How do you get rid of excess chillies in Indian curry?

Question

Hey all. Im making Aloo Channay (mixture of chickpeas and diced potatoes) for some guests today. I've made it already but alas there is just too much chilli in it to have! There's both red chilli powder and green ground chillies. I need urgent help on any remedy or way to get rid of it or atleast reduce its effects, or my guests will be spending most of their time in the loo and my reputation will be flushed down the toilet shank!! Please help. The dinner's in 5 hours' time so any help given would be greatly appreciated if posted soon! :-( Thanks.. owe whoever answers me one!!

Answer 1

I'm not sure whether this will help but it's worth trying with any over-spiced (wet, e.g. stew, casserole) dish - cut up a few potatoes and simmer the stew - keep stirring, this is an emergency, you need to feel it working - and the potatoes will absorb some at least of the excess spice - so you remove them.

You could also run out and buy a couple of cans of chickpeas and generally dilute (by increasing the volume); you'll have left-overs but that shouldn't matter by comparison. In an English-cuisine based dish the addition of instant mashed potato powder does the same thing, which is the only reason I keep it in the kitchen.

I don't know how faithful you have to be to that specific recipe but in your position I would also be trying to add ready-chopped tinned tomatoes and/or spinach (take a sample first to see if it works) and call it something else. And if you can serve another dish (very mild and creamy) the two wouldn't fight so much.

I hope some or all of this helps. I'll keep fingers crossed for you.

Lots of love.

Answer 2

I don't know if it is too late to answer your query . Still I'll do.........maybe it will help you in future .
#1. Boil 2-3 potatoes . Mash them & add them in the gravy .
#2. Be it aloo or channey , they both go well with paneer . You can add mashed or cubed cottage paneer in aloo channey . It will compliment both aloo & channey . Paneer cubes can be added direct or fried .
#3. Last but not least , serve curd salad or raita with it . If you don't have potatoes or paneer ready .
#4. Serve rice with the gravy instead of bread .

Answer 3

Sorry, there's no known way to unspice an overspiced dish. Especially with chilis as they seem to infuse everything with their heat.
Your only option is to start again and use less chili.

Answer 4

You may add some thick coconut milk, a little salt and a dash of lime juice if necesary.

Answer 5

Serve cold beer.