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Mumsnet webchats

Webchat about Indian cookery with Anjum Anand, Thursday 20 March, midday to 1pm. Join the chat and enter a draw to win a signed copy of her latest book.

83 replies

RachelMumsnet · 17/03/2014 14:55

We're delighted that Anjum Anand is joining us for a webchat about Indian food on Thursday 20 March between midday and 1pm.

Anjum grew up in London and has presented two series of BBC TV's Indian Food Made Easy and written five bestselling books and now has her own internationally stocked range of Indian sauces, chutneys and pickles, The Spice Tailor. Anjum Anand is on a mission to bring Indian food up to date. Very health-conscious herself, she is constantly working to bring down the fat content of Indian food, creating lighter, fresher dishes with all the rich, spicy flavours of the subcontinent.

Anjum's latest book Anjum's Quick and Easy Indian shows how we can all create a delicious curry in just 20 minutes, and provides tips on stocking your cupboards with time-saving 'cheat' ingredients and a plethora of hints on how to make cooking Indian at home as easy as possible, while the 'Take One' feature shows you how to make three great meals from just one store cupboard ingredient.

Join Anjum on Thursday at lunchtime or post a question in advance to this thread. Everyone who joins the webchat will be entered into a draw to win a SIGNED copy of Anjum's Quick and Easy Indian.

Webchat about Indian cookery with Anjum Anand, Thursday 20 March, midday to 1pm. Join the chat and enter a draw to win a signed copy of her latest book.
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Shells · 17/03/2014 19:31

Hmmm. Yum. What is the key to making a good dal and why do my lentils always stick to the bottom of the pot?

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RachelMumsnet · 18/03/2014 12:15

Anjum has kindly shared a couple of recipes from the book with us - see: One pot meatballs, eggs and spiced tomatoes and spiced pepper and feta cornbread.

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OldBeanbagz · 18/03/2014 21:58

I have a well used copy of your Indian Food Made Easy and your Simple Pilaff is a firm family favourite but my rice keeps ended up sticky. What's the best way to avoid this?

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Spirael · 19/03/2014 10:21

Wonderful to have you here, Anjum. I am a huge fan! Your books and television appearances have both converted and educated me. I love Indian food but was always worried about cooking it from scratch as it seemed so long and complicated. I was also worried about getting the spice levels wrong.

You've taught me how to easily put together healthy, everyday Indian themed meals for my family. I have the confidence to assess spice levels as I'm cooking and I even now make things up as I go. We don't eat a lot of meat, so your provision of many lovely vegetarian recipes is wonderful. Thank you so much. :)

In particular, we love making (and eating...) paneer as a family! It's so easy, even my three year old loves getting involved. Really confuses nursery when they ask her what she was doing at the weekend and she tells them about cheese making-!

For my question: I have a friend who has the genetics which mean coriander tastes soapy to her, and consequentially it puts her off a lot of Indian food. She's also not keen on anything too spicy.

Is there an alternative I can use for ground/fresh coriander or coriander seeds, or can you recommend any recipes that don't include coriander but also aren't particularly spicy?

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missisboot · 19/03/2014 17:16

No questions off the top of my head but v excited to see Anjum here - I absolutely love her recipes and recommend her indian made easy book to everyone I know :o

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StillNoFuckingEyeDeer · 19/03/2014 18:57

Hi Anjum
Your recipes are great. We love Indian food - so full of flavour. I was wondering what non-Indian cuisines you like to eat and/or cook & if you find a lot of other cuisines bland in comparison?
Looking forward to the webchar.
Thank you.

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weebarra · 19/03/2014 20:34

Hi Anjum, enjoy your recipes - can I ask what you use in your own blend of garam masala? Thanks!

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CountThalim · 19/03/2014 21:02

I've been working through a few of your recipes for my family, managed to persuade my wife out of her comfort zone with a couple of them. :)

Tikka Massala is supposed to have been an Indian dish adapted for the UK and so creating a new dish. Have you ever thought about doing a book dedicated to the fusion between Indian food and the countries it has ended up in? Not just UK but America, France, China etc?

CT

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ShoeWhore · 19/03/2014 21:35

Hi Anjum, love your recipes. I was just wondering what your favourite recipe is?

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Cantdothisagain · 19/03/2014 21:57

Hi Anjum, I love your food. I particularly like the lamb Rogan josh from I love curry and the snack food in your vegetarian book. I've served quite a few of your curries to guests but I confess I often cheat and buy starters from M&S! What would be your go-to menu for a relaxed dinner for friends that wouldn't involve getting too stressed in the kitchen at the last minute? Thank you for reading!

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JollyGolightly · 19/03/2014 21:57

Hello! I once had the most amazing garlic pickle, made by a friend of a friend, who would not divulge the secret! Since then I have dreamed about the pickle and hoped to one day make something that resembled it, but I have no idea where to start. Can you help?

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TheJumped · 19/03/2014 22:12

I make your easy naan breads often, if I make a soup from leftover veg and put some spices in, then dunk the naan into it. Yummy. I don't really have a question but this thread has reminded me I haven't done made them in a while, I now want a soft pillowy buttery naan with charred bits!

