Curry Recipes Online

Curry Chat => Lets Talk Curry => Topic started by: Cory Ander on June 16, 2009, 04:01 PM

Title: I'm BITTERLY Disappointed!!!!!
Post by: Cory Ander on June 16, 2009, 04:01 PM
Buffalo wings??! Chili con carne??! Beef stroganoff??! Lasagne??! Pinchos??!!!  PIZZA!!!!!!  :o etc etc!

What IS the focus of this forum PLEASE!  :o

I'm sorry guys, but the forum seems to have lost it's focus  :-\ ???

I have great recipes for Toad in the Hole and Beef and Yorkshire Pudding if anyone is interested?  :-\ ::)

FFS!  :o  :-\  :-X
Title: Re: I'm BITTERLY Disappointed!!!!!
Post by: Cory Ander on June 16, 2009, 04:14 PM
You know, I have been a member here for about about FIVE YEARS!  AND my original questions remain basically unanswered!  AND the they are very SIMPLE questions!

-  which sweet mango chutney do BIRs use?
-  how do you make a decent BIR special fried rice?
-  how do you make a decent BIR mushroom bhaji?

I thank haldi for his attempts to answer some of these questions, but, as far as I'm concerned, the questions remain largely unanswered!  Until we get SOMEONE KNOWLEGABLE (e.g. a pukka BIR CHEF!) we're going nowhere fast, soon!  :-\

And I DREAD to think that we seem to be degenerating into a general food chit chat forum!  :-\

Read 'em and weep!  :(
Title: Re: I'm BITTERLY Disappointed!!!!!
Post by: Domi on June 16, 2009, 04:31 PM
Buffalo wings??! Chili con carne??! Beef stroganoff??! Lasagne??! Pinchos??!!!  PIZZA!!!!!!   etc etc!

What IS the focus of this forum PLEASE! 
I'm sorry guys, but the forum seems to have lost it's focus  :-\ ???

CALM DOWN CA! CALM DOWN! Those posts are in the "Off Topic" chatter section, CA...You seem in need of a joint, luv lol...It does state: "talk about anything off topic in here"....eeh! and you're an ex-staffer too! ya should know better hehe :P
Title: Re: I'm BITTERLY Disappointed!!!!!
Post by: Cory Ander on June 16, 2009, 04:34 PM
yeah, I've noticed you sitting on the side line Domi  ;)

But when the "off-topic" banter outweighs the "on-topic" banter (by some considerable margin) I believe there is a problem...luv... ;)

And you know, when I've been waiting about 5 years for sensible reply to my VERY simple questions (see above) I KNOW this is not going anywhere very fast!  :-\

I sure don't want to know how to cook buffalo wings, chilli con carne, pizza, etc!  :o
Title: Re: I'm BITTERLY Disappointed!!!!!
Post by: Unclebuck on June 16, 2009, 05:06 PM
I agree its not going anywhere fast with out a resident BIR chef or two, there unlikely to give up there trade secrets and time for free unless we cough up some cash and thats not likely to happen, so here we are no dam mango chutney! but you had to say it didn't you, Toad in the hole.. i happen to make the best toad in the hole in the universe, its ledgendary...serously..Opps.UB.
Title: Re: I'm BITTERLY Disappointed!!!!!
Post by: Cory Ander on June 16, 2009, 05:37 PM
i happen to make the best toad in the hole in the universe, its ledgendary...serously..Opps.UB.

OFFS!  says who!  ;)

Psssst....trade recipes then ;)
Title: Re: I'm BITTERLY Disappointed!!!!!
Post by: Unclebuck on June 16, 2009, 06:34 PM
OFFS!  says who!  ;)

My Mum  ;)
Title: Re: I'm BITTERLY Disappointed!!!!!
Post by: JerryM on June 16, 2009, 07:09 PM
Sorry CA,

i feel a bit guilty on this one.

u'll be glad i've kicked this terrible habit (down to UB's tandoori epic) and intend making base this weekend. the hot weather seemed to have put me off cooking curry and my fav TA is second to none.

i do like the idea of getting some professional BIR help (pukka BIR chef - nothing else will do). this is what we need to focus on achieving.

how do u think we could do it.
Title: Re: I'm BITTERLY Disappointed!!!!!
Post by: Domi on June 16, 2009, 07:18 PM
Sorry CA I was replying to your first post. :P Maybe it might have been better to post a list of subjects which are allowed lol

Though (on a serious note) - having looked at the authors of those threads though, the members involved seem to be fairly active in the curry based forums on this board, so let 'em talk about what they wanna talk about - better that way than to spit your dummy out and risk offending them to the point that they may stop posting altogether....

