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Author Topic: Frozen Base  (read 9,870 times)

AI Summary
The discussion centers around the use of frozen versus fresh curry bases in takeaway (T/A) curries. While some participants believe that fresh bases yield better flavor and quality, others argue that frozen bases can still produce satisfactory results, especially for home cooks who may not have the time to prepare fresh bases regularly. Ultimately, there is a consensus that while fresh bases are preferred for the best results, many home cooks find frozen bases acceptable and convenient, leading to varied personal preferences regarding taste and preparation methods.

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Offline emin-j

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Frozen Base
« on: September 23, 2009, 08:42 PM »
Had a chat with the owner of my local T/A this evening while waiting for my order , we got talking about how different T/A Curries taste well ' different ' , he agreed and went on to say " some T/A use frozen base "  :o and their Curries will not taste as good as a Curry made from fresh base.
I totally agree with him as I have found my best tasting Curries come from freshly made base and the frozen base Curries are never quite as good.
This is an award winning T/A so who am I to argue  ;)
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Offline Cory Ander

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Re: Frozen Base
« Reply #1 on: September 24, 2009, 03:40 AM »
Quote from: emin-j on September 23, 2009, 08:42 PM
he agreed and went on to say " some T/A use frozen base "

I'd be very surprised if many do Emin

Quote from: emin
This is an award winning T/A so who am I to argue  ;)

Almost all BIRs appear to be "award winning" Emin, they seem to give them out like free poppadoms....

....and the "awards" are often years out of date...when there were previous owners and, particularly, chefs working there.
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Offline PaulP

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Re: Frozen Base
« Reply #2 on: September 24, 2009, 08:59 AM »
I freeze my bases because I have to really. I'm only making 2 curries per week so the stuff would go off before I used a batch.

I'm not into making smaller batches of base (less than 2 litres) as I don't have time to prepare bases regularly, and the results may not be so good.

I'm afraid freezing is a necessary evil for me!

I too very much doubt that TAs would freeze any base they make - I'd be surprised if it even reached a fridge overnight.

I personally don't have a problem with the taste of a thawed out frozen base.
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Offline emin-j

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Re: Frozen Base
« Reply #3 on: September 24, 2009, 08:30 PM »
I think if you are looking for that 100 % BIR your not helping yourself using frozen base.
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Offline PaulP

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Re: Frozen Base
« Reply #4 on: September 24, 2009, 09:12 PM »
The difference between frozen and fresh base doesn't seem much to my old taste buds and is certainly not the missing link to achieve 100% BIR for me.

And what is fresh? Our curry guru Bruce Edwards doesn't freeze his bases but he reckons they taste best on day 4 after leaving them in the fridge.

I'm creating pretty yummy curries these days that easily beat any supermarket factory curries or curries in a jar so I don't really care if don't get 100% BIR.

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Offline joshallen2k

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Re: Frozen Base
« Reply #5 on: September 25, 2009, 01:19 AM »
I really haven't noticed a difference using frozen/thawed vs. fresh base.

I really haven't.

If I ever have a Eureka moment in my curry cooking and it involves a fresh base, I will cease freezing immediately.

-- Josh
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Offline JerryM

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Re: Frozen Base
« Reply #6 on: September 25, 2009, 07:24 AM »
i think the oil has something to do with the change in taste. it seems to separate out on the surface.

i've only done one side by side but that was enough to convince me. the comparison was with fresh base and 24hr frozen.

i did not cook with it so the difference could well be masked by the subsequent cooking.

i'd add that the difference was not huge. i guess what sealed it was that i know that my local TA only use fresh.
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Offline adriandavidb

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Re: Frozen Base
« Reply #7 on: September 25, 2009, 10:18 AM »
I've found that 3 day old base from the fridge ( A BE suggestion) is easily the best; next best being fresh; and least good, frozen.

I freeze too, a necessary evil, and whilst not as good, I find it does not make such a huge difference as to warrant making smaller batches and not freezing, IMHO  :)
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Offline emin-j

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Re: Frozen Base
« Reply #8 on: September 25, 2009, 05:57 PM »
Quote from: PaulP on September 24, 2009, 09:12 PM
QuoteThe difference between frozen and fresh base doesn't seem much to my old taste buds and is certainly not the missing link to achieve 100% BIR for me.

For those looking for the missing 5% it could make a difference.

QuoteAnd what is fresh? Our curry guru Bruce Edwards doesn't freeze his bases but he reckons they taste best on day 4 after leaving them in the fridge.

Not Frozen , and used within a few days.

I'm creating pretty yummy curries these days that easily beat any supermarket factory curries or curries in a jar so I don't really care if don't get 100% BIR.
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Offline emin-j

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Re: Frozen Base
« Reply #9 on: September 25, 2009, 06:08 PM »
The problem I have is the prparation of it all on Curry Nights , Rice ,Bhajis ,Naan , If I had to prepare for a Fresh base as well it'l be Midnight by the time it was all ready  ;D
I am very happy with my Curries even using a frozen Base but the majority of T/A use fresh so if your looking for the best results you need to use fresh.
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