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Curry Photos & Videos => Pictures of Your Curries => Topic started by: jb on November 04, 2011, 05:42 PM

Title: Onion Bhajis
Post by: jb on November 04, 2011, 05:42 PM
Always struggled cooking onion bhajis.They always seemed a bit 'dough' like or just too crispy on the outside and too soft in the middle.Bit like supermarket ones I guess.Had a free afternoon so I decided to have another go...few ingredient tweeks and cooler oil...hey presto success....actually more flavour than some of the Takeaways round here.Another go and I reckon I've cracked it.

(http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/pics/2b9e29bf32644b7ad0e48bccc110dcb4.JPG)

(http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/pics/99d207abdf8c6a8b096490d5976f383f.JPG)
Title: Re: Onion Bhajis
Post by: curryhell on November 04, 2011, 06:19 PM
Now they look damn tasty jb.  I could go one or two of them right now mate :P :P
Title: Re: Onion Bhajis
Post by: jb on November 04, 2011, 06:43 PM
Many thanks ;D they came out a treat(nearly as good as my recent pilau)  Bit tricky getting the oil the right temp as I didn't have a fryer or thermometer so it was all done by eye...the first batch was the best.

Off to Spices tonight NI Special as usual!!  Wife said she won't go anywhere near me tomorrow!!
Title: Re: Onion Bhajis
Post by: Stephen Lindsay on November 04, 2011, 06:49 PM
jb they look great and I agree with you getting the both the outside and the inside right is tricky. What do you think made the difference on this occasion?
Title: Re: Onion Bhajis
Post by: jb on November 04, 2011, 07:06 PM
Main thing is correct oil temp...too hot and the outside burns and the middle is raw,too cold and they just soak up oil...
Title: Re: Onion Bhajis
Post by: curryhell on November 04, 2011, 07:45 PM
Off to Spices tonight NI Special as usual!!  Wife said she won't go anywhere near me tomorrow!!

Was in there Tues and last night and had NIS on both occasions.  Tues was very dry though :(.  Soon rectified last night though.  Let me know if yours comes up dry tonight jb as my friend had it last night and hers was  a bit dry.  Better still, take a pic.  Enjoy 8)
Title: Re: Onion Bhajis
Post by: loveitspicy on November 04, 2011, 10:09 PM
Heres a tip for cooking the centre but im sure you all know it anyway - after you have made your little ball of Bhaji and put it in the oil - cook it for a couple of mins or less depending on the temperature - then take out and let drain - let it cool - when you can touch it open the centre slightly with your fingers then squash it between your hands or on a flat surface - then refry for a min - DONE! with centre cooked

best, Rich
Title: Re: Onion Bhajis
Post by: jb on November 05, 2011, 09:57 AM
Off to Spices tonight NI Special as usual!!  Wife said she won't go anywhere near me tomorrow!!

Was in there Tues and last night and had NIS on both occasions.  Tues was very dry though :(.  Soon rectified last night though.  Let me know if yours comes up dry tonight jb as my friend had it last night and hers was  a bit dry.  Better still, take a pic.  Enjoy 8)
[/quote

Very dry??  Never had that.They do have an annoying habit of presenting some main dishes already served up on your plate as opposed leaving it on the table in a dish.I always have been served up sizzling in a karahi dish.Here's last night's offering...blooming nice it was too...

(http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/pics/00c5797c38e4959cc44d6e98960c5b6a.JPG)
Title: Re: Onion Bhajis
Post by: curryhell on November 05, 2011, 11:19 AM
Off to Spices tonight NI Special as usual!!  Wife said she won't go anywhere near me tomorrow!!

Was in there Tues and last night and had NIS on both occasions.  Tues was very dry though :(.  Soon rectified last night though.  Let me know if yours comes up dry tonight jb as my friend had it last night and hers was  a bit dry.  Better still, take a pic.  Enjoy 8)
[/quote

Very dry??  Never had that.They do have an annoying habit of presenting some main dishes already served up on your plate as opposed leaving it on the table in a dish.I always have been served up sizzling in a karahi dish.Here's last night's offering...blooming nice it was too...

(http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/pics/00c5797c38e4959cc44d6e98960c5b6a.JPG)
Now that is exactly how i've come to expect it jb.  Looks brilliant :P :P.  But that's not how i got it on Tues nor how my friend got it on Thurs - hers too was on the plate and not in the dish and certaily didn't have the normal amount of sauce either  >:(. Inconsistancy goings on in the kitchen.  I'm going to do one for tonights supper with plenty of sauce  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Onion Bhajis
Post by: jb on November 05, 2011, 06:17 PM
Off to Spices tonight NI Special as usual!!  Wife said she won't go anywhere near me tomorrow!!

