I wanted to try mustard oil out, searching the net for suppliers I found one who also had recipes and Mr Huda pastes, to make the order up for free postage I tried his pastes..................WOW the taste is incredible!

I did this:

http://www.spicesofindia.co.uk/acatalog/Chicken-Tikka-Jalfrezi-Recipe.html

except for using half mustard oil ( heated to smoking beforehand as seems to be the rule ). I was really impressed with the results, the tikka on it's own was as authentic as it gets.

You've got to try this........

Pete

Colour and taste! way too much clove flavour.

Morrisons in Rochdale has an Indian section where there are 5gallon drums of oil, bulk packs of haldi etc along with a range of East End spices. I also have the massala mix to try but if it's like the balti it'd be a waste of meat and rice..... They where 80p bogof.

OK, I tried the balti mix following the instructions on the packet.

Fry cubed lamb, add 400g tin chopped toms, add the packet, looked good at this point but very strong smell of cloves, add 400g spinach puree, yikes! it turned bright green, simmer for 30mins, it now is nearly brown. Serve with boiled basmati.

Think lamb in  Daddies brown sauce and you're not far off.

Shame, East End's tandoori mix is really good, this isn't.............

Pete

Noticed these in our local supermarket, will be trying one next weekend. The packet says they've chopped the onions/garlic/ginger and added various spices then dried it and packaged it. You fry the meat, then add the packets contents along with a can of tomatoes and 20mins later have a curry!

Anyone tried them yet ?

http://www.eastendfoods.co.uk/goto/page/curry_magic,1368

Pete

Actually Commis, now I've googled ( wasn't an option back then in the 70's ) I could be wrong calling them Pakistani's as they kept telling me at the time they where Ugandan Asians from near Kenya.

Pete

Tried bassar this weekend , gently fried onions and garlic with a teaspoon of it and the distinctive 'oily' smell of take away curry appeared, it turned into one of my best. It wasn't the Pakistani smell though, I'll try some mustard oil next.

Pete

Thanks Commis, I have had a packet delivered today so I can try it at the weekend.

googling I see it has mustard oil in it, this was another thought but I'd put off buying it because the bottles say not for consumption, something about enoic acid but further googling shows it breaks down to safer compunds when heated. The basaar mix packet does say at the bottom to ensure the spices are heated to boiling point.....

For info, you can get a free sample from a supplier in Birmingham if you send a self addressed A5 envelope.


http://www.kingofspice.com/shop/description.php?id=17

Pete

I used to work with a Pakistani and odd times he'd invite me to his home for a meal. He lived in an area predominately Asian and as you approached there'd be an instantly recognisable smell from the houses. He made some meatballs that smelt strongly of this mystery smell and tasted fantastic. I am kicking myself now for not asking at the time how they where made...............

Does anyone know what ingrediant they use that makes such a strong smell ? it is similar to frying onion and garlic but definately not the same, I tried asafoetida having read descriptions of it but that isn't it either.

Pete