Topic: best base sauce... ever

[snowdog]

I used ajowan seeds in a batch of Bruce Edwards' base I made yesterday and they did make a difference.

However, I wouldn't describe the raw seed smell as musty. It's a nice fragrant smell, though very 'un-Indian' by coriander and cumin standards

The base sauce made a pretty decent curry, too.

[woodpecker21]

hi guys
i have seen and used this recipe for curry base sauce and it is concentrated so yuo have to water down. it is from Secrets of the indian restaurants revealed. cost 13.95 an e-book. i fell fowl of this book before stumbling on to this site over 18 months ago when cr0 was in its first couple of weeks and nothing can touch 1/2 of the recipes but for that elusive missing smell aroma taste that a restaurant can give.we have made real progress now is not the time to go backwards(not meant to upset anyone no harm meant) we all have our starting points on the hunt for the holy grail wether it was Kris Dhillon, secrets revealed, authentic balti or the balti dvd... many who will join or are nubies will eventually get to the point where they are happy with the recipes on this site and many more will be amazed when they either walk into your house or be fortunate to be siting down at your dinning table to eat probably the best BIR curry they have ever tasted.

sorry to put a downer on your post dave no harm meant but do try the OTHERS
you will not be disappointed

regards
gary

[Fat Les (Banned for removing own posts!)]

I used ajowan seeds in a batch of Bruce Edwards' base I made yesterday and they did make a difference.

However, I wouldn't describe the raw seed smell as musty. It's a nice fragrant smell, though very 'un-Indian' by coriander and cumin standards

The base sauce made a pretty decent curry, too.

Hi Snowdog and MarkJ,

Thanks for your views on the use of Ajwain (lovage) seeds in the Curry Base.  I've since seen that Bruce Edward's considers it "an essential ingredient" in the base    I also see that Pat Chapman uses a Bruce Edward's curry base (including the Ajwain seeds) in his book "Vindaloo and Other Hot Curries".  In which case, I must also have used them before because I've previously made this base.....although I didn't think much on it.

I've already made Ifindforu's curry base without Ajwain seeds.  I think I'll now make it again, with them, to determine the difference 

Snowdog......when I was a boy  :, I used to collect caterpillars and stick them in a jar with dandelion leaves  .  The smell of Ajwain seeds reminds me of the smell that would develop in the jar!    ;D .......but I've yet to find anyone who knows what the hell I'm on about!!! 

[snowdog]

Snowdog......when I was a boy  :, I used to collect caterpillars and stick them in a jar with dandelion leaves  .  The smell of Ajwain seeds reminds me of the smell that would develop in the jar!    ;D .......but I've yet to find anyone who knows what the hell I'm on about!!! 

I've just gone and had a few moments with my Ajowan seeds - I hope no one was watching

I used to do that with caterpillars, but I don't remember there being any smell as such so I can't comment. However, the bag of Ajowan seeds I've got has a smell (dry) that is hovering around that of Marjoram or Oregano, but a little more aromatic or lemony. Definitely pleasant. When put in the stock whilst making the base I was first reminded of Caraway seeds, but then it turned more savoury. Also pleasant.

Could yours have got damp and gone off, do you think?

[merrybaker]

I was Googling ajowan seeds and discovered this:

Medicinal uses: Ajowan contains thymol which is a germicide and antiseptic and is prescribed for diarrhoea, colic and other bowel problems, helping expel wind and mucus. Sometimes used in the treatment of asthma, the seeds being smoked in a pipe to relieve shortness of breath. Water in which ajowan seeds have been boiled is used to 'cleanse the eyes and cure the ears of deafness.' It is said that if ajowan seeds are soaked in the juice of a lemon and dried 7 times, then ingested, they cure impotence.

No comment.

-Mary

[CurryCanuck]

So....... if we put copious amounts of ajowan in our curries , the blokes will have an " uplifting " experience . 

[DARTHPHALL]

Ah... But being a Brit i would rather keep a STIFF upper lip  ;D

[Fat Les (Banned for removing own posts!)]

Crikey!    No wonder Bruce Edwards considers it an essential ingredient!    Maybe he rubs it on?? ;D

[snowdog]

Don't get carried away, guys - it is merely supposed to restore normal function, not provide extra capability where there was never any before

[extrahotchillie]

Forget about VIAGRA then LOL ;D