And one more thing...I make the best Yorkshire puds and toad in the hole...and I wouldn't mind wrestling with you and UB over that point either! :D

Title: Re: I'm BITTERLY Disappointed!!!!!
Post by: 976bar on June 16, 2009, 07:27 PM
Here Here Domi!!! :)
Title: Re: I'm BITTERLY Disappointed!!!!!
Post by: Unclebuck on June 16, 2009, 10:04 PM
Sorry CA I was replying to your first post. :P Maybe it might have been better to post a list of subjects which are allowed lol

Though (on a serious note) - having looked at the authors of those threads though, the members involved seem to be fairly active in the curry based forums on this board, so let 'em talk about what they wanna talk about - better that way than to spit your dummy out and risk offending them to the point that they may stop posting altogether....

And one more thing...I make the best Yorkshire puds and toad in the hole...and I wouldn't mind wrestling with you and UB over that point either! :D

here here too, and not possible about the toads you know... im not gonna have it!  ;)
Title: Re: I'm BITTERLY Disappointed!!!!!
Post by: joshallen2k on June 17, 2009, 01:52 AM
I kind of like the off topic non-BIR recipe chat.

But CA has a great point when the posts outnumber the "BIR Advances".

I hope Emin-J has some success with the BIR he has found that is open to lessons, but we've had a few of these that have led to more questions than answers.

I don't know how much is in Stew's donation pot, but at this point I would PAY a quality chef to REALLY take us through a few dishes and base. That would be a better spend of the dough than implementing a better recipe ratings system. I'd be happy to pitch in if we found a willing participant.

-- Josh
Title: Re: I'm BITTERLY Disappointed!!!!!
Post by: Cory Ander on June 17, 2009, 02:13 AM
"Hear! Hear!" Josh  ;)

Domi, I recognise that one woman's food is another woman's poison, so to speak (no, I'm not referring to your, or UB's toad in the hole here  ;)), but I do find it pretty frustrating (I wouldn't call it a "dummy spit") when the forum appears to be drifting off, more and more so, into other none curry related areas, when we appear to be largely unable to answer some fairly fundamental questions about cooking BIR curries.  Isn't THAT what this forum is really about?  Or maybe it's changed due to members' "personal preferences"?  ::)

I accept the argument that at least members are posting (even if it is nothing to do with curries), and I certainly would not like to deter them from doing so, BUT I personally would prefer to see the focus maintained firmly on cooking BIR curries....my "personal preference" I suppose  :P

However, on a more positive note, how can we get input from a pukka BIR chef?  Well, how about posting a GREAT BIG BANNER  , somewhere prominent on the forum, saying something like:

WANTED!  PUKKA BIR CHEF TO ASSIST US WITH COOKING PUKKA BIR CURRIES!


Perhaps an offer of FREE ADVERTISING can me made in lieu of direct payment?

I'm sure other members can make plenty of other suggestions?
Title: Re: I'm BITTERLY Disappointed!!!!!
Post by: Unclebuck on June 17, 2009, 06:59 AM
Here Here too  ;)

Now that sounds like a good idea, a really big banner!!

PUKKA BIR CHEF WANTED


will it happen? hope so.
Title: Re: I'm BITTERLY Disappointed!!!!!
Post by: JerryM on June 17, 2009, 07:36 AM
i echo exactly what josh said.

we just need to find a chef. the mutual benefits are huge.

some form of resident chef would eliminate the travelling element which has been a sticking point in past attempts. it's just finding the chef.

pitching in on the donation front to support this would i think suit most members.
Title: Re: I'm BITTERLY Disappointed!!!!!
Post by: CurryOnRegardless on June 17, 2009, 08:05 AM


-  which sweet mango chutney do BIRs use?


