Today, back to Takeaway. I phoned Ambala (11 Forth St., Glasgow, Scotland, G41 2SP) from the QUEH to arrange an – above medium Spiced – Kilo of their classic Lahori Chaska Lamb Karahi (£24.99) accompanied by a Chilli & Coriander Naan (£2.99) and a Chapatti (£1.30). Having taken the small detour from the hospital, the Order was waiting for us at 14.30, forty minutes after it was placed. The chap behind the counter didn’t have to ask what my Order was, the correct bag was selected from the batch of half a dozen waiting.
The Bill
£29.18 10p less than anticipated, but why are sit in and takeaway prices the same?
On opening the poly bag, an impressive Salad with Pickled Chillies and Green Olives was accompanied by two Dips. The Oil had already separated in the Karahi, the Toppings of Ginger Strips and Coriander Leaves would be cooked in on reheating.
With the Karahi decanted to karahi and placed in the oven, some foliage was prepared as fresh Toppings. The Breads, as ever, were reheated in the microwave. A minute did the substantial Chapatti, it took another to revitalise the Naan. Well fired, and with some foliage cooked in this was thin in the centre, plump on the periphery, the best of both worlds.
A bit of stirring restored the Masala to the presumably Tomato-based wonder. This Masala is significantly different from the the blended Mainstream which appears in – Curry. Karahi – is so much more.
Bones had never been mentioned at the point of ordering, on-the-bone was assumed. Without the bones, the Flavour would be less and Marg and Hector would never manage to share the Kilo.
The Meat was relatively firm compared to that which I have eaten of late, far from tough, but not so Tender. Holding the superheated meat-bone combination, gnawing was required, Mmmm. The extra sliced, large green, Chillies complemented those which were cooked in already. As has become the system over time, it was Meat alternating with Bread-Masala. Rice simply would not be an option to accompany this creation.
Marg coughed, too Spicy? Something had gone down the wrong way. Marg was coping with the more than adequate Spice Level. We had Seasoning too, but today no – Wow. I reckoned that today’s offering did not have the same underlying Flavour(s) as enjoyed throughout 2020. Hector is reminiscing favourably about 2020? Takeaway is rarely as good as eating in. The condensation effect?
What did you think of that taste? – asked Marg at the end of the meal.
Since her – Declaration of Athena – Marg has established her base for comparison.
It was different from our previous Ambala Karahi – I admitted.
A couple of chewy bits, but mostly tender. A good texture of sauce, with a very enjoyable, earthy taste – concluded Marg.
Today’s creation was appreciably different but still an authentic Karahi. The rich Flavours from the Meat and Masala did not register on the palate as being from the same hand which had created recent wonders. I hope Ambala have not lost their super-Chef.