 on: January 03, 2010, 08:05 PM »
I've added it but all that does is add sweet coconut aroma to the dish. Sure its great tasting but belongs in a  'Fusion' setting. Boy are we going to dislike these places huh?  ::)

It's more Thai food than Indian.

I did add it to a base a month ago not having coconut block. Quite good really but I prefer some hard hitting spices really. (In moderation to said tastes).

I'm lucky. I have food around me that is awesome truly. I'm learning from these guys using my nose, I have a good nose.  ;)

I'll use it yes when I want it though. Sorry for sounding vague.  :-\

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Offline Secret Santa

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Re: Coconut milk in a Madras!
« Reply #8 on: January 03, 2010, 08:18 PM »
Quote from: Cory Ander on January 03, 2010, 11:12 AM
However, to my mind, adding it to a Madras (which I admit I often do) takes it more towards a Ceylon, in my opinion, especially if lemon juice is also added.

Ah, yes, but only if you overdo it!

If you can taste the coconut, then you've gone too far.
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Offline Bobby Bhuna

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Re: Coconut milk in a Madras!
« Reply #9 on: January 03, 2010, 09:34 PM »
Quote from: Secret Santa on January 03, 2010, 08:18 PM
If you can taste the coconut, then you've gone too far.

If you can't taste it, what qualities does it add to the Madras? I just figure that if you can't detect it, couldn't it be omitted?

Cheers

BB
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