Curry Recipes Online
Curry Chat => Lets Talk Curry => Topic started by: solarsplace on January 31, 2012, 12:58 PM
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Hi
Need to buy a new long handled serving spoon / curry spoon.
Mine has a rubber handle - and I have had enough of the rubber handle melting and leaving red hot molten plastic / rubber on my hand :(
I cannot find a local shop selling anything remotely 'curry spoon'. So found these:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Serving-Spoon-12-Stainless-Steel/dp/B00366JW04/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1328014298&sr=8-13 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Serving-Spoon-12-Stainless-Steel/dp/B00366JW04/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1328014298&sr=8-13)
http://www.redrob.co.uk/p-3187-plain-spoon-with-hook.aspx (http://www.redrob.co.uk/p-3187-plain-spoon-with-hook.aspx)
Question is! - what is the ideal length for a general purpose curry spoon? 12 inches, 14, 16?
Oh, also does anyone have any opinion if the spoons above actually any good as a curry spoons?
Thanks in advance!
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I think I must be feeling particularly bitter and twisted today, so I apologise in advance if the following causes offence, but I do seriously question the need for any member of CR0 to go out of his way to acquire "a curry spoon". I cook all of my curries using the utensils that I use for everything else : wooden spatulae, non-stick spoon, non-stick slotted spoon, non-stick (fish) slice, non-stick ladle, and so on, and a non-stick frying pan cum wok, from Macro. As far as I can tell, the curries are just fine : certainly as good as from the Taj of Kent, and considerably better than those from the other nearby BIR, which had better remain nameless. So am I really producing inferior results to those who have 8,5Kw crematoria, long-handled curry spoons containing anywhere between 2 & 4 1/2 tablespoons, and so on ? Or do we sometimes fool ourselves into believing that the tool makes the man (e.g., if I buy a Bosch Professional power drill, will I be a better carpenter than if I buy one costing 1/5th as much from Lidl ?). Serious question, and definitely not intended to offend my good friend SP.
** Phil.
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(e.g., if I buy a Bosch Professional power drill, will I be a better carpenter than if I buy one costing 1/5th as much from Lidl ?). Serious question, and definitely not intended to offend my good friend SP.
No, but your Bosch power drill will almost certainly last a lifetime (mines on about 30 years old and still going strong) whereas your cheapo Lidl rubbish will last 5 seconds if you're lucky along with most other mechanical rubbish made in this country.
But I agree with regards to the 'chef's spoon', 'curry spoon' or whatever you want to call it. I have one, a good one, no rubber handle, it came as part of a set, and I use it for dishing up, nothing else - I don't use it for cooking with. Like you, I use flat wooden spatulas for cooking with, because that's what I've always used and they're perfectly adequate for the job at hand.
Like you, I don't understand the infatuation with these spoons over and above the desire to completely emulate a typical BIR chef, without actually thinking or understanding why they use them.
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Hi SS
I'd go for one like the Amazon 12" (but in truth not at that price).
I have both you have listed, and the 14" one is, to me, too long and uncomfortable to hold when cooking.
I got a couple (really cheap), plus other bits and pieces, when I did my order from Dadibhais, to make the postage worthwhile.
Plus I needed some, because I usually cook for three (2 curries + rice), and I think serving spoons (one for each dish) are better for self serving.
If you can't find any from your local supermarkets (lidl/Aldi have them in occasionally), maybe have a look on ebay.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Stainless-Steel-Plain-Serving-Spoon-12-08300012-/390367968310?pt=UK_BOI_Restaurant_RL&hash=item5ae3be7c36 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Stainless-Steel-Plain-Serving-Spoon-12-08300012-/390367968310?pt=UK_BOI_Restaurant_RL&hash=item5ae3be7c36)
Martin
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Hi
martinvic, many thanks for the link and suggestions, much appreciated!
I think one needs to use whatever tool they are comfortable with. I started from the beginning with a large curry spoon because that is what I saw all the BIR chefs using. Now it feels so natural, I couldn't imaging using anything else. Although I totally accept what others have said about producing the same results with plastic tools etc.
The trouble is, when using a big gas burner, my plastic handled spoon was melting - even when away from the direct flame, hence why keeping hands away from the flame at the other end of a long spoon is a must! in this case a wooden spoon or a non-stick plastic fish slice is going to be destroyed in no time. But the right tool for the specific situation. I believe you have an induction hob Phil? - so for you this is never going to be a real problem :)
Thanks chaps.
