The Most Loved Curry in Britain

With there being no sign of warmer weather on the horizon, we need a hearty meal that is sure to warm us up. Indian cuisine has been an element in British culture for years. British people have a love for Indian food and it is among the most popular takeaways throughout the nation, with a curry house in almost every town. It is difficult to know exactly how the love for Indian food began, however, it is probably due to the spice palette and flavoursome curries.

The tikka masala used to be the most popular curry in Britain and there are have been statements about it becoming the national dish. Chicken tikka masala is the composition of chicken tikka pieces and a creamy but moderately spicy sauce. However, it seems the popularity of masala has been overtaken by the jalfrezi. The curry involves marinated meat or vegetables with a thick sauce that is relatively spicy. It seems our spice palette has finally been accustomed to the hot curries, preferring the spice of jalfrezi to the milder korma, which only came in last place.

Jalfrezi is relatively easy to make and doesn’t require too many ingredients. The main elements in a jalfrezi are the spices in the sauce. The sauce is quite dry which allows for a spicier curry. The green chillies give the curry a hit and in small amounts, have been scientifically proven to help health. The sauce may be cooled down and given richer gravy by using cream. The most common meat used in a jalfrezi sauce is chicken, which is common with most curries. A popular alternative to using chicken can be vegetables, especially bell peppers and carrots. This is great for a healthy alternative to the original curry, as well as using brown rice.

Indian cuisine is unlikely to loose popularity any time soon and with the aromatic spices and flavours it isn’t hard to understand why.

Non-Halal Meat Served to Islamic Prisoners

Non-halal meat has been served in pies given to Islamic prisoners in an English prison.  The supplier has been suspended after traces of pork DNA were found in the pies and pasties that had been served under the pretence they contained halal meat. Islamic law states Muslims cannot eat pork and all other meat has to be halal.

The local authority are investigating the issue and the Ministry of Justice have said the products have been withdrawn. The Food Standard Agency had been told the meat served was halal and the products were labelled as halal but traces of pork DNA were still found. The issue was reported to the FSA immediately and steps were taken to suspend the subcontractor from supplying any food to the prison.  

There has been an investigation to ensure these products haven’t been distributed to other places across the UK and authorities are looking into how the contamination happened. Consumers have a right to know what they are eating and where it is come from. Suppliers have the responsibility to ensure the product is described correctly. Following all the latest issues related to food manufacture and produce there have been meetings with retailers and suppliers to ensure everyone knows the responsibilities they have.

Meat that has not been slaughtered in the correct way, under Islamic Law is strictly prohibited. The person doing the killing should bless the animal and it should be done by hand. Any form of pork is prohibited and it will be distressing for any Muslim and their families who have eaten pork due to false labelling. Halalmeat has to be labelled with the correct sign to ensure any meat consumed has followed the correct procedure.

Trust has been lost between suppliers and consumers after DNA tests have revealed so much. There has been a rise in vegetarians and more people buying from certified butchers instead of supermarket chains following both the horsemeat and prison scandals.

An Introduction to Indian Drinks

Indian Cuisine has become a large part of English dining. Patrons of British gastronomy have long been enamoured with the tastes and spices of Indian food. Since the 15^th century when traders brought back spices from the jewel in the crown, there has been an incomparable link between Indian food and the English palate. Visits to Indian Restaurants are common amongst a large number of British families and the foodstuffs have become incredibly familiar.

However receptive and open minded the British are to the food, there seems to be a reluctance to indulge in many of the drinks that Indian and Halal Dining provides. The furthest most people will go is order a Kingfisher beer. Here is an introduction to the varied drinks on offer at your favourite Indian Restaurant.

Lassi is a yoghurt based drink not disimilar to a milkshake. Available in both sweet and savoury flavours, the lassi can complement all courses and stages of a meal at an Indian Restaurant. Traditionally a savoury drink flavoured with subtle spices. The most popular flavour of lassi now is mango; the exotically sweet flavour dances on the taste buds.

Falooda is the perfect drink for those with a sweet tooth on a warm day. Incredibly cooling and sweet; the falooda contains rose syrup, vermicelli, psyllium, basil seeds, jelly pieces and tapioca pearls with ice cream to create a fruity sensation.

One of the most enjoyable ways to finish a meal in an Indian Restaurant is with a Masala Chai. A mixture of traditional black tea and Indian spices and herbs; the masala chai is a slight twist on an old favourite. The spices and herbs hit the back of the throat as a reminder and a subtle aftertaste. Surprisingly refreshing, masala chai is a wonder digestif. Masala chai is quickly becoming a favourite in many worldwide coffee houses.