Topic: Should I add water to my curry?

[King Prawn]

Hi all,

Just wondering what your thoughts are about adding water to a curry. When I was last in a BIR the chef said that you should never add water after the spices go into the dish. Yet I am sure that before that I was told the opposite!

Any ideas on this and why it may/ may not be important to the final curry?

KP(V)

[Chilli Prawn]

Hi KP, see this

http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/curry/index.php?topic=1268.msg11122#msg11122

It is confusing and there is no strict rule as it does vary between BIRs, and cooks in general.  However I have tried to explain in this section what effect water has on the spices, which should help you make you own judgement on the results of tour cooking.  If in doubt add milk!

Good luck!
CP

[King Prawn]

Now I know why I am soooo confused!

Thanks CP. No real right or wrong about it.

KP(V)

[Yousef]

If my curry becomes too dry during the cooking process, i add a little water then just evaporate it off with more cooking.

I dont see an issue at all.
In fact adding a little water when you are frying the spice in the hot oil causes a great reaction and i think helps the spice release their flavours.

Of course dont over do it when adding water to the final dish, i swear this is sometime doen by the restaurant chefs as ive had some curries that almost leave a puddle of water on the plate....

S