Whenever you are learning to cook a dish or experiment with a new cuisine, it is very important to pay attention to the basics.
Don’t try and go fusion and modern twists the very first time. Go traditional and learn to cook and perfect the dish as it has always been done. And since there are innumerable versions of the same recipe floating around on cyber world, do your own bit of research before narrowing in on a recipe that closely identifies to the original.
I thought of speaking about this today because I see a lot of people creating so called ‘fusion’ dishes without having a real understanding of the original. Now I don’t have a problem with fusion or modern, I do it myself all the time but only after I have almost perfected the original. And why is this important? Because it helps us to learn the basics, have a real understanding of how and why the dish or recipe came to be, a bit of history and also because it helps us to preserve the original which seems to be fast disappearing from today’s world.
For example, the vindaloo. One of the most popular Indian curries in the world but also one that is much misrepresented. The secret to a good vindaloo lies in the spice paste; get it right and you get the dish right. I got the recipe for a traditional vindaloo around 2 years back from a Goan source and I have made the spice paste so many times to get the exact balance which lends the right flavour complexity to the final dish.
Once I got it right, I began to experiment with the spice paste to use it in different avatars like today’s dish – the vindaloo lamb chops.
The idea for this dish came while preparing for a party. I wanted to do a lamb chops starter but also wanted to do a quick Indian version of the same. So the thought of using the vindaloo spice paste came into mind, especially since I always have a stash stored in my freezer. It’s a dish that comes together so easily especially if you have the marinade ready beforehand.
Succulent, delicately frenched lamb chops smothered with the lipsmacking vindaloo marinade, pan fried and finished off with a dash of tomato sauce.
The perfect weekend starter…..and fingerlickin’ good!
Ingredients:
For the vindaloo marinade:
(This makes more than the required amount; the rest can be frozen in batches and used whenever necessary)
1. 4 dried red chillies
2. 1 tbsp cumin seeds
3. 1 tbsp coriander seeds
Read the full recipe here.
Recipe developed, styled and shot for Supreme Seafood.
Loved the idea of Vindaloo lamb chops… Store bought ready made Vindaloo paste. Though they tuned out pretty good. thae masala was kinda burning resulting in blackened burnt edges. Any suggestions how I can remedy this.
The lamb chops must be first seared on high heat on both sides and then lower heat and cook for another 2-3 minutes till done. Remove it and add the sauce and other ingredients (done on low heat just to warm the vindaloo sauce). Then return the lamb chops, coat well with the sauce and simmer on low heat for another 1 minute. This way the sauce is not heated on high and will not burn or blacken.
Yum – we eat lamb a lot. And I think this might have to make an appearance on my meal plan shortly.
Great to hear that Shari; will love to hear your feedback.
I love lamb chops and we have them every few weeks – I can’t wait to try this version out! Thanks so much for linking them up to YWF too.
Same here; lamb chops are a favourite with all of us.
Loving them!
Thanks…..
Delicious!!
Thanks dear
Incredible
Thanks dear; I am sure you will enjoy this.
yah truly agree with you dearie & your post are alwys killer too <3
Thanks so much Linda