Hi CA

That always bothered me, it sure isn't Sharwoods, but my local Asian supermarket stocks large tins of mango puree and I think that's your answer, I'll bet they just water the stuff down to a runny consistency and add sugar to make it toothache inducing sweet.
Sorry can't help with the other questions, bloody frustrating innit?

Regards
CoR

ps: Domi and UB you are both so wrong on the T-I-T-H, so very, very wrong....
Title: Re: I'm BITTERLY Disappointed!!!!!
Post by: Domi on June 17, 2009, 09:40 AM
lol CA I feel your pain ;) but I feel that even if a pukka chef was found, the same questions would still be raised...check any recipe/base posts and all the same issues are raised in almost every thread...and finding a chef that every member rates highly would be a struggle too. Personally, I feel that some are trying to make it far too much an exact science yet often we see posts from people who have had "their best results" when they've just made an adhoc curry in a hurry yet struggle to replicate that taste in subsequent curries lol possibly because they're trying too hard...I've been a member here for some time and I fail to see any kind of general consensus over one set recipe as there are far too many variables! I like George's idea of meeting up and everyone testing the same dish at the same time - I doubt it will ever happen though but it would make things alot easier :D
Title: Re: I'm BITTERLY Disappointed!!!!!
Post by: Cory Ander on June 17, 2009, 11:30 AM
even if a pukka chef was found, the same questions would still be raised

And hopefully answered by somebody who ACTUALLY knows from experience!

Quote from: domi
often we see posts from people who have had "their best results" when they've just made an adhoc curry in a hurry yet struggle to replicate that taste in subsequent curries lol possibly because they're trying too hard

Or they are no doubt so p*ssed that even their neighbour's retriever looks tantalisingly attractive to them  ;)

How about some more ideas on "capturing" the interest of a pukka BIR chef?:

- We have over 30 restaurants listed in our "Highly Recommended Restaurants" section.  How about contacting them to see if they would be interested in advising us (perhaps for free advertising)?

- How about offering to install a web cam feed in their kitchen?

- How about asking someone like Kris Dhillon if she knows of a BIR that might be interested in helping us?  Or Pat Chapman?  Or Bruce Edwards?  Or the Guild of Bangladeshi Restaurateurs?

- How about asking your local favourite BIR if they would be interested?

I think we need to be far more creative than simply offering money (which has been touted before, with little success)

Oh, and we need leadership to actually make it happen!

There must be a million other ideas that people have?
Title: Re: I'm BITTERLY Disappointed!!!!!
Post by: Cory Ander on June 17, 2009, 11:34 AM
Now that sounds like a good idea, a really big banner!!

Hmmmm, I'm not sure if you're being facetious or not UB?  :-\

SOMEBODY must have some original and creative ideas and the will to make it happen!?  :-\
Title: Re: I'm BITTERLY Disappointed!!!!!
Post by: 976bar on June 17, 2009, 11:48 AM
Is finding a resident BIR chef really the answer? I've travelled all over the UK with my work and have eaten in BIR restaurants from Cornwall to Inverness over many years and to be honest they all differ so much in each region.

So my question is, if we found a BIR chef say from Manchester, is he going to produce the same results as the BIR chef from my local down near Sandhurst?

We all have our own tastes and desires, so are we all ever going to achieve that BIR taste that we all have in our heads by putting our variations on paper so to speak on here? Whats to say your version of a Madras is going to be the same as mine? How do we compare who's is the best just by writing about it on here?

What I suggest is, and this would take some setting up by us all, is to hold a BIR Fare somewhere. A venue where all members and non members could attend, curries can be cooked by individuals if they want, all BIR restaurants could be written to inviting their chefs to come along and give demonstrations, advice, etc......

A bit like the Ideal Home Exhibition but on a much smaller scale. Members could finally meet up and discuss their ideas. You could even invite suppliers of spices, cooking equipment etc to attend where they could give some of their proceeds to the fare to help fund it. An entrance fee, also catering to bring in funding too?

