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Author Topic: Oil wont seperate  (read 17,990 times)

AI Summary
The discussion revolves around the difficulty of achieving oil separation in a Saffron curry base. Several participants suggest that cooking the base longer on low to medium heat may help, while others express that oil separation is not critical, as the base will be blended and can still be used effectively in curries. The consensus leans towards the idea that while oil separation can enhance the dish, it is not essential, and a homogeneous base can still yield good results.

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Offline Beatdown

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Oil wont seperate
« on: January 14, 2014, 09:39 AM »
Hey all, i just joined the site.

ive looked for advice, but cant seem to find an answer, i dont even see a search function for this forum. where is it?

I've tried to create Saffron curry base twice, but i cant seem to get the oil to separate.
i followed the instructions. should i just continue to cook it long past the 30 mins it says until the oil separates?

thanks for any advice


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Offline Les

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Re: Oil wont seperate
« Reply #1 on: January 14, 2014, 10:03 AM »
If you go to the top of the page, you will see a black band, All functions are there,
Don't know anything about the Saffron base, But someone will let you know,
and welcome to cr0

Les
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Offline Beatdown

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Re: Oil wont seperate
« Reply #2 on: January 14, 2014, 10:27 AM »
Hey thank you, i dont know how i didnt see that search button before.

Its not been much help,  the threads on this subject are pages and pages of arguments, its awful.

The information i found suggests that its down to my own taste, now thats fine, but i dont have a taste yet.
i just need to know why the oil didnt separate and what can i do about it? cook it more or use it as it is?
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Offline Les

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Re: Oil wont seperate
« Reply #3 on: January 14, 2014, 10:35 AM »
All I can suggest is put the base on a low to medium heat, and just let it cook for a while longer, may work may not ;D

Les
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Offline Garp

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Re: Oil wont seperate
« Reply #4 on: January 14, 2014, 12:18 PM »
I wouldn't get too hung up about the oil separation, my friend. I'm not sure what's in your base, but they are generally mostly onions. If the onions are softened enough, I'm sure it will be fine.

It will be blended anyway, and any oil will be contained in the base.
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Online Kashmiri Bob

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Re: Oil wont seperate
« Reply #5 on: January 14, 2014, 01:03 PM »
Just looking at the recipe and it seems to be 0.5 l oil in a 1 1/2 kg onion base.  Definitely need some of that floating on the top in my opinion.  No idea what garp is talking about.   Also recommend boiling for longer.  Try thinning down the base with water too, if needed.  Next to impossible to get bases to separate properly if they are too thick.   

Rob  :)
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Offline Garp

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Re: Oil wont seperate
« Reply #6 on: January 14, 2014, 01:12 PM »
Lol Rob - half the time even I have no idea what I'm talking about.

But anyway, why would you need to see the oil floating on top? If you know that the ingredients are cooked, and it's going to be blended anyway, what difference does it make in a base?

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Offline DalPuri

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Re: Oil wont seperate
« Reply #7 on: January 14, 2014, 01:27 PM »
Rob's right about the water. I found that one out myself a long time ago.  :)
Add a mug or two of water and see how you get on after 15 mins or so.
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Offline mickdabass

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Re: Oil wont seperate
« Reply #8 on: January 14, 2014, 04:26 PM »
Seem to remember the Saffron Base being pretty watery anyway. I personally don't worry too much if the oil doesn't separate....it will do later when you cook a curry from it.

If I cook a new batch of base and the oil separates, I end up having to blend it back in before I portion it up and freeze it anyway
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Online Kashmiri Bob

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Re: Oil wont seperate
« Reply #9 on: January 14, 2014, 05:26 PM »
Quote from: mickdabass on January 14, 2014, 04:26 PM
Seem to remember the Saffron Base being pretty watery anyway. I personally don't worry too much if the oil doesn't separate....it will do later when you cook a curry from it.

If I cook a new batch of base and the oil separates, I end up having to blend it back in before I portion it up and freeze it anyway

Interesting views Mick.  I disagree.  If the base isn't separated properly to start with, or very close to being separated, there is no guarantee of it happening in the pan.  Indeed, in my experience, it won't, and you are stuck with the oil in your curry, plus potentially the additional oil (tarka, etc).  The result is an oil-laden curry. I have seen TA's churning out such curries and they are always sub-standard.  Poorly separated base is simply impossible to work with for many dishes, e.g madras, bhuna.  Textures are a non-starter.  Remember also the separated oil is spiced oil.  Really need to have control of how much of it ends up in a curry, and when. I also blend the separated oil back into my base before freezing.  On re-heating the oil separates rapidly, every time.  Absolutely essential in my view.  This is also the secret of how I stay slim, and maintain my perfect physique.  Ask anyone.  :D

Rob  :)
             
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