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Curry Recipe Group Tests => Curry Recipe Group Tests => Topic started by: chriswg on April 12, 2011, 06:42 PM

Title: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: chriswg on April 12, 2011, 06:42 PM
After some fantastic success with the starters group tests it is time to move onto the main event. I suggest we start with CTM, then do Madras followed by a chefs specials where anyone can nominate their all time favourite recipes.

Rather than having the usual big debate about which base to use and spice mix and brand of cream I suggest we decide on 4 or 5 recipes as a forum and then the judges can formulate a plan as to how best test them.

I have a fabulous recipe that will be making it's debut in this group test.

Please let me know if you are able to take part in this. Russ - I'm happy to host again if you are up for it!

Please can everyone also nominate their favourite CTM recipes to be in the test.

Thanks
Chris
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: Stephen Lindsay on April 12, 2011, 07:43 PM
Is it likely that pataks will feature in these recipes?
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: bamble1976 on April 12, 2011, 08:39 PM
micks (CBM) CTM gets my nomination.

Regards

Barry
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: chriswg on April 13, 2011, 10:57 AM
Hopefully we'll find a mix of Pataks and non-Pataks recipes to compare. It will be interesting to see the comparisons.
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: Ramirez on May 17, 2011, 09:26 AM
This one seems to have been forgotten.

I nominate:


I've never tried the above so I cannot vouch for them, but I think they're a good starting point.

Anyone got any more, or perhaps comments on whether the above should be included or excluded?
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: solarsplace on May 17, 2011, 09:34 AM
This one seems to have been forgotten.

I nominate:

  • CA's - http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/curry/index.php?topic=3999.0 (http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/curry/index.php?topic=3999.0)
  • Mick's (CBM) - http://cbm-mick.blogspot.com/2009/10/chicken-tikka-masala.html (http://cbm-mick.blogspot.com/2009/10/chicken-tikka-masala.html)
  • Dip's - http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/curry/index.php?topic=4488.0 (http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/curry/index.php?topic=4488.0)

I've never tried the above so I cannot vouch for them, but I think their a good starting point.

Anyone got any more, or perhaps comments on whether the above should be included or excluded?

Hi

The above selection looks like a great balance between traditional vs pastes.

CA's recipe is very nice and one I have tried.

Micks is one I have been meaning to try for ages as it looks the business.

Dips recipe is a massive Patacks-fest so will be interesting to compare.

Cheers
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: chriswg on May 17, 2011, 12:57 PM
That sounds like a good mix of recipes, plus I'll throw mine into the mix which uses paste but not to the level that Dips does. Its a nice half way house. How many people would like to be judges? It would be good to get at least 5 if possible.
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: bamble1976 on May 17, 2011, 01:14 PM
Hi

I am happy to do be involved in the testing again!!!

Barry
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: gazman1976 on May 17, 2011, 02:29 PM
what about the below recipe? meant to be a true clone

http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/curry/index.php?topic=1823.0 (http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/curry/index.php?topic=1823.0)


Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: solarsplace on May 17, 2011, 02:52 PM
Hi gazman1976

Have made this recipe myself a while back: http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/curry/index.php?topic=1823.msg49983#msg49983 (http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/curry/index.php?topic=1823.msg49983#msg49983)

This recipe does indeed produce a splendid CTM and should be included in these tests! - well pointed out :)
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: Unclefrank on May 17, 2011, 03:01 PM
Hi gazman i second the recipe solarsplace has posted never had any problem with it, my other half loves it (with a few changes made) but it is well worth a try.
Cheers.
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: Ramirez on May 17, 2011, 03:03 PM
So, at the moment it stands:


5 is probably about the limit, unless others disagree. Just had another quick whiz through the forum and the below are probably the most notable exclusions. Again I cannot vouch for these so cannot say whether they should be included (probably at the cost of another recipe) or not.

Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: solarsplace on May 17, 2011, 03:12 PM
Hi Ramirez

Just FYI - The Kushi CTM has its own tikka marinade that requires actually quite a long list of fairly extravigant and possibly hard to generally obtain ingredients (obviously depending on where & what country you live it). I know this because I have just been out and bought them all.

