Patak's Rogan Josh Paste: A Gluten-Free Formulation
Patak's, a trusted name in Indian cuisine products, has been manufacturing spice pastes for over 60 years. For individuals following a gluten-free diet, a key concern is whether their favourite products are safe to consume. The good news is that Patak's explicitly labels its Rogan Josh Spice Paste as gluten-free on various retail and official websites. A review of the ingredient list confirms that no wheat or other gluten-containing cereals are intentionally added to the paste.
Ingredient Breakdown
To understand why Patak's Rogan Josh paste is considered gluten-free, it's helpful to look at its core ingredients. The formula primarily consists of water, a mix of ground spices, rapeseed oil, and maize flour. Maize flour is derived from corn, a naturally gluten-free grain. The spice blend features ingredients like paprika, coriander, turmeric, cumin, fennel, and cloves. These raw spices do not contain gluten.
Considerations for Coeliac Disease Sufferers
While the ingredients are gluten-free, those with coeliac disease or severe gluten sensitivity must take potential cross-contamination seriously. The Patak's label includes a 'may contain' warning for other allergens, which is an important consideration. This warning indicates that the product is made in a facility that also handles nuts, peanuts, and mustard, suggesting that trace amounts could be present. While gluten is not listed in this specific warning, it's wise to consider the possibility of shared equipment. Some of Patak's own websites acknowledge this potential risk, noting that while no gluten-containing ingredients are used in their pastes and sauces, they cannot always make a 'gluten-free claim' on the pack due to shared lines.
Patak's Rogan Josh Paste vs. Simmer Sauce
It is crucial to distinguish between the spice paste and the simmer sauce, as their ingredients can differ. The paste is a concentrated base of oil and spices, while the sauce is a ready-made liquid containing additional ingredients like tomatoes and starches.
| Feature | Patak's Rogan Josh Paste | Patak's Rogan Josh Simmer Sauce |
|---|---|---|
| Core Purpose | Concentrated base for building a curry | Ready-to-use sauce for quick meals |
| Gluten-Free Status | Formulated as gluten-free | Specific product needs label check; generally free from gluten-containing ingredients |
| Thickening Agent | Maize flour | Modified maize starch |
| Texture | Thick paste | Liquid sauce |
| Primary Ingredients | Spices, rapeseed oil, water | Tomatoes, spices, water |
| Allergen Risk | May contain nuts and mustard; check cross-contamination risk | May contain; check individual label for cross-contamination info |
Alternatives to Patak's Rogan Josh Paste
For those who wish to avoid any risk of cross-contamination or prefer to cook from scratch, several alternatives exist:
- Other Gluten-Free Brands: Some brands, such as Mekhala, Thai Kitchen, and Ayam, offer certified or clearly labeled gluten-free curry pastes, often available at health food stores or online. These brands often take extra precautions to certify their products as safe for coeliacs. You can find more information about some of these brands on the Coeliac New Zealand shopping guide.
- DIY Paste: Making your own rogan josh paste from scratch is the safest option for those with severe sensitivities. A typical recipe includes naturally gluten-free ingredients like fresh ginger, garlic, onions, rapeseed oil, tomatoes, and whole and ground spices. This method gives you complete control over every ingredient and removes any risk of cross-contamination from processing.
- Coeliac UK's Curry Collection: This resource offers a variety of recipes that are specifically designed to be gluten-free, which can be a helpful starting point.
Conclusion
Patak's Rogan Josh paste is made with gluten-free ingredients and is a suitable option for many individuals following a gluten-free diet. However, the presence of 'may contain' warnings for other allergens and the potential for cross-contamination in shared facilities means those with coeliac disease or severe gluten intolerance should proceed with caution. Always read the label carefully and consider making your own paste from scratch or choosing a certified gluten-free brand for complete peace of mind.
Homemade Gluten-Free Rogan Josh Paste
If you want to ensure your curry is completely free from cross-contamination, here's a simple, naturally gluten-free paste recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp rapeseed oil
- 1 tbsp coriander powder
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp fennel seeds, ground
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- Pinch of cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chopped tomatoes or tomato purée
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Heat the rapeseed oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Stir in all the ground spices (coriander, paprika, turmeric, cumin, fennel, cloves, cinnamon) and salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the chopped tomatoes or purée and cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the mixture darkens and thickens.
- Transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor and blend until it forms a smooth paste. Add a little water if necessary to achieve the right consistency.
- Use immediately or store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week. This paste is free from potential gluten cross-contamination and is a safe choice for any gluten-free diet.
