I tried the Natco base before I found this site. I made the recipe twice & it was pretty much the same each time. At that time, it was definitely the best thing I'd made so far.

It still wasn't really like a BIR but very good just the same. I did Darth's 100% Madras last week for the first time & i think its better than the Natco. Natco seemed to be described as a base that someone has created by trial & error where many of the recipes here are based on personal experiences & kitchen experience aswell as a bit of experimentation.

Judging by my first cr0 cook up & am going to concentrate on these type of recipes for now.

Im not sure if my first Darth batch is exactly like a BIR but the I REALLY like the taste & i reckon further tries will be different & (hopefully) better.

I also used Darths base & cooked Bruce (Edwards) "pre cooked chicken" & then made Bruces Korma recipe, again although maybe not a BIR, the end result was still very good & I would cook it again.

I might take Mark J's advice & try other things with the Natco base. When I made it I went on & cooked all the base up into a madras/vindaloo, so it will be interesting to try this for myself................... ;D

Thanks to all for the replies.

I am glad you said Rajah Madras is acceptable as I bought a tin of that when I couldnt see the gold variety.

So Now I can carry on with my first attempt with more confidence.

Hello to all you Curry Pros.
Ive heard Rajah Gold Curry Powder mentioned qiote a few times as the powder that most BIR's use. I cant find it anywhere in less than 2 x 10 kg bags.
Does anyone know where its available in any lesser quantity or any suggestions of any others that fit the bill. My local asian grocer stocks a lot of Rajah powders but not the gold one.

I have seen Darths threads that indicate that scwartz & other readily available powders will suffice but I have also seen other comments indicating that this is maybe not the case.
.
Bruce only mentions (in the article i have read) that true indian origin curry powder should be used, but he doesnt say which one(s)
I have seen "Bolst" ones in my local asian grocers. Are they any good.

Any help would be appreciated. 

Thanks for the welcome everyone. Tonight's the night for my fist crack at either Bruce's or Darth's base gravy. the only thing I'm short of (for Bruce's version) is the veg Ghee.

Not sure if i can handle going to the Indian grocery store for the 10th time this week, so it may be Darth's tonight.

Hopefully, I can knock the gravy up quick as possible & make a finished dish.

I'm not the fastest chef in the world so by the time the children are asleep & i get cooking, it can be pretty late by the time the curry's on the table. Hard life, innit !!!!

On the "Curry Secret" book topic, I have heard from other people that the book is good but I really cant imagine that any BIR Chef goes through all that rigmarole to cook up a batch. Admittedly, I only used the book for 2 attempts but that was enough for me.

Darth & Bruce's sound far more believable & I'm sure there are many others on this site.

Back soon with results !!!!

Hello to all !!!
Ive been trawling the net for months looking for BIR recipes. I cant believe I only found this site yesterday.

Ive tried a lot of Pat Chapman recipes, that Curry secret book (which seemed so complicated, it felt like a wind up!) & more recently the one from the NATCO site.
How do you pros rate the NATCO one.

Its the best thing Ive made so far, but I cant really say its a good replica of a BIR. Its not far off though, but (not being an expert) i couldn't say what its lacking.

Ive loaded up with the extra ingredients I need to try Darth's 100% Madras & also Terry's (ifindit4u) version also. I am going to start tomorrow. Next on my list is probably Curry Kings Chilli chicken massala (my favourite from my local)

It drives my wife mad as I cant really get excited about any other food style & eat spicy food, mostly Asian, most of the time.

This site is by far the best resource Ive found. Like I say earlier I must have been a mental block when doing my searches as ive never hit here before.

Ill let you know how my first attempt goes.........  ;D

JonL