The author even says in the the Kushi book that making the marinade is a true test of ones patience as you must constantly stir the marinade for 45 minutes to an hour to prevent it sticking while it simmers.

I'm going to make it soon anyway and am happy to feed back, however I think the complexity will really put people off this one.

CHeers
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: Ramirez on May 17, 2011, 03:25 PM
The author even says in the the Kushi book that making the marinade is a true test of ones patience as you must constantly stir the marinade for 45 minutes to an hour to prevent it sticking while it simmers.

B*llocks to that!  ;D

Let's forget that one then, unless the results are truly worth the effort.
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: Stephen Lindsay on May 17, 2011, 04:19 PM
I wouldn't mind having a go
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: artistpaul on May 18, 2011, 12:42 AM
hi all.


 for me its CAs ctm mains recipe + using just  Blades chicken tikka recipe + Ifind foru Base, its a stunner, end of.

CTM search well over, a year ago. 110%

paul
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: chriswg on May 18, 2011, 08:13 AM
Hi Paul

You would make an ideal judge then. You might even surprise yourself!

Chris
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: chriswg on May 18, 2011, 08:15 AM
So far for testers I have:

Chriswg
Stephen Lindsay
Ramirez
Solar
Bamble

Any other takers?
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: jb on May 19, 2011, 05:38 PM
Hi Ramirez

Just FYI - The Kushi CTM has its own tikka marinade that requires actually quite a long list of fairly extravagant and possibly hard to generally obtain ingredients (obviously depending on where & what country you live it). I know this because I have just been out and bought them all.

The author even says in the the Kushi book that making the marinade is a true test of ones patience as you must constantly stir the marinade for 45 minutes to an hour to prevent it sticking while it simmers.

I'm going to make it soon anyway and am happy to feed back, however I think the complexity will really put people off this one.

CHeers


Please let us know how you get on with this one.Being re-reading the Kushi book recently and was going to have a go at this one myself.Some of the ingredients are a bit elusive and the recipe is a bit long winded,so I havn't got round to it yet.If it's a winner though it will be well worth the effort.
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: Ramirez on June 01, 2011, 05:25 PM
So far for testers I have:

Chriswg
Stephen Lindsay
Ramirez
Solar
Bamble

Any other takers?

Looks like this is the final list of participants. We ready to get this started?
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: Unclefrank on June 02, 2011, 10:37 AM
I have made the Kushi Masala Sauce (a few times now) and it is fantastic, well worth the effort, has for the ingredients it wasnt really a problem for me (live very close to a couple of towns with fruit and veg stalls also alot of Asian shops as well), the stirring bit of recipe isnt that bad either (just dont walk away from it for to long) just stir to your favourite CD album  ;D
My other half is the CTM taster for me and she loves it alot more depth in the flavour and the  consistency and texture is excellent.
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: chriswg on June 02, 2011, 11:52 AM
So far for testers I have:

Chriswg
Stephen Lindsay
Ramirez
Solar
Bamble

Any other takers?

Looks like this is the final list of participants. We ready to get this started?

Hi Ramirez

You are right we should get this show on the road. Does everyone have the recipes? I suggest we stick to the 5 you posted:

CA's - http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/curry/index.php?topic=3999.0 (http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/curry/index.php?topic=3999.0)
Mick's (CBM) - http://cbm-mick.blogspot.com/2009/10/chicken-tikka-masala.html (http://cbm-mick.blogspot.com/2009/10/chicken-tikka-masala.html)
Dip's - http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/curry/index.php?topic=4488.0 (http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/curry/index.php?topic=4488.0)
Chris' - yet to be posted
Lorrydoo's - http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/curry/index.php?topic=1823.0 (http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/curry/index.php?topic=1823.0)

Im thinking we could possibly drop Lorrydoo's and just do 4 recipes as they are all quite involved. With the ketchup and heinz tomato soup I can imagine what the result will taste like and I can't see it being great.

If any of the testers need my recipe let me know and I'll PM it to you.

If anyone wants to be a tester let me know and I'll add you to the list.