Just a thought.......... :)
Title: Re: I'm BITTERLY Disappointed!!!!!
Post by: Domi on June 17, 2009, 12:35 PM
Quote
And hopefully answered by somebody who ACTUALLY knows from experience!


I've eaten at lots of restaurants and takeaways that have experienced staff, but their curries have been shite in my opinion...the three authors you mentioned have also studied curries for years and will have talked to and studied lots of BIR chefs at work but yet their recipes don't suit everybody ??? I'd like the recipe for one restaurant's chicken pakoras, but the jalfrezi recipe from another place and a recipe for a madras from yet another place....and I won't be totally happy until achieve THOSE results...I also strive to recreate the taste from 20 years ago....I've never achieved that - but having said that, the majority of BIRs can't (or won't) do that either! I don't know what the solution is but it's evident from this site alone that what takes one person closer to their desired taste takes someone else a step or two further away (po-tay-to/po-tah-to,to-may-to/ to-mah-to ....let's just NOT call the whole thing off!). ;D
Title: Re: I'm BITTERLY Disappointed!!!!!
Post by: TyeNoodle on June 17, 2009, 01:23 PM
I have a transit van, some rope and some carpet tape... say the word and I'll find us a chef  ;) ;D
Title: Re: I'm BITTERLY Disappointed!!!!!
Post by: Domi on June 17, 2009, 02:00 PM
Sounds kinky TyeNoodle....do you do home visits? :P
Title: Re: I'm BITTERLY Disappointed!!!!!
Post by: Unclebuck on June 17, 2009, 02:13 PM
Ive got a couple of balaclavas!  ;D
Title: Re: I'm BITTERLY Disappointed!!!!!
Post by: Cory Ander on June 17, 2009, 03:43 PM
Quote
Is finding a resident BIR chef really the answer?

I believe so 976, if we are to progress. My definition of "experienced" would include those who are aware of the (any) regional differences.  Surely we are better of WITH the input of an experienced BIR chef than WITHOUT it?

I would not exclude more than one chef (from different areas) either!

Quote
What I suggest is....to hold a BIR Fare somewhere.....

It's a great suggestion 976, if only someone could make it happen?  It has been mooted before, to no effect...as has paying for a chef...

Quote
I've eaten at lots of restaurants and takeaways that have experienced staff, but their curries have been shite in my opinion

I'm not suggesting that we seek advice from chefs "experienced" in cooking "shite" Domi  :-\  I'm suggesting those whose food members highly recommended!

Quote
the three authors you mentioned
Then please feel free to suggest some other means Domi!  ::)

Quote
I don't know what the solution is

Surely it isn't to close the door on all suggestions and to talk about something completely different instead Domi?

As for some of the other responses to date...well, it says it all really.... :'(





Title: Re: I'm BITTERLY Disappointed!!!!!
Post by: Cory Ander on June 17, 2009, 03:48 PM
...but I sort of feel I'm flogging a dead (deaf?) horse here..... :-\

I think George may have a similar feeling (abeit in another matter)  ;)
Title: Re: I'm BITTERLY Disappointed!!!!!
Post by: Domi on June 17, 2009, 06:51 PM
Surely we are better of WITH the input of an experienced BIR chef than WITHOUT it?

Couldn't agree more!

Quote

I'm suggesting those whose food members highly recommended!

Back to personal preference again, as you said, one man's poison and all that! - Which member's recommendations count? And how do we know if they (or the curry) have good taste without trying them first-hand ourselves?

Quote
Surely it isn't to close the door on all suggestions and to talk about something completely different instead Domi?

