At some point in the recent past, Freddies Food Club withdrew from their Clydebank outpost and retreated to Knightswood. In its place, Curry Mix (495 Kilbowie Road, Clydebank G81 2AX) was established. Still serving the complete array of anything one would wish to take out, at least the emphasis became such that Hector would have to investigate. With cooking duties suspended pro tem, today was the day.
The online menu was studied, Punjabi Masala Dishes almost enticed, however, when it was made clear that the dreaded – Peppers – could be withheld in the Karahi Dishes, it had to be Methi Gosht Karahi (£7.00). Bread should normally accompany Karahi, but taking no chances regarding the efficacy of the Masala, Special Fried Rice (£4.00) was chosen.
The Bill
£10.50 There is a 10% discount for ordering online. Then there are surcharges which eroded this.
The Order was placed around 17.30, I was given 18.00 as the collection time.
Such is the proximity of Hector’s House to Curry Mix, I could have walked, however, why let the food cool on the return? Arriving bang on 18.00 I introduced myself. The chap who evidently dealt with Curry looked a bit mystified when I mentioned Methi Gosht. He checked the only Order which was waiting, all was well.
Very efficient, bar the new double yellow lines across the street which many ignore. For the record, Hector was in the car park, this avoids having to go around the Kilbowie roundabout.
The standard Takeaway containers meant there was as much Rice as Curry.
I took what I would manage from the Rice container. Peas and Onions made it – Special. I had hoped for fresh Mushrooms too.
Methi Gosht Karahi
The first sight of the Masala was pleasing. This was most certainly not – Soup.
The Masala was wonderfully – Thick – and given the quantity of Meat, not excessive. I counted the Lamb into double figures as I arranged the Curry on top of the Rice. A decent portion, but my other, and equally close Takeaway – New Kismet Tandoori – across the city boundary, gives more.
A large piece of cooked Tomato was unearthed plus pieces of Syboes. The Masala was Herb strewn: light green, presumably Coriander, dark green, hopefully Methi. This was how I hope to see a Methi Gosht presented: a Masala with Herbs, not just Spiced Herbs. I was already questioning how much Methi had actually been added.
As ever, I tasted the Rice first. A decent Pilau, the flavour of the Peas was pronounced, the Onions were a bit crunchy, a Diversity of Textures, QED.
The Masala gave off a good kick. Some online ordering systems permit a choice of Spice Levels, an extra charge may well then follow. The Spice here was well pitched.
Initially, the Seasoning felt a bit on the low side, however, as I ate this appeared to grow. The Dry-Herb Flavour from the Methi could have been more pronounced, I suppose I could have gone to the cupboard and added some more on top. Why did I not think of that at the time? Still, a first Curry from Curry Mix, better to evaluate what actually was presented.
The Lamb was delightfully soft, dry at times. The jury is still out as to how much Spice/Flavour this Meat was giving back, however, I might err on the positive.
Around the halfway point I had reached two conclusions: this Karahi did not have the ubiquitous Clydebank Curry Taste, I would certainly order this again.
The Peas were doing a remarkable job, the addition of an Interesting Vegetable can transform a Curry. I was certainly enjoying this Karahi, Rice still felt like the better accompaniment. It takes a Desi Masala to command Bread, this was decidedly Mainstream, but within these limitations, a fine Curry.
Next time: Lamb Punjabi Masala (£7.00).
Menu extracts