Cheers
Chris
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: Unclefrank on June 02, 2011, 12:14 PM
Think people would be missing out if you did drop Lorrydoo's recipe, having made a quite a few from this site the Lorrydoo recipe is really close to a BIR CTM taste and it makes alot of sauce as well, doesnt really take that much time to make and ingredients are easy to get hold of, just my opinion really it would be a shame if it was left out.
Thanks.
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: Peripatetic Phil on June 02, 2011, 12:33 PM
Think people would be missing out if you did drop Lorrydoo's recipe, having made a quite a few from this site the Lorrydoo recipe is really close to a BIR CTM taste and it makes alot of sauce as well, doesnt really take that much time to make and ingredients are easy to get hold of, just my opinion really it would be a shame if it was left out.
I'm not planning to participate in this test (never eat CTM !), so really I should keep my mouth shut, but I do support Unclefrank here : there are widespread reports that the original CTM recipe used ketchup and/or tomato soup, so if UF reckons it tastes like the real thing, I believe it could be worth keeping it in.

Incidentally, I would make a plea for re-visiting the whole Group Test approach.  I personally find making half a dozen variants of the same dish both onerous and wasteful, and would far prefer it if we could agree to simply all cook just one variant for each test.  I genuinely believe this would attract far wider participation.

** Phil.
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: coogan on June 02, 2011, 02:02 PM
Here, here! Much to much for me. It would help it you could use the same base sauce and tikka recipe for all of them perhaps.
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: Ramirez on June 02, 2011, 04:33 PM
If any of the testers need my recipe let me know and I'll PM it to you.

Are you going to post or just PM it?

Not fussed if we go with Lorrydoos or not, but perhaps we should include it given Unclefrank's recommendation.

Incidentally, I would make a plea for re-visiting the whole Group Test approach.  I personally find making half a dozen variants of the same dish both onerous and wasteful, and would far prefer it if we could agree to simply all cook just one variant for each test.  I genuinely believe this would attract far wider participation.

Do you mean in a similar vein to the to the "Curryheads "Madras 2011" test? If so, I am more than happy to go down this route if others are willing. The trouble is, as a format,  it is far less encompassing than other group tests as only one recipe is being reviewed at a time. However, you could argue that a) it would receive more participation, and b) it would be more of more value (based on the assumption we would be following the recipe exactly - using the specified base, spice mix, pre-cooked meat, etc.).

How would this work do you think? For example, say we wanted to test CTM. Would we only test one or would we define a set of recipes and, one by one, work through them as a group (e.g. review a different CTM recipe every 2/3 weeks)?


Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: Stephen Lindsay on June 02, 2011, 05:12 PM
I don't mind what we do, I am happy to do what the majority want, as long as we are clear about what we are doing and we are doing it. At this point I'm a bit confused as to how many recipes we are doing and if we are doing them as written or adapting them specifically for the test.
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: Peripatetic Phil on June 02, 2011, 05:16 PM
Do you mean in a similar vein to the to the "Curryheads "Madras 2011" test?
Well, "sort of".  The problem with Madras 2011 was  that it lacked structure; we all tended to go off on vaguely divergent paths, as a result of which I am not even sure whether the exercise has formally ended.  I was more thinking along the lines of the existing GTs, but with only one variant being cooked at a time.  And rather than have (say) six tests of different Sag Aloo variants on each of six consecutive weeks, I thought we might do (say) a Sag Aloo on week 1, a Chicken Madras on week 2, a Lamb Biryani on week three and so on.  That gives people (a) something different to look forward to each week, and (b) reduces the magnitude of the task to such a level that we might reasonably expect a dozen or more participants rather than the bare half-dozen that we get at the moment.

Quote
If so, I am more than happy to go down this route if others are willing. The trouble is, as a format,  it is far less encompassing than other group tests as only one recipe is being reviewed at a time.
I agree.  But with only one dish to comment on, the participants could afford to go into their critiques in considerably more detail.

Quote
However, you could argue that a) it would receive more participation, and b) it would be more of more value (based on the assumption we would be following the recipe exactly - using the specified base, spice mix, pre-cooked meat, etc.).
Yes, I see those as real benefits/plusses.