'ere I wasn't saying I was against the idea, CA :) I was just saying that it will be hard to get a general consensus - whilst we all strive for the perfect curry, we each have a different idea of what that perfect curry is! I've lost count of the posts I've read in threads about some recipe being fabulous, but the poster has left out/halved/substituted ingredients (i.e. recently George posted about a curry being made with mushroom instead of spinach...the same recipe was altered (or rather stripped back) and posted as a base recipe by Stew some time ago)...it may have given a good result, but it's not the same recipe at the end of the day...then again I'm one of those who think that a recipe should be tried first time with the base it was used with originally as some bases can dramatically affect the final dish and therefore the final verdict (i.e. Stew's base vs. Saffron) - which is why I like George's idea of posting tweaked recipes so that they can be better judged by all - and for new members it would clear up some of the contradictions in threads too...as long as the rating system is implemented...there should be a "rate this thread" mod available on SMF which could easily be modified to "rate this recipe" (I'd be willing to help out if modding is a problem...and I'd be happy to do some custom graphics for it too). Don't lapse into apathy, CA (& George, if you're reading this). Something needs to be done, I've got some firecrackers, I just dunno whose arse to put 'em under :D lol






Title: Re: I'm BITTERLY Disappointed!!!!!
Post by: JerryM on June 17, 2009, 07:36 PM
gut feeling is that we need a further post asking, "what are the problems with the forum"

a sort of referendum to gauge membership.

trouble is even if the problems were correctly identified it's unlikely we would be able to agree a way forward. 

we need something that's simple and better than doing nothing.

the resident chef fit's the bill. why?

it's down to what we ask him to do that's important.

i would be far more interested in knowing what i'm doing wrong. the chef could through regular "guides" address our biggest difficulties - effectively a foundation in BIR cookery ie get the basics right.

in terms of getting him - CA has already adequately spelt it out. i think through our existing contacts would be best or each of use trying our locals with a std letter setting out the details.
Title: Re: I'm BITTERLY Disappointed!!!!!
Post by: joshallen2k on June 17, 2009, 08:38 PM
OK, so who feels they have good enough rapport with their (quality) local to approach them on fully sharing their recipe and technique?

There must be someone on the forum to run with that.

If I actually lived in the UK, I'd be making cold calls until I found a taker!
Title: Re: I'm BITTERLY Disappointed!!!!!
Post by: The Kris Dhillon on June 18, 2009, 01:37 AM
I agree its not going anywhere fast with out a resident BIR chef or two, there unlikely to give up there trade secrets and time for free unless we cough up some cash and thats not likely to happen, so here we are no dam mango chutney! but you had to say it didn't you, Toad in the hole.. i happen to make the best toad in the hole in the universe, its ledgendary...serously..Opps.UB.

Hi,

I always get the impression that there is not much that anyone can teach you guys, but if you think I can help I am happy to share my 'secrets' for the things you mention.  As you know I have a reputation for sharing secrets of Indian restaurant cooking.  A BIR without a good mango chutney, abominable!  Kris
Title: Re: I'm BITTERLY Disappointed!!!!!
Post by: Cory Ander on June 18, 2009, 05:18 AM
if you think I can help I am happy to share my 'secrets' for the things you mention.

Thank you for your kind offer to help us Kris, I'm sure that any assistance you are able to provide would be gratefully received and appreciated  8)

Do you still have ties, or contacts, with Bangladeshi British Indian Restaurateurs, who might also be willing to advise us Kris (say, for free advertising)?

PS:  Congratulations on sorting quotations out, 'tis easy when you know how isn't it?!   ;)
Title: Re: I'm BITTERLY Disappointed!!!!!
Post by: JerryM on June 18, 2009, 08:32 AM
Any help from Kris would be fantastic (and i don't say that often).

having thought more about suggesting the idea to my local TA i've begun to realise that it's not that easy.

1st up is what is the value to the TA or restaurant. i can't really hand on heart come up with credible. money does not drive the staff at my local (am sure it does for the owner but he does not work their and probably knows nothing about cooking).

