Edinburgh Curry, again?
Kebab Mahal (7 Nicolson Square, Edinburgh EH8 9BH), again? Something is afoot. Even Marg decided to join the party.
As we approached Nicolson Street, Marg spotted an interestingly named shop on the opposite side of the street. Emek Hayarden – I spontaneously translated – Jordan Valley – into the Hebrew. I even cooked a Curry there for the masses in the first months of Curry-Heute.
Last week’s visit to Kebab Mahal saw this venue being added to Hector’s Recommended Curry Houses and the creation of their own page on Curry-Heute. Today I decided to turn the clock back to my first visit and have the Curry which the Curryspondents assured me was the reason for coming – Methi Ghoust (£7.95) – even though I knew it was not presented here in Hector’s favoured style. It was a matter of needing something completely different. What could possibly follow the truly outstanding Karahi Lamb served last Saturday at Karahi Palace (Glasgow)? To accompany, I decided to forego the always pleasing Mushroom Rice (£2.95) and go for the Vegetable Pilau (£2.95). Diversity.
Marg thought about Starters for a moment and then played it safe – Lamb Keema Curry (£7.85) and a Chapati (£1.15). Master Khan took the Order. Today I ensured that a jug of tap water was provided. I also took the opperchancity to verify that for the Karahi Ghoust (£11.50) is still available on-the-bone. It is, the current Menu does not make this clear.
It was 14.00 when we arrived, all tables were occupied by the time we departed. Perhaps it is time to restore the full quota of tables?
Mr. Khan brought the food himself. His greeting was one of definite recognition. It was my fourth visit since the end of April.
The Chapatti was suitably thin, but appreciably larger than average. The Vegetable Pilau was in effect a Vegetable Biryani. Present in the moist Rice were: Peas, Sweetcorn, Green Beans, Onion and Potato. What a plateful! More on the Potato to follow.
Lamb Keema Curry
A plate of Mince with Oil collecting around the periphery was presented. It did look a bit plain. I asked Marg why she hadn’t ordered the version with – Peas – which she had last time, her preferred Curry is Keema Mutter. She hadn’t spotted – Keema Matar Curry (£7.85).
Some pieces of the dreaded green mush, i.e. Capsicum, had sneaked in. This has never been an issue previously at Kebab Mahal. Perhaps another reason to have the Keema Matar. The Spice Level was pitched at a level which was within Marg’s level of tolerance. For reasons that will become apparent, Marg was finished long before Hector, her plates cleared. She gave the following verdict:
Quite a kick, enjoyed the flavour with additional onions and small pieces of green pepper. A good quantity and combined well with my Chapatti. It was good.
Methi Ghoust
OK, so I like Masala with Methi, not a mass of Herbs, but I was in the mood for this today. The pinkish, columnar Lamb was into double figures, large pieces too. I piled the Methi Ghoust high on top of the Rice, a Curry Tower?
This was a first, and proved just how Dry-Thick this Curry was. Was this actually Curry? The Methi Mash had no features of being a Masala proper. I started with the Rice.
The Rice itself was bursting with Flavour, the various Vegetables added the required variety of Flavours and Textures, then I reach the Potato – Wow! My first – wow – at Kebab Mahal. The Spices which had been used to flavour the Rice had been totally absorbed by the pieces of Potato. I can see the Vegetable Pilau being a – must have – on all future visits.
Unlike last week, today, I had not asked for extra Salt, so there was no surprise when I found the Level of Seasoning to be low. The Flavours from the Rice compensated, then there was the Methi blast. Pleasant, but still I missed some traditional Masala. I wonder how the Sag Ghoust (£7.95) compares?
With Bread instead of Rice, the enjoyment level today would have been reduced. I worked my way through this mountain of – Curry – taking my time as is the new normal. Excellent, but the Vegetable Pilau was the deciding contributor.
The Bill
£19.30 A few pence less than anticipated.
The Aftermath
I showed Mr. Khan the Kebab Mahal page on Curry-Heute. He was both impressed and appreciative.
There’s one thing missing, I need your photograph.
Next time – was the response.
Maybe no masks by then? We shall see.