Quote
How would this work do you think? For example, say we wanted to test CTM. Would we only test one or would we define a set of recipes and, one by one, work through them as a group (e.g. review a different CTM recipe every 2/3 weeks)?
See above : I think that most would enjoy looking forward to a completely different dish each week, rather than simply a variant of something they may well have been preparing for five weeks on the trot !

Incidentally, when I speak of "a week", this isn't cast in stone; the actual interval between tests would be agreed by mutual consent, as would the dishes to be tested.

** Phil.
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: gazman1976 on June 02, 2011, 08:03 PM
i think if this test goes aHEAD THEN LORRY DOOS VERSION HAS TO BE INCLUDED AS ITS MEANT TO BE A TRUE CLONE
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: Unclefrank on June 02, 2011, 08:16 PM
A dish a week is sounds excellent gives people enough time to get all the stuff for said recipes, i would be interested in that.
It might get more people involved as well because of other commitments they might have.
Not really important but i would not mark recipe on cheapness just taste, texture and ease of making.
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: Stephen Lindsay on June 02, 2011, 08:25 PM
Dish a week sounds good, and I can also vouch for Lorrydoo's recipe.
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: bamble1976 on June 02, 2011, 08:46 PM
Hi Chris

If you could pm me the recipe please.

with regards to group testing, surely doing it this way first will give us a preferred dish that we could then work on 'tweaking' the recipe if it is not quite there?  Either way not everyone is going to be happy.  This is the way I have always found my preferred recipes as it gives me a side by side comparison of dishes without having to try to remember what the previous ctm I cooked was like 3 weeks ago!

Regards

Barry

p.s. tried lorrydoo's CTM and was not a big fan but happy to do again :)
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: Willyeckerslike on June 02, 2011, 10:15 PM
How can you have a group test of the best recipe's on cr0 whilst dropping lorrydoos (probably the most popular on here) and then use an as yet unposted & untried (by cr0 members) recipe (chriswgs)? ::)??...?

I agree with Phils post of maybe one recipe per week, I think it would get a very good response ;)
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: Gazza63 on June 02, 2011, 11:13 PM
I don't think that I ever tasted a recipe close to a BIR CTM until I found the Lorrydoo one on this forum , the tomato soup was the taste that every other recipe was missing for me , it's like a Korma without the cocconut where I come from, it's just not the same, though I will admit that maybe there are regional differences, I tried a chicken chasni recipe from here and it was so sickly sweet that I am sure that I was doing something wrong, then again any country that batters and fries Mars bars has a sweet tooth.
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: Ramirez on June 03, 2011, 09:33 AM
reply

I think your suggestions are good and have clear benefits, but I think we really need to establish what is the objective of these group tests - is it to find the best recipe of a particular dish or is it to merely have a collaborative review of a given dish? If it's the former, then I think reviewing a different dish (different curry, not a different recipe of the same curry) each week/fortnight doesn't really help us, as it would take so long to get through the top 5/6 recipes of a particular dish. However, if it is the latter then I think your suggestions are spot on.  :)

I think Chris needs to be the one that ultimately decides this. If Chris is open to changes then it is probably worth us opening another thread, as this one has been derailed a bit.  ;D
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: solarsplace on June 03, 2011, 02:00 PM
With regard to Kushi CTM:

Please let us know how you get on with this one.Being re-reading the Kushi book recently and was going to have a go at this one myself.Some of the ingredients are a bit elusive and the recipe is a bit long winded,so I havn't got round to it yet.If it's a winner though it will be well worth the effort.

Hi JB

Sorry, missed your post, will report back when made of course :)

Cheers
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: chriswg on June 03, 2011, 02:12 PM
Okay, thanks for all of your comments. I didn't realize Lorrydoo had such a cult following so of course we will keep it in the group test. I'll be delighted if it does well but having eaten Tomato soup based CTM before I'm not holding my breath. But this format has thrown up plenty of surprises before and I'm sure it will again.

Regarding the way the recipes are tested, you just cant beat a side by side analysis. I agree a group concerted effort to review a dish is also a good idea, it is also a very different idea and should be treated as such. I'm sure Stew will be happy to set up a new area of the site if someone wants to step forward and run with it. I'll be happy to cook and review a dish if it gets off the ground.

