Topic: East End Margarine

[qprbob]

As I'm unable to get hold of East End on the Isle of Wight, are there any alternatives, and if so what are the brand names?

Many thanks
Bob

[JerryM]

I've used the East End brand since the ashoka prompt.

on the last purchase i could only get KTC.

i don't feel there is any difference. in fact i suspect that any good quality marg is good enough.

[Bobby Bhuna]

The guy in the Indian cash and carry told me they had stopped stocking the east end marge. I didn't sell. They laughed at me when I suggested it was anything special. Any middle of the road bog standard marge is similar, so I'm told.

[qprbob]

Cheers for the info,will now have a go at the Ashoka base.

[JerryM]

qprbob,

given the other bases u've made i think the ashoka is a good choice for your next go.

i think it sits at my no 4 (get's very difficult to decide when quite a few are so good). what i did like about it was the use of the marg. i know it did not work for some but i've adopted it - but in a much smaller proportion than the 50:50 in the ashoka. the use of coconut block also adds a twist.

[Bobby Bhuna]

given the other bases u've made i think the ashoka is a good choice for your next go.

I have to disagree Jerry. IMO the Ashoka base is sub standard and has such a high yield it puts you off making curry until you're rid of it. Look at my images and see where you think went wrong if you firmly believe it to be up there.

Superior bases in my mind are SnS June 2008, Saffron, Rajver, ifindforu, UB's, Darthphalls, Admis new base (in no particular order) and probably others.

[JerryM]

Bobby,

i'd tend to agree the Ashoka is probably not a superior base (i add probably as it's not far away and i would make personal tweaks but have no desire to debate). my recommendation was that the ashoka is quite a different base to the majority and worthy of a go in the journey of learning.

i've not tried UB's, Darth's or Admins having not found the need being well satisfied with those earlier in your list.

[CurryOnRegardless]

Hi Guys

The problem I had with the Ashoka base was the quantity so I tried to half it which with hindsight was not a good idea, the end results being very greasy, not oily but a bit slimy, ugh. I suppose the proportions of marg and coconut block were way out so adversely affecting the outcome. Has anyone tried chinois (I think) suggestion of replacing the marg with evaporated milk? Might be worth trying here especially if you try to reduce the quantity of base.

Cheers
CoR   

[mickdabass]

Ive finally used up 2 batches of Ashoka Base and I am following BBs advice and using SNS's 2008 Base. I found the Ashoka base gave the curries an unusual aftertaste which I put down to my tecnique but I now think its possibly something to do with the marg