Quote from: chriswg on December 08, 2010, 09:11 AM
Hi VC

... can you sub it for something else? ...

OMG! you used the substitute word  - I predict certain members will 'do one' about that

Maybe VC could do the ones that don't need Kashmiri masala paste? - I think it was only 2 of 6?

cheers

Hi All

Ok, I will put together what I have so far.... may be tomorrow before it gets posted.

In reflection, this thread started by Haldi could be a real gem, I think it will be very helpful to read about exactly what others do - and would appreciate any other contributions.

Regards

Hi Haldi

Thanks primarily to this site, some BIR books that we all know of, plus (a little something from the other site - which is public domain) - I now feel I can cook at least 2 different mains - a garlic chilli chicken and a Dopiaza dish to a quality that exceeds the quality of my local TA. I know this is a bold thing to say, but I do so not lightly.

But... the bottom line is, that I go to a considerable amount of trouble and time in preparation to do it. Once the prep is done, large portions of the various elements are ready and waiting in the fridge and freezer to be used and that makes things convenient. But the initial effort is far from trivial.

I know we have all the information we need, most, if not all of it on this site. There is no magic one ingredient. It is the coming together of several discrete processes and a fair amount of practice and experience. These processes are obviously completed in reality by more than one, if not several kitchen staff in properly equipped kitchens - therefore someone thinking that it will be a trivial task to replicate the BIR experience of even a single dish or two at home needs to think again.

I am happy to post here, exactly what I do to achieve my albeit limited range of quality dishes, let me know if you are interested.

Slightly fearful of the responses from our infrequent one liner put down visitors though.

Regards

Hi

Well, made 2 litres of spiced oil last night and made a splendid madras strength Dopiaza which was spot on

Running low on base sauce so need to make some more of that. Start to get twitchy when the stock in the freezer gets low 

However am also working on a clone of my local TA's Saag Aloo, which is coming on very well. Will post the recipe on the forum soon. The wife has been my taste tester on this one, and at the moment she is convinced that it is better than the local TA's version. So hopefully some people on here will like it.

Regards

Quote from: Vindaloo-crazy on December 06, 2010, 10:55 AM
What? Free postage to Tasmania?

Tasmania? - I see the problem - that would be some seriously expensive Kashmiri Masala 

Hi

Will this company not deliver to you? - http://www.spicesofindia.co.uk/acatalog/Indian-Food-Pataks-Kashmiri-Masala-Curry-Paste.html#aCPS006_2dp

Delivery is a fixed price so it will be better value to order > ?30 for free delivery or choose some other pastes, rice, spices etc.

cheers

Quote from: George on December 06, 2010, 12:23 AM
It's a real shame that this excellent series of tests seems to have run aground.

Hi George

Would you be prepared (or anyone else for that matter) to take part? - as Chris said, we only need 2 more sets of results in order to publish!

Come on members! - it really is a surprisingly quick and enjoyable test to take part in

Hi

This is a tricky one!

Not made the specific paste you are talking about Ray, but this is indeed a subject that I have pondered for quite some time as to what would happen in the real BIR kitchens.

In most I think, as you would suspect (like Dip's) they would use any tool to give them economy and speed.

However, having personally tried several brands of the G and G&G pastes - nothing beats fresh. Its close! but no cigar. I use it when I'm being lazy, but don't under estimate one of the foundation pieces of the whole dishes importance - the G&G is a cornerstone.

Fresh every time, unless you are trying to cook down to the local TA's standards or you are pissed

Regards

Hi UF

Looks delicious! - I wish that was mine and now (only 8am) makes me feel very hungry - thanks for sharing the photos.

Hi

I agree, they are very unlikely to be the bees knees of BIR, but its always handy to have something in the cupboard that is reasonably nice, plus quick and easy to make for after a long day at work etc.

cheers