For the group tests, I'm really pleased with how the results have worked in the past and I don't think this will be any exception. Its an afternoons 'work' to get them all made but invite a couple of mates around to help, drink a few beers and it becomes quite good fun. Especially the testing part. I'll often try each version 2 or 3 times to pick an ultimate winner in the taste category.

So we have 5 testers, 5 recipes and the normal format. I'll PM my recipe to those that don't have it. Assuming Az is okay with it, I'll post it afterwards.
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: Ramirez on June 03, 2011, 03:52 PM
Thanks for PMing the recipe.

Presumably we are using the one base and spice mix again?
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: chriswg on June 03, 2011, 05:29 PM
I am. No doubt people will moan but they aren't the ones putting in the hard graft.
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: bamble1976 on June 03, 2011, 06:25 PM
hI

Very well put chris and I totally agree with your comments.  would also be happy to participate in a 'dish a week' if someone sets it up!

I will be using taz base and mix for all.

Barry
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: Stephen Lindsay on June 05, 2011, 08:20 PM
Just for clarity could someone please post here what it is we are doing for the test - i.e. a complete set of instructions?

Sorry for sounding thick but I want to make sure I am doing it right.
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: Ramirez on June 06, 2011, 09:31 AM
Reading between the lines of Chris' last post, I think the plan of action is to use a base, curry mix and tikka of your choosing. Obviously, you need to use the same ones throughout.

I stand to be corrected.
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: bamble1976 on July 10, 2011, 08:08 PM
(http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/pics/9b2a2995bdfb11aaae1228904720789a.jpg)

Hi All

Completed this test last week using blades tikka and taz gravy/spice mix.  Three of the five were very close for me and the wife.  I think this is a test that will come out that everyone has a completely different outlook on what is their perfect CTM!  Cannot wait for the full results now :)

Barry
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: coogan on July 10, 2011, 08:16 PM
Hats of! They all look lovely to me! Mrs coogan's getting moist again.

bon masala
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: Razor on July 10, 2011, 09:12 PM
Hi Barry,

Very good work indeed.  I've opted out of this particular test as Tikka masala is not really my thing but, I've got to say, on looks alone, I would be very pleased to have any of your efforts presented to me at my local BIR.

Excellent work. 

Is it me, or is the forum really pulling together of late?  Keep up the great work guy's 'n' gals ;D

Ray :)
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: chriswg on July 11, 2011, 04:26 PM
It would be good if 5 of the people going to CR0 Curry in the Park could make one of these recipes each and bring it along for everyone to taste and judge. I'm happy to make one or two of them if anyone else would like to volounteer?
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: moonster on July 11, 2011, 05:01 PM
Good stuff Bamble, like Razor CTM is not my thing. But they look very appertising

No doubt you really enjoyed the taking part in the group test and I always look forward to reading the results. I always find them an interesting read.

Alan ;D

 ;D ;DCoogan
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: bamble1976 on July 11, 2011, 05:16 PM
wish they had the same effect on my wife as they do mrs coogan ;D  I just get complaints about the mess afterwards!!!!

I like the group tests as the give me a direct side by side comparison.  If i make them different weeks then I tend to forget exactly what the last one tasted like!

Barry
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: coogan on July 12, 2011, 08:47 AM
Hats of! They all look lovely to me! Mrs coogan's getting moist again.


Now knowing Mrs coogan and her little peculiarities I am not sure if it was the actual tikka masala dishes that caused the strange reaction or the thought of possibly participating in a group test!!!

bon maid
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: solarsplace on July 12, 2011, 09:12 AM
@Barry

Great work :) - Hats off.

@Chris

Happy to bring along a portion of Dips or CBM's as I have batches of their masala waiting in the fridge.

Was wondering if you can bring some Chutney's masala with you, I will bring some too, and we can compare etc to see if its coming out right etc?

