The Hairy Bikers' Great Curries

Synopsis

The Hairy Bikers celebrate the nation's favourite dish - the curry.

Who doesn't love a curry? Whether it's a take-away korma at your kitchen table or a lamb biryani at your local Indian restaurant, a curry is everyone's favourite Friday night supper. But curry is so much more. A proper curry can be an exquisitely fragrant dish, with delicate flavours that surprise and titillate your taste buds, and the Hairy Bikers, bestselling authors and BBC presenters, are here to show you how to make the most delicious, authentic curries you've ever tasted in your own kitchen.

In this book, Si and Dave have put together loads of brand-new recipes from around the world - from simple dishes for a quick midweek taste treat to fantastic feasts for a weekend celebration. Their recipes are the real deal, using great techniques and secrets they've discovered on their travels in Asia as well as years of cooking curries themselves. You'll find all the recipes and tips you'll need to make some mouth-watering meals, with everything from starters to pickles and chutneys. This is the one-stop shop for the best curries you've ever tasted - fresh, full of flavour and fantastic. These are curries for the 21st century.

Summary

Chapter 1: Introduction
The Hairy Bikers' Great Curries begins with an introduction from Si King and Dave Myers, the lovable duo also known as the Hairy Bikers. They explain their love for curries and how this book is a culmination of their travels, research, and experimentation with curries from all over the world. They also share their tips for creating delicious curries, such as using fresh ingredients, experimenting with different spices, and keeping things simple.

Chapter 2: Curry Basics
In this chapter, the Hairy Bikers go over the basic ingredients that are essential for making any curry, such as onions, garlic, and ginger. They also explain the significance of spices in curries and how different combinations can create unique flavor profiles. To demonstrate this, they share a recipe for a simple chicken curry with a mixture of turmeric, coriander, cumin, and garam masala.

Chapter 3: Indian Classics
Moving on to different regions, the Hairy Bikers begin with Indian classics. From the fiery Vindaloo to the creamy and rich Tikka Masala, they share authentic recipes for popular dishes. One standout recipe is their Lamb Bhuna, which combines tender pieces of lamb with a rich and spicy tomato sauce, cooked until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender.

Chapter 4: Regional Indian Curries
India is a vast country with a diverse culinary landscape, and this chapter highlights some of the lesser-known regional curries. From the hearty Goan Pork Vindalho to the aromatic Bengali Niramish Shukto, the Hairy Bikers expose readers to a variety of flavors and techniques from different regions of India. One mouthwatering recipe from this chapter is their Mangalorean Prawn Curry, which features succulent prawns cooked in a tangy coconut milk and tamarind-based sauce.

Chapter 5: Southeast Asian Curries
The Hairy Bikers then take readers on a journey through Southeast Asia, featuring curries from Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Their recipe for Thai Red Curry with Prawns is a standout, with its bold flavors of lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves. They also share a recipe for Malaysian Beef Rendang, a slow-cooked curry with a rich and complex flavor, made with a blend of spices and coconut milk.

Chapter 6: Chinese and Japanese Curries
Many people may not associate curries with Chinese or Japanese cuisine, but the Hairy Bikers show readers that these countries also have their own versions of curries. Their recipe for Hong Kong-style Curry Beef with Rice is a delightful fusion of Chinese and Indian flavors, featuring tender pieces of beef in a creamy and spicy curry sauce served over steamed rice. They also share a recipe for Japanese Pork Katsu Curry, a popular dish in Japan made with crispy breaded pork cutlets served with a thick and savory curry sauce.

Chapter 7: African Curries
Africa is another continent with a diverse cuisine, and the Hairy Bikers explore curries from South Africa, Morocco, and Ethiopia in this chapter. Their recipe for Cape Malay Beef Curry is a fusion of Indian and African flavors, featuring slow-cooked beef in a fragrant and spicy curry sauce. They also share a recipe for Moroccan Vegetable Tagine, a hearty vegetarian curry with a medley of vegetables and aromatic spices.

Chapter 8: British Curries
Lastly, the Hairy Bikers pay tribute to their home country and the popular British curries that have become a part of its culinary identity. From the popular Chicken Tikka Masala to the classic Fish and Chips with Curry Sauce, they share their own twists on British curries. One recipe that stands out is their Balti Chicken and Vegetable Curry, a one-pot wonder that brings together tender chicken and a variety of vegetables in a rich and zesty curry sauce.

Epilogue
The book concludes with a heartfelt epilogue from the Hairy Bikers, expressing their love for curries and their appreciation for the people and cultures that have influenced their recipes. They also share their gratitude for the opportunity to travel and learn about different cuisines, an experience that they have brought to life in The Hairy Bikers' Great Curries.

In summary, The Hairy Bikers' Great Curries is a beautiful and flavorful journey through the world of curries, showcasing a variety of recipes and techniques from different countries and regions. With the Hairy Bikers' charming personalities and insightful tips, this book is not only a great cookbook but also a celebration of the diverse and delicious world of curries.