I made up some curry gravy yesterday.
I went back to a very simple recipe I was shown by a chef, last September.
Later that day I was passing by an Indian Takeaway.
It was about six o'clock and they would have been just starting up.
The smell really was the same as my kitchen.
No difference.
I know that there is something else, they do.
Another smell, but I reckon that must be coming from their Tandoor.
After all, they normally have a wacking great fan extractor from it.
That would pump this extra aroma out onto the streets.
I don't have the space for a tandoor, but I reckon that is where the last "secret" lies.
I have seen a chef, squeezing spiced lamb on to long skewers.
This was destined for the tandoor.
It's probably that.
Cooking tandoori chicken in the oven doesn't have the same smell.
I think Pacman has a tandoor, maybe he can offer some thoughts.