Steam distillation, essential oils, KD, and "What do we know about oil in BIRs"

[George]

I've never had any problem buying solvent ether...

I just found it here:

http://www.chemistdirect.co.uk/ether-solvent-500ml_4_14237.html

They say "Ether Solvent 500ml is a private prescription item. To purchase this item you must have a private prescription from your doctor or medical profession."

So where did you get it from, presumably without a prescription?

[ELW]

I see the big veg ghee buckets in & around most of the t/a's & restaurants. Yet there doesn't seem to be too many recipes calling for it & it's seldom seen being used in the footage from the kitchens. I've never used veg ghee or margarine in a base.   The quote below is from the original Ashoka report, which I think is a brilliant thread. It's a pity the OP doesn't post anymore.

Ashoka Report https://curry-recipes.co.uk/curry/index.php?topic=3189.0

Base  Sauce,They made it in 60 litre pots I asked for a recipe for 6/10 litre pot so here is what he gave me and it seams accurate enough given the recipe for the big pot.

3 kgs of onions chopped into small pieces, 50 gms of Cumin powder, 60 gms of salt, water  to cover the onions and bring to the boil then cook till onions are tender. Never let dry out so add water when necessary. Add 100 gms of Tomato paste, 100 gms of the Garlic/Ginger paste, 10-20 gms of Chili powder (to taste but he recommended 10 since more can be added when cooking), 15 gms Curry powder, 20 gms Turmeric, 1 block of Coconut block, 250 gms Vegetable margarine (again he uses East End Brand) ,250 gms of oil. Blend and then simmer for I hour adding water when required. That's it he says the marg gives it melt in mouth smooth texture and creamy, it's one of the secrets. He is also not concerned about oil coming to top indeed the pot of base actually used for cooking that day had no oil up top

Later in the report the the chef also advised to cook on a low heat at home & sometimes would start a dish off with some of the Banjarra oil. I've eaten at the Ashoka many times and didn't find the dishes overly oily, more slightly greasy, as with many other bir efforts. Probably the marg. Thinking about it again, alot of the dishes in my neck of the woods do smell slightly "buttery"

Boiled garlic aside, I really like the kd1 base.
Regards
ELW

[Peripatetic Phil]

I've never had any problem buying solvent ether...

I just found it here: http://www.chemistdirect.co.uk/ether-solvent-500ml_4_14237.html They say "Ether Solvent 500ml is a private prescription item. To purchase this item you must have a private prescription from your doctor or medical profession."  So where did you get it from, presumably without a prescription?

Since my early teens I have bought it over the counter from local pharmacies; initially to use in model aircraft fuel, latterly as a solvent.  Almost certainly my last bottle (now empty) came from a pharmacy in Virginia Water.  I would be inclined to research the uses to which solvent ether can legitimately be put, rehearse your case, then approach your local friendly pharmacist with confidence and conviction.

Incidentally, it is neither classified as "P" or "POM" here.

** Phil.

[JerryM]

the big question for me is has anyone experience of bought essential oil - does it potentially fit the bill or is it more a cosmetic/health thing.

[Peripatetic Phil]

the big question for me is has anyone experience of bought essential oil - does it potentially fit the bill or is it more a cosmetic/health thing.

According to Dr Pruthi, essential oils are most certainly used in the food industry, but not for curries (at least, he makes no mention of their use in that context : he speaks of their use in cakes, confectionary, etc).  Whilst I am reasonably certain that judicious use of the appropriate essential oils in curries could work, I would query whether it is worth the experiment, other than from the perspective of knowledge.  We are, after all, practicing cookery, not science : should we not voluntarily restrict ourself to foodstuffs just as a matter of principle ?  I can send you some cinnamon oil, if you would like to try that; not sure which others I have, apart (of course) from oil of cloves.

Incidentally, an off-topic message for George : I have just checked my microsope stains, solvents, etc., and I see that in the past I was also able to buy 500 mL of chloroform (amongst other, even more toxic, things); things have, of course, tightened up over the years, but apart from your reference to solvent ether requiring a private prescription, I have found nothing to suggest it is a controlled substance.  I would suggest establishing a good rapport with your local pharmacist, explaining exactly what you need it for, and then see if he/she is willing to get 500mL in for you.

** Phil.

[JerryM]

Phil,

agree really (both heart and brain) - i think using the raw spice is best ie making it as part of the base. i might just read up on what can be bought. i'd previously found fennel to go with your cinnamon.

it's a daunting thought though trying to knock up a curry oil.