2nd is the front man has no idea on the cooking. he's good at his job - to make the customers happy. the chef gives the impression of a being very friendly but private at the same time. he greets me warmly and knows when i've not been in. i put it down to him not speaking much english.

having weighed things up then Kris's help sound's like a breath of fresh air.

i also think it might be prudent for whoever provides this help to decide what help we need. as Kris point's out it's what we don't know that we need to focus on - for me that's the basics (something like spice, technique, ingredients ie recipes are not the immediate priority the building bricks need to be confirmed 1st)
Title: Re: I'm BITTERLY Disappointed!!!!!
Post by: JerryM on June 18, 2009, 05:20 PM
had a further thought on the subject as follows;

a "wish list" complied by the members would be good in terms of general interest and mutual help.

it would also serve as a good starting point for identifying what we don't know and potentially give an idea of priority.

for example i'd love to know how much spice goes into a BIR curry. i appreciate there will be variation across the dishes but what's the ball park. i use 2tsp per 200ml finished. this question becomes a tad complicated as u then need to know the same for base spicing to maintain the overall balance.

a more simple example would be to establish what part if any garam masala plays in BIR.

some members may already know the answers which would enable them to be eliminated without troubling the external help. a short list would then focus our minds on the real needs of us collectively.
Title: Re: I'm BITTERLY Disappointed!!!!!
Post by: haldi on June 18, 2009, 07:49 PM
Hi Folks
        I've spent hours and hours at takeaway kitchens.
One thing these chefs repeated again and again, is that you can't cook like they do, at home.
I have been desperate, for years, to prove this statement wrong
I have watched and studied most aspects of these chef's cooking.
The only secret is the gravy and the reclaimed gravy oil.
Given either of these you can produce 100% results at home.
I know, because I have done this.
But can I produce the gravy and oil, on my own?
No, I can't, and I have tried every which way to do it.

I have even been allowed to make a full sized base at one takeaway kitchen
Yes, I actually made it
The very stuff they sold on to customers.
Our missing ingredient is the oil put in the gravy.
This is "used" oil
It is seasoned and full of flavour from all the things previously cooked in it.
Surprising little spice goes into the base.
If you scaled it down to a four onion base you only need about half a teaspoon of spice mix and the same quantity of turmeric and salt.
The main flavour is from the oil

If you cook with genuine curry gravy oil or curry gravy, you get an amazing aroma straight away.
That is the real BIR we all are after

Having said that, we can make some great curries, with recipes posted on this site.
They are a lot of fun
But, in my opinion,they are not BIR quality
I wish they were

If I owned a takeaway, I could do this 100%
But until then.............

Title: Re: I'm BITTERLY Disappointed!!!!!
Post by: Bobby Bhuna on June 18, 2009, 08:41 PM
The only secret is the gravy and the reclaimed gravy oil.

Hey Haldi, hope you're well.
Where is the oil that they put into the base from? Fryers or?
Title: Re: I'm BITTERLY Disappointed!!!!!
Post by: haldi on June 19, 2009, 08:05 AM
Where is the oil that they put into the base from? Fryers or?
I've seen different methods
One is the used deep pan fryer oil goes into the base
Another is where the oil from the fryer is used to fry the curry in
And also I have seen old curry gravy oil going into the new base

I admit that this has been at only four places, and accept that this may not be common practice everywhere.
But all these places produced excellent curries.

Going back four years to my Bengal Cuisine demo
They used different oil to cook my "made before my eyes" curry
This came from a ghee pot on the stove
It was far darker oil than the oil created from my demo base.

When I recreated my demo base and curry at home, I was dissapointed
I'm sure that's because I wasn't using the "special" oil
Using bought "curry gravy oil" I have made curries with the missing "taste"
I have done this even without using curry gravy
Title: Re: I'm BITTERLY Disappointed!!!!!
Post by: currymonster on June 19, 2009, 08:31 AM
Has anyone actually tried infusing an oil with spices/flavourings and use that to cook the main dishes?
Title: Re: I'm BITTERLY Disappointed!!!!!
Post by: Cory Ander on June 19, 2009, 12:37 PM
Has anyone actually tried infusing an oil with spices/flavourings and use that to cook the main dishes?

Yes http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/curry/index.php?topic=3295.0
Title: Re: I'm BITTERLY Disappointed!!!!!
Post by: JerryM on June 19, 2009, 04:56 PM
Interesting post by Haldi on the used oil. something i've not tried.

