For some reason I have been glued to the last two episodes of Masterchef. I haven't watched this in ages and it's a far cry from Lloyd Grossman I can tell you. But then again you probably know this.
Instead of making their best three courses chosen by themselves the poor contestents are now given a series of very scary challenges like cooking for Michelin starred chefs and weddings and stuff. It's edge of the seat stuff I can tell you.
Inspired I decided to up the stakes in my cooking this week. Emboldened by the switch from Khaki Flosam & Jetsam Vegetable Soup to soup with named ingredients and real colours I thought I know I'll do a curry from scratch, then when we finally get back to our little corner of paradise TS will only be missing real ale.
Off I went to the co-op since TS was unavailable for shopping expeditions seeing as he was back on his favourite job. I bought the garum masala, cumin, tumeric, coriander, chilli etc etc. Called in the butchers for some diced lamb. Went back to the co-op for yoghourt and ginger. Went home checked out recipes. Went back to the co-op for onions and naan bread.
In the end I got sick of going to the co-op and settled on Lamb Rogan Josh accompanied by Saag Aloo and Naan Bread. No more hotline to Ali's Curry House I thought as I chopped the onions and laid all the spices out on a little dish like they do on the telly programs. Then I made my very first curry from scratch.
TS was duly appreciative of the spicy scents wafting round the house when he got in from the first part of his 14 hours counting taxis. I filled up his plate and he made all the right noises.
Then today he admitted yes it seemed to have all the right ingredients but it didn't quite come together. "But I ate it all" he said "that's the true measure of a meal". Which would of been comforting except it came from someone who eats tins of beans with sausages in them.
Better not throw that takeaway number away just yet I guess.
10 comments:
I love curry - but I don't know how to make it from scratch - and The Man is the cook around here anyway....
Still - he ate it girl! That really is all that counts...
I once had someone tell me (while cooking for my brother's whitewater rafting business) that anything tastes good if it's eaten outside...I could have thrown her in the river right then and there - without the raft..
I did it once, but Rob will NOT EAT CURRY; I wonder if you need to give it a few hours to blend together or something like that. I don't know- I'm a can-opener freezer cook.
Aims I don't blame you I firmly believe you should always be grateful if someone takes the trouble to feed you
Anji you could be right on the blending in thing. It's the first time I've cooked with so many spices and I suppose I'll just have to get a feel for how they blend together
That's why we have Sharwoods, Pataks, and all the other sauces in a jar.
To be honest though, you can't beat a Birmingham Balti, eaten with your fingers in a 'restaurant' with formica tables and where you can bring your own booze.
That's real curry heaven!
"Foolproof Indian Cookery" by Madhur Jaffray.
It is too.
TBNIL but we are aiming for self sufficiency! and all the spices look so pretty sitting there like pigments ready for a great piece of art to be created. If only I could get round the complete lack of talent
Stew Thanks for the tip I'll look out for it. But I can be quite foolish you know
When we visited England, I thought it was fabulous that even in the tiniest village's quick-shop, you could find Indian ingredients. I think the idea about letting it all sit for a while and come together is a great one. You know, some things are always better as leftovers than on the first night.
Good to see you're keeping yourself occupied during the Working Phase!
Imperatrix Yes there is no shortage of materials to experiment with and cooking is cheap entertainment. It was remarkably simple to put together and could of been trumphantly added to my repetoire if only it had tasted good.
Hi B, I've just bought Indian Food made Easy by Anjum Anand. She has just done a TV series. The food looks gorgeous and it has been really easy to make!
Oh I saw a couple of her programs she was reaching a fireman to cook curry for his watch. Another one to look out for then
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