A night in Carnoustie en route home, all part of the ritual of xmas in Aberdoom.
Can you cook for eight? – another part of the ritual.
That Mags and Dr. Alasdair need a break, having entertained their hordes, is understood. Free accommodation and more importantly, abundant heat, is not to be declined in these times. Due to Covid, it is three years since Marg and Hector engaged in this ritual, however there was a – please bring a dish – request at the end of July this year for a wedding reception. Desi Murgh Aloo might be suitable for the masses, however, for a discerning eight, something better was required.
Palak Gosht would be a suitable test, but not everyone can handle Spinach in a Curry. Marg and Hector may have seen enough Saag/Palak pro tem. Kofta Anda was considered. Maybe next time. Keema Aloo Mutter can’t go wrong.
The Spice mix, powders and whole, was assembled on xmas eve and taken north. The fresh ingredients were purchased this morning at Aberdeen’s foremost Asian grocer – New Spice of Asia – on John Street, next door to the former source of the finest rowies. What happened to them?
Frozen Onions always produce surplus water, these were thawed, heated and drained. As shall be seen, not to any great effect.
The Onions were heated on the induction hob, then cooked in the Oil for approaching an hour with the Garlic and Ginger, before the Spices were added. At some point during the chopping of Tomatoes and Green Chillies, it was realised that the abundant Herbs on the counter were not Coriander.
Some twenty years back, whilst shopping at KRK (Glasgow), I was told to always taste a Coriander leaf at the point of purchase, else – one might go home with Parsley. Mags was on the case, alas there was no Coriander to be bought in Carnoustie. Friends and family were consulted, driving to Dundee/Arbroath was dismissed. Not the end of the World.
Meanwhile…
Dr. Alasdair prepared his Peanut Chat Masala, which also required Coriander. I suggested he add some Tamarind instead. Tamarind was to be the only ingredient added to the Keema beyond those listed in the recipe. How to avoid – blandness – was my explanation.
There would also be a very yellow Curry made from leftovers. Turkey Balti – was Dr. Alasdair’s chosen moniker. Dr. Alasdair was also making – Flatbread. Paul would bring his home-made Naan.
The Potatoes, locally sourced, were cooked separately, just in case they were resistant. On an induction hob, everything seems to takes three times longer to cook, just saying. Gas is king, if one can still afford it. Before these were added, it was necessary to remove the excess liquid, mostly water. Three of these bowls were ladled off in order to create something approaching presentable Keema. Freshly ground Garam Masala was added, before and after the draining.
Marg, having spotted the Green Chillies, pleaded for me not to make it too Spicy. Marg was given a Soupçon, the usual reaction followed. More Tamarind, more Salt, eventually I could actually taste – Curry. Not too shabby.
Dave and Cathy arrived with Poppadoms, Spiced Onions and copious Coriander. The day was saved!
Mags put Pakora in the oven, soon we were sitting in the kitchen having – Starters. Marg soon realised the consequence of abundant Starters.
With the Breads in the oven, the Curry was decanted to a serving dish, the first time all of Hector’s Carnoustie Curry has not required two. One kilo of Lamb Mince, how had I ended up with so much? There was way more than eight could manage. Potatoes and Peas? I could have dropped one.
The Main Event
The Turkey Balti had magically turned – brown. Methinks the Garam Masala had found its way in here too. Making a Curry with precooked Turkey has its limitations. Brown Turkey Meat, cooked from scratch, can give excellent results, white Turkey not. With minimal Spice and Seasoning, this was what it was.
Paul’s Naan impressed once again. No Tandoor, no Tawa, oven cooking might not produce the iconic burnt blisters, but the Bread was light and fluffy. I made sure that Ginger Strips and chopped Coriander were on the table. Let’s have – the foliage!
Aloo Keema Mutter
Carol asked me if I thought my Aloo Keema Mutter was too Spicy for her. That she asked, suggested a rhetorical question. Later, I was assured it was not. One has to play safe, no point serving a Curry people cannot eat.
The usual noises were made around the table. There were no – wows – none deserved. Such was the quantity, much was left over. Competent Aloo Keema Mutter, no more. Let the Hector loose.