I'd add that a high output burner (~7kw) also makes a big difference in the taste. I'm still trying to eliminate the hit and miss but when i hit - it's very different to anything i made on the stove at 2.5kw or my 3.0kw gas hob. even my wife get's interested.

I personally think part of the reason for BIR's saying that it can't be done at home is down to the heat - which u can't do in a domestic kitchen - i now only cook curry in the garage (down to the smoke and mess).
Title: Re: I'm BITTERLY Disappointed!!!!!
Post by: emin-j on June 19, 2009, 10:33 PM
had a further thought on the subject as follows;

a "wish list" complied by the members would be good in terms of general interest and mutual help.

it would also serve as a good starting point for identifying what we don't know and potentially give an idea of priority.

for example i'd love to know how much spice goes into a BIR curry. i appreciate there will be variation across the dishes but what's the ball park. i use 2tsp per 200ml finished. this question becomes a tad complicated as u then need to know the same for base spicing to maintain the overall balance.

a more simple example would be to establish what part if any garam masala plays in BIR.

some members may already know the answers which would enable them to be eliminated without troubling the external help. a short list would then focus our minds on the real needs of us collectively.


JerryM,do as I did and show interest in Indian cooking and then ask casually about ingredients and methods,I will probably be going to my T/A tomorrow and hope to have a taste of their Curry Base and maybe even do a bit of cooking  :o
Title: Re: I'm BITTERLY Disappointed!!!!!
Post by: The Kris Dhillon on June 20, 2009, 01:56 AM
if you think I can help I am happy to share my 'secrets' for the things you mention.

Thank you for your kind offer to help us Kris, I'm sure that any assistance you are able to provide would be gratefully received and appreciated  8)

Do you still have ties, or contacts, with Bangladeshi British Indian Restaurateurs, who might also be willing to advise us Kris (say, for free advertising)?

PS:  Congratulations on sorting quotations out, 'tis easy when you know how isn't it?!   ;)
Hi Cory Ander,
I don't have any contacts with chefs in the UK any longer but if there is any information or secrets I can provide personally let me know.  Kris
Title: Re: I'm BITTERLY Disappointed!!!!!
Post by: The Kris Dhillon on June 20, 2009, 01:57 AM
Any help from Kris would be fantastic (and i don't say that often).

having thought more about suggesting the idea to my local TA i've begun to realise that it's not that easy.

1st up is what is the value to the TA or restaurant. i can't really hand on heart come up with credible. money does not drive the staff at my local (am sure it does for the owner but he does not work their and probably knows nothing about cooking).

2nd is the front man has no idea on the cooking. he's good at his job - to make the customers happy. the chef gives the impression of a being very friendly but private at the same time. he greets me warmly and knows when i've not been in. i put it down to him not speaking much english.

having weighed things up then Kris's help sound's like a breath of fresh air.

i also think it might be prudent for whoever provides this help to decide what help we need. as Kris point's out it's what we don't know that we need to focus on - for me that's the basics (something like spice, technique, ingredients ie recipes are not the immediate priority the building bricks need to be confirmed 1st)

Happy to help, where do I start?  Kris
Title: Re: I'm BITTERLY Disappointed!!!!!
Post by: The Kris Dhillon on June 20, 2009, 02:21 AM
Any help from Kris would be fantastic (and i don't say that often).

having thought more about suggesting the idea to my local TA i've begun to realise that it's not that easy.

1st up is what is the value to the TA or restaurant. i can't really hand on heart come up with credible. money does not drive the staff at my local (am sure it does for the owner but he does not work their and probably knows nothing about cooking).

2nd is the front man has no idea on the cooking. he's good at his job - to make the customers happy. the chef gives the impression of a being very friendly but private at the same time. he greets me warmly and knows when i've not been in. i put it down to him not speaking much english.

having weighed things up then Kris's help sound's like a breath of fresh air.

i also think it might be prudent for whoever provides this help to decide what help we need. as Kris point's out it's what we don't know that we need to focus on - for me that's the basics (something like spice, technique, ingredients ie recipes are not the immediate priority the building bricks need to be confirmed 1st)

Hi JerryM,

Can I suggest that it is not one single thing that causes restaurant curries to taste somewhat different to the same recipes cooked at home.  There are a whole range of things that happen in a restaurant kitchen (some of which you probably wouldn't want to repeat in your own kitchen) such as leaving sauces, pastes and mixes sitting around, hopefully in the fridge, for 2 or 3 days, re-using cooking oil as someone's mentioned, stirring in left over marinades for extra flavour, as I suggest in The Curry Secret. 

