i also added a tablespoon of almonds.

Yes yes yes! Finally i make a cracking madras! My dad would not believe that i had made it myself, and he knows his BIR curries... I followed the base recipe exactly, but made a few minor amendments on the madras sauce... I added a tablespoon of tandori powder, 1 teaspoon of cardamon powder, juice of one third of a lemon and 200 ml more pasatta. I used fresh chillies and blended it before adding the base and the chicken... I was totally gobsmacked. The result was so close to my favourite BIR, i couldn't believe it. (only less greasy) I also used very little salt to make it a little healthier.
This was my second batch and boy am i pleased!
Darph, u r a legend and i would like to have ur children. Thank u!