The KWVR Beer Festival was pronounced a success and could become a regular fixture in the diary. This means the February visit to the Bradford Beer Festival will be dropped. With no further visits to Bradford therefore planned until October next year, all the more reason to maximise the Curry intake this week. As if The Hector needed an excuse or justification.
Sheesh Mahal (6 St. Thomas’ Rd, Bradford, BD1 2RW) was entered at 23.20. Amar who remains in charge recognised me. I took the small table nearest to the counter.
You remember me! – exclaimed Amar as I greeted him by name. A year ago I was convinced this was his cousin Omar who used to be Mein Host. Omar is well I am told.
A New Menu was brought, it is six years since it was reviewed. I verified that the same system maintains: choice of three Chapattis, Naan or Rice – inclusive. The contents of the Menu remained the same, only occasionally have I ordered as written, Omar, Amar and Uncle Sadaqat have all given Hector their – Creations – over the years. I find it more rewarding to ask for something else. Tonight I was in the mood for an Aloo Gosht.
Aloo Gosht on-the-bone, Spicy, no Capsicum – Green Peppers.
Red?
None, sometimes you sneak them in.
Shall I make it Karahi style?
With Minimal Masala.
I also asked for a Naan with Chilli and Coriander.
Punjabi Nachos
By this time Amar had instructed his two colleagues to look after me. A Bottle of Water, Salad, Raita and Tomato-Chilli Dip were assembled on the table. The Dip was quite simply brilliant, once more all down to the Seasoning. It was remarkably similar to the Dip at Sarina’s last night, and that whose Recipe has been on Curry-Heute for some time. Here it is.
That was a Poppadom.
Chilli and Coriander Naan
Don’t know if you’ll manage the Naan – said Amar – last time I had tears. If you eat more than 50%, you beat me.
A challenge then?
The Naan was a good size, Light, the Toppings covered all but the Puffy Periphery. Perfect. I knew I would never eat this Quantity, 50%, not much of a challenge.
Aloo Gosht Karahi (?)
This Karahi Gosht looked like nothing I have ever been given in Bradford, it was topped with copious Fresh Coriander, Raw Tomato, Green Chillies and Ginger Strips. Had Chef Rashid driven down from the Karahi Palace (Glasgow) to prepare this? There were lots of Green Slices, but these were Large Chillies, not the – Dreaded Ballast. This was a work of art.
The contents sizzled in the Oil which was collecting around the periphery of the karahi. The Meat was small cuts of Lamb, both Ribs and Chops. The Masala Mash had the Thickness I seek. I hadn’t started yet, already I was in raptures.
The Oil on my tongue was burning hot, somehow I can tolerate this. There were Chillies everywhere, this Curry had a – Serious Kick. All this and Methi too. I waited for – The Bradford Taste – it was there but not with the intensity I recall from yesteryear.
This Aloo Gosht had no Potatoes, too many variables for Chef to cope with? I watched the Tomatoes cook in the Oil, this was an experience. The Lamb itself tasted of – Lamb – and gave off Spice. There was a lot of Meat here. Between the contents of the karahi and the Naan there was sweat, but no tears.
The Potato would probably have changed the character of this Karahi Gosht. What sat before me was a truly remarkably creation. Serendipity once more?
You are more than 50% – observed Amar – I don’t know how you can eat raw chillies.
Mango or Strawberry? – he continued.
Mango or Strawberry what? – I replied.
Mango or Strawberry?
Mango.
That’s for beating me.
And so Hector found himself with a Mango Mousse for Dessert. This proved to be Light and Refreshing. Thank you, Amar.
The Bill
£10.40 The till receipt had the Karahi Gosht down as a Lamb Balti. The Chilli and Coriander Naan was inclusive. This was a Bradford Curry House at its finest.
(Potatoe (sic) was there.)
It was Amar who insisted on the photo, his colleagues wished to share his fame.
And so to roll down the hill t’Travelodge.