Teatime treat with perfect timing

I’m always good at finding excuses as to why we should get a takeaway instead of cooking tea at home.

This week saw a double whammy as, after returning, from being away over half term, we’d not had time to do a proper food shop.

And with our children having an after-school singing club followed by our lad’s football training it left little time to conjure up culinary delights.

Which is why I felt we had no option but to warm ourselves during a weekday evening by ordering a curry.

Just-eat.co.uk is a lifesaver for busy people as not only can you order a takeaway to be delivered from the comfort of your home, you can even choose the exact time you’d like it.

After seeing Indian takeaway Masala Spice was rated highly by other customers, we decided to enter uncharted territory and try it out, timing our food to arrive the exact moment we’d get home.

The timings worked out perfectly and just minutes after two hungry adults and two ravenous children returned home, our Indian feast followed suit.

We ordered the set meal for three at £23.95, correctly guessing that an Indian meal for three would be more than enough for four, even with two bottomless pits for children.

There was certainly no shortage of food. Poppadoms and chutneys followed by onion bhajis, samosas and chicken tikka as starters, chicken tikka passanda, chicken bhuna and chicken balti as mains.

With three portions of pilau rice, a side order of mushroom bhaji, a cheese naan and a garlic naan, those who order this set meal have no fears of going hungry.

We soon saw why reviews for Masala Spice were so glowing as the food was of great quality.

The meaty samosas had perfect casing and a nice fiery kick and the onion bhajis were tasty with no hint of dryness like some can have.

The main course of chicken passanda was a hit with our children and a refreshing change from their usual korma. A creamy nut sauce with sesame seeds and sesame oil, this curry is perfect for those who don’t like it hot.

The chicken bhuna and chicken balti were tasty curries with the balti perhaps having the edge on flavour. The only slight criticism would be that these curries are not for those who like a spice kick, although I am sure you could request a touch more heat.

Star dish of the whole feast for me was the mushroom bhaji side, which had sliced mushrooms in a delicious combination of spices.

With food this good, I’m going to have to start hunting for more excuses not to cook tea again very soon.

Star rating: 8

AASMA DAY