Hi Emily

There is a Lamb Passanda recipe (from KD) here

https://curry-recipes.co.uk/curry/index.php/topic,2279.0.html
I'm sure the Passanda will be the same if you substitute the lamb for chicken - except of course, yours will taste of chicken, not lamb !  :

I can't make any guarantees on the results, as I don't know of anyone who's tried this recipe yet.

The recipes in KD's Curry Secret book should all be compatible with the Saffron base gravy ... (neither of these bases are "overspiced").

Regards

SnS  ;D

Some Indian recipes, books, etc refer to Ajowan (carom) seeds as Lovage. This mistake is quite common, but nevertheless it is INCORRECT.

As SS says, Ajowan seeds are thyme-like (also caraway). In fact they are often used as a substitute for thyme. Native to South India, the ajowan plant looks like wild parsley and is used only for it's seeds.

Lovage (a herb) is totally different to Ajowan.

The plant "Levisticum Officinale" from the Mediterranean (but grows well in UK), is a sturdy perennial with cluster of green-yellow flowers in early Summer which change into ribbed seeds.
Either the plant or the seeds can be used as they both have the same flavour (seeds a little sweeter). Seeds (tastes like celery) are used to flavour liqueurs and as a basic ingredient in the perfume industry. In the kitchen seeds are mainly used to spice up soups, salads, rice and potatoes.

Both Ajowan seeds and Lovage seeds have stripes.

SnS  ;D

Quote from: Chris303 on February 19, 2008, 03:39 PM
I really need to start quoting posts lol.

I grew coriander seeds and there wasnt many coriander leaves.... and then loads of flowers bloomed out.

Another batch had lots of wee beasties in the soil - it was fresh compost which I potted indoors and away from the outside - where did they come from?

I had to throw it out.

Hi Chris

Coriander needs lots of sun to produce good bunches. Those little white flowers you got would eventually turn to seed. Try growing using packet seed (from a garden centre or supermarket). Buy seeds that have "Coriander (for Leaf)" on the packet.

Before I use compost indoors I dampen it with water and then sterilise it in the microwave. This kills off any "beastie" eggs.

SnS  ;D

Quote from: Cory Ander on February 19, 2008, 12:41 AM
;D ;D ;D

errr...what's a greenhouse?  :

And radiators are for cars aren't they?  :

And airing cupboards?   :

Okay, okay it's pretty damp and cold round these parts at the mo ... though spring's on it's way ... or so they say (down to - 9 tonight  )

Bring on Global Warming!

Quote from: Cory Ander on February 19, 2008, 12:12 AM
Dorset Nagas growing outside (seeds kindly and generously supplied by SnS..photos taken just now) 

My Dorset Naga's growing in greenhouse. Photo's also taken just now.

SnS  ;D

Can we have a chilli section to this forum please?

SnS 

Quote from: Chris303 on February 18, 2008, 11:44 PM
I grew some from my seeds last summer and there was very little leaves and then it bloomed into flowers  :-[

Sorry Chris, are we talking fenugreek, coriander or chillies here 

SnS  ;D

Quote from: Cory Ander on February 19, 2008, 12:12 AM
Dorset Nagas grown outside (seeds kindly and generously supplied by SnS) 

Please forgive the bars...they are to my padded cell!   

Wondered where you disappeared to for all those months? Now I know.

The Naga's look healthy - just watch those aphids!

Look forward to seeing the first illustrated Chicken Naga post by CA soon eh?

SnS  ;D

These babes are from fresh Thai chillies bought at my local chinese supermarket 3 weeks ago. After one week to dry on the radiator, I planted 4 seeds (2 in each pot) only last weekend - 10th Feb (germination score 4/4).

They are in a heated propagator, but an airing cupboard should do, as long as they're checked daily ... as soon as the tips show they need light.

SnS  ;D

You can grow your own plants from whole spice coriander seeds and chillies.

Put about a dozen coriander seeds into seed compost (4 inch pot), cover the seeds with 1/8 inch fine seed compost, place indoors on south facing window ledge ... 10 days hey presto (don't forget water).

They germinate quite easily, but do need lots of sunlight (in winter it grows leggy) and regular watering to grow a decent bunch of leaf. Ready for clipping in about 4/6 weeks (in Spring & Summer). Plant a batch every week and you have a constant supply.

Some coriander varieties are specifically used for growing more seeds, and some are for growing the leaf. If you grow from coriander seed (sold as a whole spice), chances are the leaves will not be as abundant as you will get from those bunches sold in the supermarkets. If you want to grow coriander leaf, best bet is to buy a packet of coriander seeds "for leaf" from a garden centre (about 1.30).

Well worth doing as fresh coriander leaf is not cheap and doesn't keep long. Only way I know to have a regular supply is to chop finely and then deep freeze with a little water in an ice cube tray.

Also, if you've recently bought some of those cute little Thai dragon chillies (or any other favourite chilli) from your local supermarket - don't use them all. Put one of them on top of your radiator for a week (to dry).

Crumple the flesh with your fingers and recover those little yellow seeds. Plant in seed compost, cover lightly with a sprinkling of fine compost, water, cover with cling film and place in warm environment (25C is ideal). They will germinate in about a week or two. As soon as they pop their little heads, remove cling film and place on sunny window ledge. One plant will probably provide you about 100 chillies in the first year and even more the second and third year. Chilli plants will keep fruiting for at least 3 years provided they're not exposed to less than 8C for prolonged periods ... whereas the slightest frost will probably kill them.

SnS  ;D