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Interesting post here.................. ;D
I have always used wooden spoons never burned one or melted one
Any spoon that suits is perfect for the job
I expect soon we will see a BIR chef juggling with spoons on a video like a cocktail bar waiter,it may impress some of the Ego- massagers on this forum but will not make you a better cook :)
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Hi All
I previous to xmas used a meyer analon wok come omelette pan with a plastic spoon fot cooking my curries. The wife bought me an ali pan and spoon to use to see what all the fuss was about.
Cooked with the ali pan at the weekend. Noticed no difference in my curry taste. the noise of the metal spoon scaraping the pan was starting to grate on me a bit so will try the ali pan with the plastic spoon. You do need to be more careful with the plastic but never melted it yet!!!!
regards
Barry
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Hi SP,
The only reason that the BIR's and I and others use a 'chefspoon, curryspoon' or whatever you want to call it, is because they have very long handles. The handles are so long that you can leave it in the pan whilst the curry is frying away and it will not get that hot that you can't hold it. You could use any spoon that you like such as a domestic chefspoon/serving spoon but the handles will get red hot meaning that you either have to rinse it off or rest it on a plate after every time it has exited the pan, that's if you don't want curry all over your work surface..!
The alternative is, wooden spoons which are fine but they stain and deteriorate, especially if you use a dishwasher to clean them.
I don't think there is an infactuation with these long handled spoons, I think that they just provide a practical solution to help avoid further mess that this curry lark often produces.
Ray :)
p.s, my long handled chef/curryspoon was 1.50GBP :P
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Wouldn't be without my stainless chef's spoon so handy for slicing through the chicken pieces in the pan to check they are cooked through plus cant imagine doing any serious scraping around the frying pan with wooden spoons ??? I do use an aluminium pan though ;)
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I have ordinary stainless steel utensils - I use a soup ladle which gives exactly 100ml of base and I use it for measuring only. I then use a normal large spoon for cooking the curry and don't have any problems with either. If I came across a spoon that shouted "curry" I'd probably buy one at the right price but I wouldn't attach any significance to the purchase, other than I'd buy it for the sake of it.
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Wouldn't be without my stainless chef's spoon so handy for slicing through the chicken pieces in the pan to check they are cooked through plus cant imagine doing any serious scraping around the frying pan with wooden spoons ??? I do use an aluminium pan though ;)
here here :). We've been together now for 20 years and no arguments or hints of separation yet ;D. Anything else now would be totally alien.
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I don't know what size mine is, probably 14" (it's definitely a whopper!) and I find it very good to cook curries with. The main advantage, as others have said, is the greater length keeps your hand away from the heat source - this is obviously going to be a great help to you SP because of the burner you have (and the fact there is no rubber). It's also useful if you're a 'dipper' as well (i.e. using the cooking spoon to add spices to the pan, as opposed to pre-measuring).
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solarsplace,
4tbsp level, 17" long (440mm), stainless steel. could not live without it.
http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/curry/index.php?topic=2968.msg26928#msg26928 (http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/curry/index.php?topic=2968.msg26928#msg26928)
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Hi Everyone
Thanks for all the replies, and I hope this may be of help to other members too!
For those that were very kind and provided measurements of their 'curry spoons', please can I impose upon you to confirm if your measurements were from:
a) Handle tip to spoon tip.
b) Handle tip to start of spoon base.
I thought I had my 'Curry spoon' length issue resolved into approx 12 inch or 14 inch max, until our good friend JerryM 'chucks in' a 17 inch-er! into the equation :)
Thanks again!
Regards
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My long spoon is 17" too. end to end 1 piece stainless steel.
Frank. ;)
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Mine is 39cm from the tip ;)
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Hi Chaps
Thanks for all your indulgences and lengths.
I may be ultra-sad and measure the length of Az's 'curry spoon' this week end (hopefully curry lessons will be all good and go ahead) as that could just reveal the true optimal length of a professionals tool :)
Cheers again
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Hi Sp
I have a draw full of Curry/Chef's spoons, but only one actual BIR Chef's spoon,
which is a heavy hand made steel weapon and is guaranteed to give your wrist a bad case of RSI over time.
16 inch and twice the weight as a average serving spoon and cuts through the meat like a knife and bashes the hell out of my Ali pans.
I agree, a bit of an overkill for this domestic hob and I don't need to use it, but it still feels good in the hand.
