Quote from: JerryM on September 09, 2014, 10:15 PM
It's quite tricky to cook out the graininess of the high powder chilli content. I had to add extra water.
I love Vindaloo, and tried a number of variations over time to improve/perfect it. I also had this problem, but I finally discovered one critical change that made a massive improvement.
I found that it is critical to use enough just enough regular chili powder (Kashmiri) to get the color/flavor without going overboard to the point where it is grainy. I then build up the heat to proper levels using a small amount of Bird's Eye Chili powder (Extra Hot - 180,000 HU). This is unique as it still has the red chili taste, but substantially more heat. Any other chili powder modifies the overall flavor. Some Indian stores have "Extra Hot" chili - which is likely this same type or something maybe less potent but still hot. Don't be fooled into substituting all of it though (at least in the case of Bird's Eye chili), as you'll lose the milder chili flavors critical for the vindaloo. In this case the Kashmiri is almost like a good Paprika, with a twist. It contributes a richness to the flavor.
I've also made the Scotch Bonnet paste on YouTube and it does an admirable job of adding heat, but I think the Habanero/Scotch Bonnet flavor changes the resulting curry flavor a bit. Mind you, I love that flavor - but it doesn't taste the same as many of the restaurants that are definitely not using anything aside from red chili powders. However, used in place of the Bird's Eye it may be the next best thing to avoiding grainy overload.