Was in there Tues and last night and had NIS on both occasions.  Tues was very dry though :(.  Soon rectified last night though.  Let me know if yours comes up dry tonight jb as my friend had it last night and hers was  a bit dry.  Better still, take a pic.  Enjoy 8)
[/quote

Very dry??  Never had that.They do have an annoying habit of presenting some main dishes already served up on your plate as opposed leaving it on the table in a dish.I always have been served up sizzling in a karahi dish.Here's last night's offering...blooming nice it was too...

(http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/pics/00c5797c38e4959cc44d6e98960c5b6a.JPG)
Now that is exactly how i've come to expect it jb.  Looks brilliant :P :P.  But that's not how i got it on Tues nor how my friend got it on Thurs - hers too was on the plate and not in the dish and certaily didn't have the normal amount of sauce either  >:(. Inconsistancy goings on in the kitchen.  I'm going to do one for tonights supper with plenty of sauce  ;D ;D

The guys are really friendly in there-They actually made a mistake once and it come served on a plate and I sent it back-no problem.I showed them the pictures of my bhajis...they were very impressed....One guy always asks how my cooking is going.I always get on the subject of the chef's base gravy but he says only the chef knows what goes in it. Must get a takeaway tonight ;D good luck with your cooking(pictures please!!)
Title: Re: Onion Bhajis
Post by: curryhell on November 05, 2011, 07:28 PM
That looks so damn good :P.  Whose recipe was the onion bahji?  They are a great crowd of lads alright.  I'm trying to get in the kitchen to see how chef does the saag bahji.  He managed to get it dry but oh so tasty.  I'll let you know how i get on.  I won't let on i know too much, they may be a bit reluctant otherwise. I'll just use my eyes. I'll post a pic of my NIS before i serve it up.  I'll have to use the other computer for that as i can't seem to post pics on here now for some reason >:(.  I have some to post of Abdul's madras - definitely worth the effort, although only a madras ;D
Title: Re: Onion Bhajis
Post by: jb on November 05, 2011, 08:09 PM
That looks so damn good :P.  Whose recipe was the onion bahji?  They are a great crowd of lads alright.  I'm trying to get in the kitchen to see how chef does the saag bahji.  He managed to get it dry but oh so tasty.  I'll let you know how i get on.  I won't let on i know too much, they may be a bit reluctant otherwise. I'll just use my eyes. I'll post a pic of my NIS before i serve it up.  I'll have to use the other computer for that as i can't seem to post pics on here now for some reason >:(.  I have some to post of Abdul's madras - definitely worth the effort, although only a madras ;D

Get in that kitchen!! see what you can find out.I've tried myself without success but I'll keep pestering.The red(pakora style) sauce they serve with the poppadaoms is very tasty,love to know how the chef does that.

The bhajis were inspired by Mick(CBM)..many thanks by the way.....couple of subtle changes and hey presto (nearly) perfection.

Cooking a decent madras has always eluded me,love to see your pics.Seems so long ago that Abdhul was in my kitchen sharing his curry wisdom.
Title: Re: Onion Bhajis
Post by: gazman1976 on November 05, 2011, 08:51 PM
Hi JB try making my Amazing spicy onions - once made put in a blender until smooth - dilute with water until u get the right consistency u require - that might be the red sauce u r looking for ....
Title: Re: Onion Bhajis
Post by: curryhell on November 06, 2011, 01:32 AM
Already on the site jb.  I did try to reply but not easy on the phone in the pub.  Try gazmans original post or this one.  You will end up with what you spread on your poppadums at Spice.  Enjoy  ;D

Gazmans pakora sauce:
http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/curry/index.php?topic=3897.msg35306#msg35306 (http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/curry/index.php?topic=3897.msg35306#msg35306)

or an  alternative

1x large onion
1x teaspoon of salt
1x tablespoon of hot chilli powder (adjust to suit taste - i like 'em spicy)(i'd use a tsp)
1x tablespoon of mint sauce (i'd use a  tsp and add more to taste)
6x tablespoons of tomato sauce
One tablespoon of pureed (and thinned down) sweet mango chutney
Red food colouring
dash of lemon juice

Peel and very finely chop/dice the onion, place in a bowl, add the salt, chilli powder, mint sauce, tomato sauce and lemon juice

Don't puree anything though.  Just follow the instructions with the chopped onions  ;D


Title: Re: Onion Bhajis
Post by: jb on November 06, 2011, 06:36 AM
Thanks guys I'll give that a go......
Title: Re: Onion Bhajis
Post by: curryhell on November 06, 2011, 10:10 AM
Hi JB try making my Amazing spicy onions - once made put in a blender until smooth - dilute with water until u get the right consistency u require - that might be the red sauce u r looking for ....
For me Gazman your recipe is spot on for what jb is looking for.  Just may need to tweak the quantities a little to achieve what we get in our local.  They don't puree it either.  I never had pakora or the dip when i was in Scotland.  Boy am i glad it made the long journey all the way to Essex ;D
Title: Re: Onion Bhajis
Post by: mr.mojorisin on November 06, 2011, 11:32 AM
ashoka pakora sauce
http://www.ashokarestaurants.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=48&Itemid=139 (http://www.ashokarestaurants.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=48&Itemid=139)
Title: Re: Onion Bhajis
Post by: curryhell on November 06, 2011, 11:50 AM
The guys are really friendly in there-They actually made a mistake once and it come served on a plate and I sent it back-no problem.I showed them the pictures of my bhajis...they were very impressed....One guy always asks how my cooking is going.I always get on the subject of the chef's base gravy but he says only the chef knows what goes in it. Must get a takeaway tonight ;D good luck with your cooking(pictures please!!)