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zipzap · 20/03/2014 00:00

I just wondered if you had any tips on making a great (but simple!) Bombay Potatoes - they're dh's favourite and although I keep trying to make them I never really get it right. I've managed all sorts of random potato curries, which are nice most of the time! but it would be fantastic to surprise him a dish of proper homemade Bombay Potatoes!

I've got a pretty good selection of Indian spices to use at as I like to cook things from fresh rather than use ready-made sauces or jars of stuff.

Thank you so much! Thanks

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bishbashboosh · 20/03/2014 06:29

I am obsessed with Indian cookery but I have yet to find a good base recipe that I can make in bulk and freeze for when u don't have much time.

Also do you make your own curry pastes to freeze?

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offblackeggshell · 20/03/2014 09:21

I have finally manage to tempt my youngest into curry with your Spice Tailor Korma - she loves it with chicken, or butternut squash. What would you recommend as a next step?

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LordEmsworth · 20/03/2014 09:42

Similar to a previous question - I have your veg book, and love it, but am always looking for recipes I can reheat later for packed lunches. What's your best (veggie!) recipe for an exciting lunchbreak?

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isitme1 · 20/03/2014 11:14

Hi Anjum.
My question is
im not the best cook and I can cook chicken, lamb and mince but they are getting boring. We are Pakistani, I never learnt while I waa growing up as I didn't have to and omce I got married and moved out I feel a lil stuck. What recipe would you recommend for this situation
hubby isnt all that adventurous so that doesn't help!
Thank you Flowers

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RachelMumsnet · 20/03/2014 12:00

Anjum is with us and ready to start the webchat. Everyone who joins the chat will be entered into a draw to win a SIGNED copy of Anjum's latest book (which is fabulous). Welcome to Mumsnet Anjum.

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AnjumAnand · 20/03/2014 12:00

Good Morning! Welcome to my webchat. Looking forward to getting stuck in!

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AnjumAnand · 20/03/2014 12:03

@isitme1

Hi Anjum.
My question is
im not the best cook and I can cook chicken, lamb and mince but they are getting boring. We are Pakistani, I never learnt while I waa growing up as I didn't have to and omce I got married and moved out I feel a lil stuck. What recipe would you recommend for this situation
hubby isnt all that adventurous so that doesn't help!
Thank you Flowers


Gosh, how about some lovely, easy spiced fish or a big hearty bowl of lentils. Equally, I love to spice up duck breasts and once cooked slied and serve them in a flavourful salad. It is good to keep the flavour but change the way in which you serve the meal. Give it a try. x
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AnjumAnand · 20/03/2014 12:05

@LordEmsworth

Similar to a previous question - I have your veg book, and love it, but am always looking for recipes I can reheat later for packed lunches. What's your best (veggie!) recipe for an exciting lunchbreak?


I love making spiced (dry) beans and lentils and then incorporating the into salads with some grille$d vegetables and a light dressing the following day. I also love to add whole cooked spelt, barley or quinoa for added satisfaction and to feel like it is a complete meal. x
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AnjumAnand · 20/03/2014 12:07

@offblackeggshell

I have finally manage to tempt my youngest into curry with your Spice Tailor Korma - she loves it with chicken, or butternut squash. What would you recommend as a next step?


The Keralan coconut curry is another coconut one but with flavours of the South which would work. Alternatively, you can't go wrong with the Tikka Masala sauce. BOth can be ade with chicken and vegetables. HOpe he enjoys them. x
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AnjumAnand · 20/03/2014 12:09

@bishbashboosh

I am obsessed with Indian cookery but I have yet to find a good base recipe that I can make in bulk and freeze for when u don't have much time.

Also do you make your own curry pastes to freeze?


I have to confess I don't freeze a curry paste but there is no reason why not. In Indian restaurants and homes, we often make an onoin/tomato curry paste that we refrigerate or freeze for later use. I'll ask Mumsnet to put one up later. It is so versatile. x
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AnjumAnand · 20/03/2014 12:11

@zipzap

I just wondered if you had any tips on making a great (but simple!) Bombay Potatoes - they're dh's favourite and although I keep trying to make them I never really get it right. I've managed all sorts of random potato curries, which are nice most of the time! but it would be fantastic to surprise him a dish of proper homemade Bombay Potatoes!

I've got a pretty good selection of Indian spices to use at as I like to cook things from fresh rather than use ready-made sauces or jars of stuff.

Thank you so much! Thanks


Hi, i do a great Bombay Potato recipe in Anjum's Indian Vegetarian Feast. Mumset is posting a link for you. x
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AnjumAnand · 20/03/2014 12:13

@TheJumped

I make your easy naan breads often, if I make a soup from leftover veg and put some spices in, then dunk the naan into it. Yummy. I don't really have a question but this thread has reminded me I haven't done made them in a while, I now want a soft pillowy buttery naan with charred bits!


I know the feeling, especially as it is coming up to lunchtime! We should both make some later! x
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