Cheers
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: chriswg on July 12, 2011, 06:13 PM
I'm sure I'll be able to nab some of the real stuff from Chutneys to compare against. Hopefully Az will bring a few other samples from the takeaway too.
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: Ramirez on July 22, 2011, 07:07 PM

Completed this test last week using blades tikka and taz gravy/spice mix.  Three of the five were very close for me and the wife.  I think this is a test that will come out that everyone has a completely different outlook on what is their perfect CTM!  Cannot wait for the full results now :)

Barry

I missed this when it was posted. Great effort, Barry! Good to see you enjoyed it.  :)
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: Ramirez on July 22, 2011, 07:20 PM
Right, I've finally completing this. I must say the standard is very high and I honestly think that the forum has certainly cracked this particular dish. Obviously, your preference will dictate what recipe you like the most, but there is something here for everyone.

It's been a while since I last had CTM from a restaurant, although I've always enjoyed them, but this group test really has rekindled my desire for the dish.

One thing I will say, however, is that this might be last group test I do. The cost, effort and time it took to do these really was significant and I really think we need to perhaps think about the format (again).

Anyway, to the pics.

LORRYDOO
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3275/5874529328_d0888787f8.jpg)

CORY ANDER
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3296/5874529856_2a685eef17.jpg)

MICK (CURRY BARKING MAD)
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6039/5906030598_3c5aa6030a.jpg)

DIPURAJA
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6039/5912639139_31d05de6fe.jpg)

CHRIS (CHRISWG)
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6149/5957989017_e58b9ee652.jpg)
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: solarsplace on July 22, 2011, 07:25 PM
Holy sh*t

Pictures - ?what? - did you take your 'chicken tikka masalas' to a studio and get them photographed on a production set?

OUTSTANDING work :)
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: Curry Barking Mad on July 22, 2011, 07:36 PM
Hi Ramirez,
Well done ,
How good do they all look?
Brilliant pictures.
Cheers,
Mick
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: Ramirez on July 22, 2011, 08:33 PM
Thanks guys!

Holy sh*t

Pictures - ?what? - did you take your 'chicken tikka masalas' to a studio and get them photographed on a production set?

OUTSTANDING work :)

Haha...not quite. Just on the window ledge - the key is natural light.
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: bamble1976 on July 22, 2011, 09:34 PM
WTF!!!!  Those pictures are immense.  You almost want to lick the screen!

Great job.  I personally love doing the group tests even with the costs and hassle as I get a lot out of it.  Looking forward to the others now :)

Barry
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: curryhell on July 23, 2011, 11:31 AM
Sadly, CTM as a dish does nothing for me at all but it has to be part of one's repertoire since it is so popular with many.  But those pics sure have got me salivating  :P.  I look forward to reading all participants reports and the end result  :D.  I'm sure I'll have to cook one again at some stage.  Appreciate the effort that all participants put in to these group tests for the benefit of us all.  Keep up the good work.  ;D
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: chewytikka on July 23, 2011, 06:14 PM
Right, I've finally completing this. I must say the standard is very high and I honestly think that the forum has certainly cracked this particular dish. Obviously, your preference will dictate what recipe you like the most, but there is something here for everyone.

It's been a while since I last had CTM from a restaurant, although I've always enjoyed them, but this group test really has rekindled my desire for the dish.

One thing I will say, however, is that this might be last group test I do. The cost, effort and time it took to do these really was significant and I really think we need to perhaps think about the format (again).


Hi Ramirez
These look great, a lot of work mate, did you cook these one after another or on different sessions.

The photos are some of the best I've seen on cr0.
well done, cheers Chewy

p.s. I've got a random restaurant CTM video clip which I'll post on the
Video section.
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: Ramirez on July 24, 2011, 09:28 AM
Thanks again guys.  :D

Hi Ramirez
These look great, a lot of work mate, did you cook these one after another or on different sessions.

The photos are some of the best I've seen on cr0.
well done, cheers Chewy

p.s. I've got a random restaurant CTM video clip which I'll post on the
Video section.

They were spread out over several weeks. I even cooked a couple of them twice to make sure I was fair in my ratings.  :)

Having re-read my post, I don't want to come across as being too negative regarding effort and cost. I don't think there will be another group test quite as onerous as this, given the prep involved with CTM (pastes, masalas, etc.), but I still think it is worth looking at the format again.

