It was back in January when Marg and Hector stumbled upon Rafi’s Spicebox (17 Goodramgate, York YO1 7LW England). I had known of Rafi’s existence for approaching twenty years but assumed it had gone. Since 2017 there is a second shop in Leeds. One can of course order online.
Curry Kits, they have to be better than buying a sauce from a jar, surely? One has to accept that the price is over the odds for the Spice mix. For those without a Spice cupboard, maybe they make sense. I purchased three: Madras, Rogan Josh and Kashmiri. That it has taken six months to open the first, might be testimony to the array of Herbs and Spices in Hector’s House, also, not much Curry has been cooked at home this year.
A tin of Tomatoes and Fresh Coriander were the only items that had to be purchased to make the Curry Kit, adding Sugar did feel – wrong.
The bulk of the package was Crispy Fried Onions, since I first encountered these, they been added to everything. Every home needs copious quantities of these instant Onions. Rafi’s own choice of Spices and their respective ratios would define success or failure.
On emptying the contents, I was surprised to find a large Red Dried Chilli. I was tempted to add more, these I believe are the root towards creating that South Indian – Smokey – Flavour which I love. No, I’d follow the instructions as printed.
A kilo of solids was required. With some defrosted, uncooked Chicken Breast to use, I decided to risk my reputation and add this, however, 750g was Potatoes (par-boiled) Courgette, Peas and Mushrooms. I’m calling it – Vegetable Madras, with Chicken.
300ml of Water was not a lot. The Masala thickened quickly to create something I would aim for, i.e. – not Soup.
Season and garnish with coriander leaves. Is that – season, then garnish – or an implication that cooking the Coriander in acts as – Seasoning? I added no Salt. I did add some frozen Methi, my only departure from how I interpreted the instructions. With Marg up north for a couple of days, this would do me for two nights, hopefully.
Rice would accompany, a sensible portion, of course.
Vegetable Madras, with Chicken
The Vegetables were all cooked to perfection, especially the Potatoes! As ever, the Chicken added nothing to the overall experience. The Spice Level was moderate, a few extra Chillies would have done this Curry no harm. If – Madras – was meant as a rung on the Spice ladder, it had failed. At least it wasn’t sweet.
Season and garnish with coriander leaves. I soon realised that Salt should have been added. Too late for this meal, tomorrow is another day. Before washing up, I added a good teaspoon of Salt. We’ll see what tomorrow brings.
The overnight aroma in the house reminded me of something from my childhood when a – Curry fix – was required: Vesta! They were pretty horrible.
Day 2
Ah, much better! The Potato had absorbed the Flavours from the Masala. Potato Curry, I should serve this and test Marg’s reaction. The Seasoning made all the difference, this was a much more satisfying Curry, but not wonderful.
The Curry Kit meant that the initial preparation time was significantly reduced. The pre-cooked Onions making the difference. Next time, I’ll add more Chillies, and some Fresh Ginger to add more bite. The overnight infusion certainly enhanced the experience.