Topic: Onion Bhaji Group Test

[solarsplace]

Hi VC

... can you sub it for something else? ...

OMG! you used the substitute word  - I predict certain members will 'do one' about that

Maybe VC could do the ones that don't need Kashmiri masala paste? - I think it was only 2 of 6?

cheers

[Peripatetic Phil]

How about you Phil?

I confess, with some shame, that I find the idea of these group tests somewhat onerous and daunting.  Just preparing one version of a recipe can be hard work : preparing multiple versions is, I am sorry to say, more than I feel able to take on.

I know that these group tests are a well-established feature of CR0, and I am sure that they have real value, but speaking purely personally I would prefer a simpler approach whereby we had (say) just a "recipe of the week" which everyone was invited to prepare and then the results collated in a spreadsheet or table.  Has this been discussed before, and if so, what was the general opinion ?

** Phil.

[peterandjen]

Vindaloo-crazy have you tried this site......
http://www.indiacurry.com
If you have a dig through it you'll find the recipes for most spice mixes and pastes.
I use it for making pastes, that way i can leave out any vinegar or better still citrus which Jen's allergic to.
Better still....
http://www.indiacurry.com/spice/kashmirigarammasala.htm

[chriswg]

Phil - These ones were the easiest so far. You just chop up all the onions as usual, split them into 6 piles, then add the ingredients as per the recipes. As they all take a minimum of 5 mins to cook you can get the next batch ready while the current ones cook. You can get through all of these in under an hour. I kept mine warm in the oven so I could taste them all side by side. If you did 2 different recipes at a time you'd be done in 3 batches which should only take half an hour.

You'll be pleased you gave it a go!

[Peripatetic Phil]

You'll be pleased you gave it a go!

You are very persuasive, Chris    No promises, but I will try to give it a go as and when time (and poorly pussy cat) permit ...

** Phil.

[Mike56]

Some of you might have noticed when I introduced myself in the new members section I specifically mentioned cooking Onion Bhaji. I have struggled when deep frying them. Either they fall apart or do not cook properly in the centre. Clearly I am doing something wrong. I can now try the recipies and tips on this site and try again and hope to have better luck next time.

However I did come across a recipe on line which uses pre fried onions and the bhajis cook in the oven.

Recipe goes something like this:

Fry about 5/6 chopped onions 10 minutes.

Add half teaspoons of ground turmeric, corriander, cumin, ginger, chilli.

Fry a little longer.

Add to a bowl containing 3oz chickpea flour, half TSP salt, ground cumin & coriander.

Mix in 1 tablespoon full tomato puree & a little water.

Divide into Bhaji size pieces and put in a hot oven about 10 mins.

This worked for me. It may stand a bit of tweaking before it would win any prizes.

I post this for discussion.

Has anyone tried this method before?

Is it just not the "done thing" to cook your Bajis in the oven?

Mike

[matt3333]

Hi Mike
Nothing wrong in cooking your bhajis in the oven if you want a more healthy option but if its 100% BIR then its the oil method for me and in particular partially cooking and then finishing off when needed.
Cheers
Matt

[chriswg]

Hi Mike

Work your way through the group test -

Mine: http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/curry/index.php?topic=5057.0
IG's: http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/curry/index.php?topic=4443.0 (use small version at end of main post)
Dip's: http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/curry/index.php?topic=4429.0
VC: http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/curry/index.php?topic=4924.0
UB's: Post 6 on this thread - http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/curry/index.php?topic=4978.0
CA's: http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/curry/index.php?topic=1820.0

By the end of it you will be a Bhaji expert. I'm not talking quite good, I'm talking perfection. Once you know the key ingredients and the effect that the optional ones you'll be able to form your own perfect recipe.

[Mike56]

Thanks matt3333, Good point well put.

Thanks chriswg, I intend to.

Mike

[Derek Dansak]

is the oil used to cook bhajis in worth adding to curry?  i have always felt a good balti curry should have some bhaji oil in it.  do members use the bhaji oil for cooking curry with?