![]() |
|
Roy Sharma Le Pre writes : I must congratulate you on your excellent glossary of Indian cooking and curries. It is most accurate, and I was pleasantly surprised, descending as I do from a family with a tradition of fine eating and sharply-defined gastronomic vocabulary. However, I note that you too have, rather surprisingly, been taken in by that most infuriating of British Asian errors - bhaji or baaji. A Bhaji (pronounced bujjy or budgie) is the commonly-known battered and fried foodstuff. Thus, onion bujjies, potato bujjies, mixed vegetable bujjies (or pakora), or even fish bujjies, are usually starters. These are commonly referred to as bhajia, or bujjiya. On the other hand, bhaji (pronounced bargee or baaji) is the cooked vegetables you refer to. Whereas in northwestern India, this can only mean spinach, in the rest of the subcontinent, this distinctly refers to such cooked or stewed vegetables, usually served plain. Thus, bhindi baaji, cauliflower baaji, etc. You may contact any speaker of northern Indian tongues, and they too should reiterate this correct stance. Hindi, Gujerati, Punjabi, Marathi, etc. I should be indebted to you for eternity, if you would kindly rectify this, for I have no platform from which to do so myself. David replies : Many thanks Roy for your knowledgeable letter. When I find time for a revison of the Glossary I will incorporate your corrections. © David W Smith, 2006 This page may not be reproduced electronically or in print without the permission of the copyright owner |
|
go back to the letters page
go back to the Curry House homepage email The Curry House |