Hi Fumble,
I have this book and I think it is excellent but I have posted the question 'What is the difference between a Balti and a BIR?' The remark that you make with regards to the small quantity of oil sits very true with me and maybe that is the real difference? In fairness to Mr Haydor he does explain in the foreword of the book that he has reduced the quantity of oil used to suit the British palet but on his journey to discover the perfect 'Balti' he explains that he came across many cooks that used alarming amounts of oil in preparing their dish. I personally don't mind a lot of oil and I think next time, I will up the quantity just to see what it brings to the final dish.
Thanks again Fumble, that's given me plenty to think about!
Ray