Topic: Indian/asian bay leaves

[goncalo]

;D A bag of Tej Pat smells more like a scented TEA. ;D

I can't actually remember, when Bangladeshi Tej Pat, was first imported to the UK.
But It's not that long ago and some BIR still use common Bay Leaf grown in India.

Just to back that up, looks like in the early 90s this BIR was using European bay (judging from the single veined bay leaves visible at 3:13)

http://youtu.be/R6rpKbpup0I

I know that my favorite BIR use european bayleaf. I personally seem to be more inclined to used to the european ones, although I only currently have the asian ones. The asian one is very subtle in my opinion. In fairness, I probably need to do the pepsi challenge with/without asian bay leaf to see how do I prefer my pilau rice.

On this note, besides the staff and pilau rice, what other dishes do you add bay leaf to?

[natterjak]

On this note, besides the staff and pilau rice, what other dishes do you add bay leaf to?

I would use them in precooked chicken, precooked potato for Bombay aloo and for making spiced oil.

[Peripatetic Phil]

Don't forget when using Indian bay to tear the leaf into shreds :  it allow the essential oils to leach out into the substrate far more easily.  Left whole, they contribute little or nothing.  I would also agree with Frank that cassia bark (faux cinnamon) is a far better substitute than European bay, unless (of course) the recipe already calls for cassia bark.

** Phil.

[Kashmiri Bob]

The chef I've been following uses it (Tej Patha) for preparing most things.  There are even leaves sticking out of his home-made pastes, kashmiri, tandoori, etc.  In the quality TAs/restaurants here it seems to be an important part of the BIR taste/aroma, together with green cardamom and cassia bark.  The bay is left whole (don't want too many bits ending up in customers curries). It generally forms part of the bagar.

Rob 

[walleye]

I been searching online but no luck Spices of India have sold out I wanted to restock my other spices and I always use SOI theres one or two other places but silly postage

[goncalo]

I been searching online but no luck Spices of India have sold out I wanted to restock my other spices and I always use SOI theres one or two other places but silly postage

Oh, (moderated)! I completely forgot to send them to you. I'm very sorry! I will dispatch them tomorrow, I've just setup a reminder for when at home to put it in the bag. 

[walleye]

I been searching online but no luck Spices of India have sold out I wanted to restock my other spices and I always use SOI theres one or two other places but silly postage

Oh, (moderated)! I completely forgot to send them to you. I'm very sorry! I will dispatch them tomorrow, I've just setup a reminder for when at home to put it in the bag. 

I forgot myself thanks again

[walleye]

Thanks for the leaves goncalo . The wife thought it was a stash of wacky baccy

[goncalo]

No problem. You are very welcome. Leave some for the curry, don't smoke 'em all ;-)