Hi Edwin,

I made a base once containing a stick of celery and have seen base sauce recipes including it.
To be honest it didn't seem to make much difference and I haven't used it again. For a savoury vegetable in my base sauces I'm quite happy with some cabbage.

Cheers,

Paul

There is no way that has 1 kg of onions in it.

http://www.waitrose.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductView-10317-10001-82785-Waitrose+CI+onion+base+for+curry.html?storeId=10317

It's got about 20 grams of sugar which you would get from 3 medium onions weighing about 160 grams each.
It's also got no spices or tomato or pepper flavours.
Also, it's got citric acid (to prevent the dreaded botulism  ) so might taste a little sharp or tarty.
I'll probably still buy one next time I go to Waitrose.

Paul

I don't know why the guy in my link said there is 1 kg of onions in that jar. I've had a good google and can find no information like that.

Paul

Interesting find Natterjack.

This guy claims the 300ml jar contains 1 kilo of onions:

http://fussfreeflavours.com/2010/11/product-review-waitrose-cooks-ingredients-indian-sauces/

If I was making a base sauce with 1 kilo of onions I would expect to produce 3 litres plus!
So it could be a really thick sauce in the 300 ml jar. I'll probably buy one next time I go to Waitrose.

Cheers,

Paul

The Wiki entry is quite good:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mustard_oil

So you will never see a bottle for sale in the UK/EU/USA that doesn't say "not for human consumption" or "for external use only".

I've used the KTC pure mustard oil myself. You have to try it yourself as some people can't stand the smell!

Cheers,

Paul

EDIT: Another link showing statement from spices of india on eating mustard oil:

http://www.spicesofindia.co.uk/acatalog/Mustard-Oil-Statement.html

I know I've banged on about garlic and botulism a few times. It is something everybody who cooks with garlic should be aware of.

I think more people die from lightning strikes than botulism poisoning in the western world. 

Paul

I have to agree George, the web site is rubbish. I was trying to find a search option to check out the rice cooker but gave up in the end.

That blender looks pretty good. I wish I never got my wife to buy me the 225 quid Waring professional blender for my 50th birthday. It won't burn out in a hurry but the blades are simply not as sharp as the cheaper ones, so I often finish off a blend with my 400 watt handheld.

Cheers,

Paul

Thanks for that Mick another excellent video from your good self.

Cheers,

Paul

Hi Jo,

Welcome to cr0. I know what you mean, you have to get on out there and taste some really good BIR food every so often or you can forget what you were aiming at in the first place.

Cheers,

Paul

I love the subject of fats and oils. There is no low calorie oil or fat, they are all the same.
The reason Flora Cuisine appears to have less calories is that it contains water!

Thats why the instructions say wait until the bubbles have stopped before you start to fry - what a joke!
Also it has to kept in the fridge to avoid going rancid!

Despite what people may say, you can use a good quality refined light olive oil and you won't get a funny taste from it in your curries. Obviously stay clear of virgin, extra-virgin etc.

Cheers,

Paul

PS: Flora Cuisine ingredients:

Vegetable Oils (Sunflower Seed Oil, Rapeseed Oil, Linseed Oil),Water ,Salt (0.9%) ,Emulsifiers (Soy Bean Lecithin, Polysorbate 60) ,Soy Protein ,Stabilisers (Guar and Xanthan Gums) ,Colour (Beta-Carotene) ,Preservative (Potassium Sorbate) ,Citric Acid ,Flavourings ,Vitamins (A, D)