Topic: 8 Spice by Abdul Mohed

[Ader1]

Thanks.

[Ader1]

Up thread someoby mentions Abdul's book.  Where can I find it?  Thanks.

[Donald Brasco]

I have a copy I'll send you free, gratis and for nothing. Just drop me your address by pm.

[Onions]

Cheers!

[livo]

Wow. I just read this whole thread and I have to say the start of it really had some hackles up and feathers flying and I just do not understand why.  Allow me to explain the way I see it.

First up, good ole mate Abdul gives us a real simple "8 Spice" recipe for a mix powder. Pretty simple, yeah?

BUT NO. It all goes pear-shaped from there at the start and for no good reason. All that BS over the use of Tandoori Powder.  Let's have a good look at this from a very novice standpoint.

Number 1 ingredient is 100g of Mild Madras Curry Powder.  WHICH ONE? 3 sites give 3 different recipes with anywhere from 7 -10 ingredients out of a list of 13.  Some powders, some whole, some roasted, others not, some added in together, others separately at the end.

Further down we find Garam Masala. WHICH ONE?  A quick look at the first 3 on Chef  Google found 3 different recipes and one in particular was very different to the other two.  Again all using multiple ingredients from a list of many, with some, but not all, common to all 3 and in varying proportion.

Now the ingredient that caused the stir.  Tandoori Powder.  WHICH BLEEDING ONE???  Again a quick search of different sites will give you the same situation as described above.  So many variations of different quantities of spices from a long list and each one is different.

Then you have the fact that all 3 compound ingredients, ie Mild Madras, GM and Tandoori Powder, may also (actually do) contain some ingredients in common and which are also found as single spice ingredients in Abdul's original recipe list.

SO here is the thing, see.  Making Abdul's Mix, from his recipe in the OP of this thread, is capable of producing hundreds, or even thousands, of either slightly or very different  ACTUAL MIXES. Yours wont be the same as mine or Abdul's.  The actual inclusion of Tandoori Powder is far less influential on the end product than the variation of spices in the 3 composite ingredients listed.

By the way, calling it an 8 Spice mix is not quite right. 8 ingredient mix, yes, but it will have more than 8 actual single spices.  This thread has basically given me pause to reconsider asking the question I was intending to ask originally in the Curry Powder thread.  I'll have a think about it and do some more of my own research then ask later.

Tell me if I've got it all wrong but in my Novice mind, that's how I see it.

[noble ox]

Hi Livo ;D
Odd as it appears that's a good way of learning
For a mix powder which really is "Curry powder" experimenting to find your own mix can be fun also frustrating,with too many egos and know alls giving their conclusions and condemnations
Keep it simple and create your own then add other bits as you learn the pros and cons
Hope this is of some help ;D

[ELW]

Don't overthink it livo, without tasting Abdul moheds food you won't know what his version tastes like anyway. Try & stick as closely as you can To recipes if reporting back. There's nothing worse than "I made this base yesterday, but I was out of onions" reports
The tandoori in the mix powder is unusual compared to a lot of other recipes on here.
Regards
ELW

[George]

Try & stick as closely as you can To recipes if reporting back. There's nothing worse than "I made this base yesterday, but I was out of onions" reports

I agree with you that it can invalidate an assessment if you leave out any ingredients. But livo makes a valid point that there are far too many uncertainties in many recipes, from people who may not want to give too much away. Garam masala or 'curry powder; can be almost anything. As livo says, there are thousands of combinations, and too much uncertainty.

[DalPuri]

I think Abdul specifies in his book that he uses Rajah brand for all spices. Can't be certain as I don't have the book with me.

Abdul,
 A question if I may please, You use Rajah Garam Masala yes, Do you add anymore spices to the Rajah Garam Masala mix, or do you use it as it comes in the bag?, if so What, Just curious to know. and do you or any of your fellow chef's ever use Jalpur Garam Masala?

Les

Hi Hotstuff09,

No I do not add anymore spices to the Rajah brand because I have tried with a few different brands but have found Rajah the best.

No I have not used Jalpur Garam Masala, I will ask around once I have some time to.

Abdul

[Madrasandy]

But livo makes a valid point that there are far too many uncertainties in many recipes, from people who may not want to give too much away. Garam masala or 'curry powder; can be almost anything. As livo says, there are thousands of combinations, and too much uncertainty.

Yes couldnt agree more ! People will get varying results due to using different mix powders, or different garam,curry powders in their mix powders.
You will get different results on making Abduls 8 Spice using a different brand of curry powder, a not as fresh coriander powder, a hotter/milder chilli powder, tandoori, garam etc.
One of the best ways is too always roast and grind your own spices (where possible) giving the freshest flavour. And check the dates on any packet spices you buy!