Back in business now.  I can post pics again.  Last nights NIS -  mmm, delicious

(http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/pics/6c1773d81023f7e4b014e0dd5fa148a1.jpg) (http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/#6c1773d81023f7e4b014e0dd5fa148a1.jpg)

(http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/pics/8ae597a1b389dd3ce54588447eb9acc1.jpg) (http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/#8ae597a1b389dd3ce54588447eb9acc1.jpg)
Title: Re: Onion Bhajis
Post by: gazman1976 on November 06, 2011, 12:35 PM
That's the pink sauce, not the red sauce we r looking for
Title: Re: Onion Bhajis
Post by: mr.mojorisin on November 06, 2011, 01:42 PM
red sauce

125ml tomato ketchup
75ml cold water
1 teaspoon of mint sauce
2 teaspoon of chilli powder
splash of lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon sugar

mix all in a bowl and refridgerate :)
done
Title: Re: Onion Bhajis
Post by: gazman1976 on November 06, 2011, 03:42 PM
Sorry mate that ain't the red sauce I am looking for , looking for the red sauce they used to sell in Ashoka on elderslie street Glasgow or the sauce from the Indian orchard
Title: Re: Onion Bhajis
Post by: mr.mojorisin on November 06, 2011, 04:07 PM
indian orchard....now we're talking..still a top top restaurant to this day IMO

anyhows, i digress

try this

http://menuinprogress.com/2010/03/vegetable-pakora-with-tamarind-dipping.html (http://menuinprogress.com/2010/03/vegetable-pakora-with-tamarind-dipping.html)
Title: Re: Onion Bhajis
Post by: gazman1976 on November 06, 2011, 04:27 PM
Read that article last year, have u tried it?
Title: Re: Onion Bhajis
Post by: mr.mojorisin on November 06, 2011, 04:45 PM
aint tried is as yet.got an entire tome of stuff i gotta try  ;)
i keep making the "tried and trusted" old favourites that i love.
i'm having a wee indian night next weekend so i might try it then. if i do i'll keep you posted
Title: Re: Onion Bhajis
Post by: jb on November 07, 2011, 07:34 AM
The guys are really friendly in there-They actually made a mistake once and it come served on a plate and I sent it back-no problem.I showed them the pictures of my bhajis...they were very impressed....One guy always asks how my cooking is going.I always get on the subject of the chef's base gravy but he says only the chef knows what goes in it. Must get a takeaway tonight ;D good luck with your cooking(pictures please!!)

Back in business now.  I can post pics again.  Last nights NIS -  mmm, delicious

(http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/pics/6c1773d81023f7e4b014e0dd5fa148a1.jpg) (http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/#6c1773d81023f7e4b014e0dd5fa148a1.jpg)

(http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/pics/8ae597a1b389dd3ce54588447eb9acc1.jpg) (http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/#8ae597a1b389dd3ce54588447eb9acc1.jpg)

That looks spot on to me Curryhell if it tastes as good as it looks then you've cracked it...compare your top picture to the original from the restaurant.....Looks just as good if not better

(http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/pics/00c5797c38e4959cc44d6e98960c5b6a.JPG)
Title: Re: Onion Bhajis
Post by: natterjak on November 07, 2011, 08:02 AM
Guys I'm having some thread confusion here, did I miss a recipe for that splendid lookin curry dish and what does NIS stand for? There's a restaurant called spices mentioned - where is this please?

Confused am I :)
Title: Re: Onion Bhajis
Post by: Ramirez on November 07, 2011, 08:58 AM
Curryhell's pics do look fantastic, but that one from the restaurant does look incredibly good. Maybe it's the iron karahi and wooden base.

Guys I'm having some thread confusion here, did I miss a recipe for that splendid lookin curry dish and what does NIS stand for? There's a restaurant called spices mentioned - where is this please?

Confused am I :)

Curryhell's North Indian Special, I believe.

http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/curry/index.php?topic=5948.0 (http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/curry/index.php?topic=5948.0)
Title: Re: Onion Bhajis
Post by: jb on November 07, 2011, 11:34 AM
Guys I'm having some thread confusion here, did I miss a recipe for that splendid lookin curry dish and what does NIS stand for? There's a restaurant called spices mentioned - where is this please?

Confused am I :)

Sorry bout that took my own onion bhaji thread off course a bit.

I discovered that Curryhell and myself actually live close by and we both enjoy NIS(North Indian Special) from a restaurant called Spices in Grays in Essex.