I don't use it in my videos, because it makes far too much clatter/noise.
GenWare are a popular brand in the BIR catering kit, Crosbys supply most of the Restaurants I know around here.
http://www.crosbys.co.uk/back-of-house-c2/chefs-utensils-c7/genware-stainless-steel-serving-spoons-pp159 (http://www.crosbys.co.uk/back-of-house-c2/chefs-utensils-c7/genware-stainless-steel-serving-spoons-pp159)
Just a point too the usual 'contraire' suspects, if you took up Golf, its safe to say you
would need some Golf clubs. ::)
Don't know if other members have noticed, but c2g seems to be prompted into giving his "take" on current topical threads, like this one,
but doesn't actually post ANY of his videos or get involved in discussion on cR0.
But no doubt, he will start selling Chef's Spoons next. :D
cheers Chewy
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I may be ultra-sad and measure the length of Az's 'curry spoon' this week end (hopefully curry lessons will be all good and go ahead) as that could just reveal the true optimal length of a professionals tool :)
Are you sure it's all about length, Ray ? My understanding (from a number of sources) is that the real skill lies in what one /does/ with the tool, rather than with in its length (or width) per se ...
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Hi Chewy
Thanks for the advice and links, much appreciated. Looks the business and at a decent price.
I may be ultra-sad and measure the length of Az's 'curry spoon' this week end (hopefully curry lessons will be all good and go ahead) as that could just reveal the true optimal length of a professionals tool :)
Are you sure it's all about length, Ray ? My understanding (from a number of sources) is that the real skill lies in what one /does/ with the tool, rather than with in its length (or width) per se ...
Phil, there is no need to start questioning Ray's length now is there ;)
But yes, as you quite correctly point out, one needs a good technique too :)
Cheers
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There is another good reason that metal spoons are used in BIRS
The owner or manager often will sit in the eating area, generally observing the ambiance etc .When he hears the spoons grating around he knows the cooks are working and not loafing about :D
Wooden spoons are quiet
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I noticed straight away Chewy. Almost posted yesterday,, "We've (c2g0) had a huge amount of questions about chef spoons"? ? We've!
i didn't believe that for one second.
Frank. ;)
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Don't know if other members have noticed, but c2g seems to be prompted into giving his "take" on current topical threads, like this one,
but doesn't actually post ANY of his videos or get involved in discussion on cR0.
But no doubt, he will start selling Chef's Spoons next.
Hi Chewy
It just so happens, he is selling chefs spoons!!!
Andy
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Are you sure it's all about length, Ray ? My understanding (from a number of sources) is that the real skill lies in what one /does/ with the tool, rather than with in its length (or width) per se ...
Phil, there is no need to start questioning Ray's length now is there ;)
But yes, as you quite correctly point out, one needs a good technique too :)
Cheers
[/quote]
It helps if your tool is of and adequate length and of course you've got to have a good technique but it does also matter exactly what you're putting it in, some would say ;)
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Don't know if other members have noticed, but c2g seems to be prompted into giving his "take" on current topical threads, like this one,
but doesn't actually post ANY of his videos or get involved in discussion on cR0.
But no doubt, he will start selling Chef's Spoons next.
Hi Chewy
It just so happens, he is selling chefs spoons!!!
Andy
I don't know what you mean. Pure coincidence ;D
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Mine is 39cm from the tip ;)
Are you sure it's all about length, Ray ? My understanding (from a number of sources) is that the real skill lies in what one /does/ with the tool, rather than with in its length (or width) per se ...
It helps if your tool is of and adequate length and of course you've got to have a good technique but it does also matter exactly what you're putting it in, some would say ;)
He he, I was wondering when we would all fall into "Finbar Saunders mode" of Viz fame ;D
Funny story, (inkeeping with the theme I suppose) Bumped into my wifes ex in the pub the other night, and he asked me how his second hand "Chefspoon" was doing? I replied, the first 3 inches was a little bit worn, but the rest of it was brand new ;)
Nuff sed 8)
Ray ;D
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solarsplace,
for info handle tip to spoon tip is 17", Handle tip to start of spoon base 13".
i think the length is important. not just for the flames/heat but in scraping around the pan rim. it's sort of easier to close the angle.
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@Ray
Cracking witty response! :) bet that wiped any smug look off his face ;D
@Jerry
Many thanks for the confirmation of your spoons dimensions, much appreciated.
Regards