Topic: Don't get Conned - Green Chilli Sauce

[JerryM]

Can't say that I've ever used green chilli sauce, but I do use about 5 thin green chillis, sliced lengthways

Can't agree more on this. Won't be buying anymore bottled green chilli - the fresh stuff is far superior.

Had very disappointing night cooking 3 off curries (with green pepper) identical except for timing of bottled chilli sauce (and shop bought garlic paste). i used 1 tsp of ea through out.

Dish 1 - bottled green chilli and bought garlic paste added just at start of base
Dish 2 - bottled green chilli  added with g/g paste (ie at start into hot oil). garlic paste just at start of base
Dish 3 - bottled green chilli and bought garlic paste added with g/g paste

There was not a lot of difference in the taste between the dishes. What was stark was how poor the bought green chilli paste tasted (in the dish) - it could be that i did not use enough but 1 tsp is what i would have use for the fresh stuff.

The garlic paste in dish 3 was a disaster - i think it burns/overcooks in the oil.

Dish 2 i think just edged it ahead of dish 1 which was a surprise.

The only real conclusion is that i need to start again with fresh green chilli and dump the bought bottles.

What was obvious (which we already know i think):

1) adding the green chilli to the oil dissipates the flavour into the dish "it's there but does not stand out". u would not know it was there.
2) adding the green chilli at base time gives a more pronounced flavour (that u need for example in jalfrezi but not in all dishes).

the real question for me was - is the dish better (more BIR) with green chilli than without. at mo can't answer it.

just for peace of mind i will x3 the bottled green chilli on the next curry night ie use 1 tbsp.

[JerryM]

been having a look through my malik info to see if "green chilli paste" crops up. from what i can see and remember it don't jump out as a significant ingredient.

my search being should it go in the base. which i've done in the past and feel it's beneficial. having said that i haven't adopted as std so my feelings must have been that's it's not significant.

or

is it only really used to hot up dishes (say vindaloo, which i know it works very well) and add taste to specific dishes ie jalfrezi

would appreciate any thoughts.

[Secret Santa]

Jerry as far as Maliks goes they definitely use a chilli paste. Look at the webcam - it's back up now - to the left and nearest to the cooker are three large white oblong containers. Top to bottom they are chilli paste, GG paste, tom paste.

[JerryM]

Secret Santa,

will have to have a look (last time i checked the camera angle was still giving poor view).

the last time i looked at UB's video i found 4 off jars that i could not work out what was in them. if the green chilli paste is one of these then it would suggest to me that it's not  common ingredient across dishes but used selectively.

[Razor]

Jerry/SS

Have you got a link to the webcam please?

Ray

[JerryM]

link to original post http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/curry/index.php?topic=3009.0

and direct link admin provided http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/curry/index.php?topic=3009.msg26659#msg26659

i keep Jeera's pic by my computer for continual inspiration.

ps a members report stated that the food is not that good. the thing is that even if this is the case there is much learning on offer. it's better than TV for me. i still intend to try the place out when the opportunity arises

[JerryM]

tried fresh green chilli going in with the garlic ginger paste last night and was not impressed - they end up fried.

the conclusion for me is whole green chilli (or cut pieces) only goes in with base and paste is needed if going in with the g/g paste.

[Panpot]

Jerry, as you know it is a part of the basic sauces and pastes used in The Ashoka kitchen for adding heat and flavour to appropriate dishes and prepared in advance as per the post. I think it just needs some creative experimentation to master it's use. I don't do very hot dishes myself so I don't have it in my curry store within the freezer but do have all the other Ashoka stuff ready and willing. PP

[Secret Santa]

f the green chilli paste is one of these then it would suggest to me that it's not  common ingredient across dishes but used selectively.

Oh that's definitely true Jerry. It only goes into certain curries and always at the beginning with the GG paste etc.

a members report stated that the food is not that good.

I remember reading that. However, since that report, Maliks has got a new large range cooker (positioned to the right of the original and displacing the tandoor oven).

Clearly he's doing something right as his trade has increased.

[Secret Santa]

Jerry/SS

Have you got a link to the webcam please?

Ray

It's on the home page razor:  http://www.maliksindian.co.uk/

I can't believe you haven't seen this one, I thought everyone was aware of it. Well worth a watch.