Aberdeen – Dinner for Eight, at Seven

Graeme is cooking and has invited six of us to celebrate his Dear Lady’s Birthday which is in two days. This necessitated a drive to Aberdeen for Curry-Heute. Few people are brave enough to invite The Hector to sample their wares, Graeme has been cooking Curry and Accompaniments for some forty years.

Marg insisted we walk from her Mother’s domicile to Sister – Kath’s, meaning The Other Four Guests were already tucking in to Poppadoms and a Mixed Vegetable Dip. Yes, we were late, and Hector is never late for Curry.

The Vegetable Dip had a great Tang, different from the normal Spiced Onion and Raita. Being a Saturday Night, and a Party in effect, some Oakham Ales were brought from The West to the City which some describe as an Ale Desert.

Catering for The Fussy

When people don’t eat this and that there is a choice. Don’t invite them or tone everything down to suit. When Family is involved, there is no choice. Lamb therefore was off The Menu, so was Coriander, oops too late. Graeme had to admit that Coriander was present in all that he had cooked. Spice was probably an issue too. Respect to Mein Host, Hector would probably have chosen the former option.

Mutter Rice

Boiled Rice with Peas, the only part of the meal which could cause no controversy.

Chicken Curry

I asked if this was a Thai Curry given the Pale Hue and Thin Masala, apparently not, but it did contain Coconut (Milk?). Hector’s thoughts on Chicken Curry are well recorded, Coconut is fine occasionally. This was – an Occasion. Still, not a Dish I would choose off a Menu, tonight we were having Mini Buffet, and the Spice Level was set accordingly. One has to cook such that the Guests can actually eat what is served with minimal suffering.

Aloo Gobi

This is one of Hector’s Favourite Sides. I have never attempted cooking this Dish. Given the current Fascination with Vegetables, who knows? Al Dente would describe the Cauliflower and Potatoes. The Herb content confirmed the Efficacy of the Dish. Some more please.

Tarka Daal

The Dish that Hector feared having to eat without alternatives during The India Trip, not because I don’t like it, simply – Hector cannot live by Daal alone. Having seen Tarka Daal prepared in our Jaipur Cookery demonstration, the relative simplicity of this Dish may explain its popularity. Traditionally served approaching – Shorva – this is another reason why Hector is rarely in raptures, if I want soup, I’ll order Soup.

Ah-ha! This Tarka Daal was Thick, Thicker than any Daal previously encountered. Graeme suggested as he placed it on the table that ideally we should be using a knife and fork to eat it. This was the Standout Dish of the evening; there was a Kick here, the most Intense Flavours.

Naan

These were shop bought, however, I had to congratulate Graeme on serving Quaity Naan, Light and Fluffy.

Gordon and Hector ate the longest, The Chaps assembled had no issues. Just feed us.

There was a piece of Naan left on Hector’s plate. Before the Ice Cream appeared, there was one final spoon of Tarka Daal taken to accompany the Bread. What is happening to The Hector?

The Bill usually appears at this point. Think how much we have just saved by not going out at Aberdeen prices.

The Aftermath

We retired too the drawing room, the Oakham Ale was abandoned in favour of some fine Australian Whiskey.

A very enjoyable evening, thank you Kath (Happy Birthday on Monday) and Graeme.

Hector would have presented Lasagne to this Assembly (Emoticon understood) but then would have missed out on Curry-Heute.