How are others getting on with the group test?
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: bamble1976 on August 28, 2011, 06:39 PM
Hi

As this has went quiet, I am just enquiring whose results we are waiting for as it has been a while on the go??

Regards

Barry
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: Ramirez on August 30, 2011, 08:26 AM
I'm also keen to see the results.
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: loveitspicy on August 30, 2011, 09:22 AM
I too am interested in the outcome of the CTM tests

best, Rich
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: chriswg on September 02, 2011, 03:58 PM
I have 2 sets of results in.

Solar and I need to pull our fingers out and get ours done so we'll have at least 4 to compare. It's quite a big workload to get them all done which I guess people are finding a bit off-putting. I'm sure it wont be so bad once we get going though.
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: bamble1976 on September 02, 2011, 07:55 PM
I think it is probably going to be the worst one for prep etc but was ok once you get into it!!!

Barry
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: Ramirez on November 01, 2011, 05:03 PM
How are you guys getting on with this one?
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: solarsplace on November 02, 2011, 09:03 AM
Hi

I have done them all apart from chriswg's masala.

Will try and get it done this weekend / following week.

Cheers
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: DalPuri on December 15, 2011, 03:20 PM
whats happened to the results?
has this test been finished yet?

cheers, Frank.
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: Ramirez on January 04, 2012, 06:49 PM
whats happened to the results?
has this test been finished yet?

cheers, Frank.

Couple more members need to finish, I think. It might just be worth posting what we have and moving onto the next one.
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: bamble1976 on January 04, 2012, 08:39 PM
c'mon guys, I know there is a bit more work in CTM but it equates to making 1 a month since we started the test :(

Barry
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: joshallen2k on April 03, 2012, 01:12 PM
Would it be possible for any of those who participated in this group test to post their results/opinions? It doesn't seem that this test will ever be properly finished.

CTM would indeed be a bugger to test this way, so I'm grateful to any and all who did.

Anyone?
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: Dajoca on July 15, 2012, 10:44 PM
Just wondering if there was ever a conclusion to this test and if so, what the final results were?
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: SteveAUS on August 22, 2012, 06:33 AM
Wow! What a disappointing end to what was a good read! Was looking forward to the results!
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: Achille17 on September 14, 2012, 08:26 PM
I hope that Chris will finally provide his recipe, since I'd be very glad to try it!
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: Ramirez on September 14, 2012, 09:13 PM
Would it be possible for any of those who participated in this group test to post their results/opinions? It doesn't seem that this test will ever be properly finished.

CTM would indeed be a bugger to test this way, so I'm grateful to any and all who did.

Anyone?

Here are my notes from quite a while ago.

(http://i1012.photobucket.com/albums/af247/Oynas/Rubbish/ScreenShot2012-09-14at211104.png)
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: joshallen2k on September 15, 2012, 03:38 AM
Thanks Ramirez - much appreciated.

I've been trying to replicate the CTM I remember from the UK for years. Many recipes come very close, but none so far have been 100%.

I remember trying CA's a few years back, and if I recall there was a number of "optional" or to-taste ingredients. That said, I tried a few variations and they all were very good. I figure somewhere in there was probably what I was looking for.

Since then, I've been toying with red masala-based CTMs (like Dips and CBM's), usually with good results - although you can always taste the Pataks.

I think I will re-visit CA's, this time with more critical thinking about some of the optional (or varying quantity) ingredients. The 6 tablespoons of coconut powder, now I believe, is way too much. I've found that anything over 3 tablespoons starts to make the CTM more sickly and syrupy. On the other hand, I also believe that the almond powder is a must-have ingredient.

Thanks again for posting your results. Hope some of the others involved would do the same.

-- Josh
Title: Re: Chicken Tikka Massala Group Test
Post by: Ramirez on September 15, 2012, 06:21 AM
It's also worth trying Lorrydoo's again with these modifications from 976bar - they much improve the dish, in my opinion.

http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/curry/index.php?topic=6069.msg60337#msg60337 (http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/curry/index.php?topic=6069.msg60337#msg60337)