Topic: Shop Bought Fried Onion Yes or NO

[hidden]

I personally always go for the fresh onion approach since nothing can compare to a nice freshly chopped onion, slowly fried until golden brown. As oppose to already friend onions.

[JerryM]

going to have to revisit this.

been watching hairy bikers gourmet (not as good as usual so no recommend).

episode 5 visited Michelin star indian in london. the chef was top notchy.

he used some blended pre fried onion and yogurt mixture in his korma and like dishes. in the episode he actually used to marinade lamb.

might just be a missing flavour in some cream dishes.

[fried]

I do use them in traditional style biryani for layering with the rice.

[JerryM]

I do use them in traditional style biryani for layering with the rice.

will give this a try. i do like fresh fried onion in the biryani (Dipuraja's) but see a few small pieces of the shop bought giving an extra dimension (you would not know it was there but there's certainly a hint of taste from it).

i think once you have a bag then quite a few uses may evolve.

best wishes

[Derek Dansak]

2 penneth time !
when i had some bir lessons many moons ago, the chef said you must fry the fresh chopped spanish onion at full temp for few minutes while vigerously stirring . I find this works well and gives the dish a slight extra tangyness. not sure why but it just works. 

[DalPuri]

2 penneth time !
when i had some bir lessons many moons ago, the chef said you must fry the fresh chopped spanish onion at full temp for few minutes while vigerously stirring . I find this works well and gives the dish a slight extra tangyness. not sure why but it just works.

Like Mr Lal does in the bhuna video.    Bit heavy on the salt though. (Then again,, no added extras like gravy with salt or pre-cooked meat with salt)

Chicken Bhuna
www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2KXUCwDWv8

http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/curry/index.php/topic,11641.msg90760.html#msg90760

[chewytikka]

Hi Jerry
Getting back to your OP, were you sure they were "fried" onions, I've never seen big bags
of fried onions, but plenty of big bags of dehydrated catering onions   -- (and Mushrooms)
The type of onions you'd get from a hot dog van/cart back in the day.

On dry fried onions, I came across tubs of Top Taste Crispy Onions in ASDA a couple of years ago
and are fantastic as a crispy garnish on Rice, Dhal and Curry.

It's a Dutch company, Factory made, so no chance recreating the same at home.
I think they were less than a quid a tub, so it would cost you more in time, effort and energy anyway.
http://www.top-taste.nl/
Well worth a punt, simple product packed with flavour.

cheers Chewy

[DalPuri]

I've never seen big bags
of fried onions,

I'm surprised you've never seen em Chewy, maybe just one of those things you dont see in front of you until you have an interest? Like when somebody says "i never see vw beetles on the road anymore" then you see 5 in an hour. 
They was always on the shelf in my local Sri Lankan place, but it wasn't until i first went to Scandinavia, that i took notice of them.  : (they use them in salads over there)
 

I think a lot of spice companies sell them. Occasionally the supermarkets stock Indian brands.

http://www.mysupermarket.co.uk/#/tesco-price-comparison/dried_vegetables/pride_fried_onions_400g.html

[DalPuri]

Interesting 

A curry base is the foundation of all curries. It is a blend of fried onions with a hint of garlic, ginger and tomatoes. This jar provides you with this authentic curry base by fitting all these wonderful flavours into one jar.
All that is required from you the chef is to heat half jar of Nishaan Curry Base, 1tsp Minced Ginger and 1tsp Minced Garlic. Cook for 3-minutes on high heat. Then to create your own authentic curry use our spice blends, which are found in flavours such as Jalfrezi, Tikka Masala, Balti and Rogan Josh. Enjoy creating curries to suit your own individual taste using this Nishaan Curry Base and the freshly minced ingredients also available in this range.

[JerryM]

Chewytikka,

have rechecked the programme and defo fried onion (31 mins) just like your link to top taste.

as you say you won't get that taste yourself at home - they have to be bought.

the question beckons for me though - does atol the chef buy or make.



http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01r0zkf/Hairy_Bikers_Everyday_Gourmets_Luxury_Lunches/

ps the programme is well worth a watch - there's a very brief point showing frying as it should be (27:55)