And don't forget the use of MSG. Many restaurants use that as their 'secret' ingredient.  It definitely works but it is something I strongly oppose due the adverse side effects this causes in many people, myself included.

All these practices in one way or another cause flavours to develop or intensify.  I'm not sure exactly what you and other members are seeking but employing methods like cooking your curry the day before to allow flavours to develop, using garlic and spice infused oil and cooking curries in generous amounts of oil at high heat (skimming off excess before serving) will all help to get closer to that restaurant taste.  I must say though, you cannot beat the flavour, freshness and goodness of food cooked at home with the best ingredients you can buy.  Kris
Title: Re: I'm BITTERLY Disappointed!!!!!
Post by: JerryM on June 20, 2009, 09:11 AM
Kris,

many thanks for taking time to help us. i think we need the below info to set the picture out more clearly.

i very much agree and have adopted all u've said (except msg and used oil). i intend to attempt the "generous oil" next week following an earlier post suggestion.


I'm not sure exactly what you and other members are seeking

i feel there is much value in us collectively answering this question and will create a new post.



Title: Re: I'm BITTERLY Disappointed!!!!!
Post by: JerryM on June 20, 2009, 02:13 PM
do as I did and show interest in Indian cooking and then ask casually about ingredients and methods,I will probably be going to my T/A tomorrow and hope to have a taste of their Curry Base and maybe even do a bit of cooking  :o

emin-j,

will keep my fingers crossed for u. just a thought which may be of interest - when i tasted the real BIR base i managed to get a sample to take home with my curry order. i kept a bit back to compare with the next base i made but also froze the rest in an ice cube tray. i then took one cube out as needed to compare with the home made bases. the thawed out base does not taste as good but it's ok for comparing.

best wishes,
Title: Re: I'm BITTERLY Disappointed!!!!!
Post by: haldi on June 20, 2009, 07:50 PM
And don't forget the use of MSG. Many restaurants use that as their 'secret' ingredient.  It definitely works but it is something I strongly oppose due the adverse side effects this causes in many people, myself included.
Kris

Thanks Kris
One thing springs to mind
I have never really understood how you use msg
Where is it meant to be added to the cooking?
How do you cook with it?




Title: Re: I'm BITTERLY Disappointed!!!!!
Post by: The Kris Dhillon on June 22, 2009, 03:42 AM
And don't forget the use of MSG. Many restaurants use that as their 'secret' ingredient.  It definitely works but it is something I strongly oppose due the adverse side effects this causes in many people, myself included.
Kris

Thanks Kris
One thing springs to mind
I have never really understood how you use msg
Where is it meant to be added to the cooking?
How do you cook with it?


Hi Haldi, it is used like a seasoning, so just stir it in with the salt and spices.  Not too much though, just a pinch. Kris
Title: Re: I'm BITTERLY Disappointed!!!!!
Post by: haldi on September 12, 2009, 03:22 PM
-  which sweet mango chutney do BIRs use?

Hi CA
         I was out the other day and you can see the back of a little takeaway, down an alley
More than once I have looked to see what they use
But this time I thought of you
The takeaway had thrown out an empty, large barrel of Mango Chutney
The make?

..........."Tiger Tiger"

I would have posted a picture, but all I could find on the internet was a pdf that you can't copy and paste.
It's the 40kg barrel and blue
It's at the bottom of page 15 of this address

http://www.tigertiger.info/dynamic_files/tt_catalogue_website_version_white.pdf (http://www.tigertiger.info/dynamic_files/tt_catalogue_website_version_white.pdf)

One place told me they blend the chutney with a little water
They don't serve it neat