i use CA's link no 1 for the base and this for madras https://curry-recipes.co.uk/curry/index.php/topic,1454.msg12717.html#msg12717

there is no nice listing of ingredients.

i found the various posts a tantalising read but each to his own.

HI all,

I found it worked great with the Ashoka base and my own which can be found here:

https://curry-recipes.co.uk/curry/index.php?topic=179.0

The only thing I would add about my base is to simplify things make each spice measurement and the salt a tablespoon rather than a heaped desert spoon.  The minimal spicing in the curry itself can handle a well spiced base so the base should be pepped up a bit.

Thanks for the info on measurements CK. You say you have used the Ashoka base, while Bobby Bhuna dismisses it. Would love to know why there is two differing views. I suppose we are all trying for the same taste, but living in different parts of the world and each one of us has differing taste buds, we will never really agree on that definitive taste.

for info i've added a pic of "red" version madras. alas the madras is not one of mine.

Quote from: qprbob on May 28, 2009, 09:41 PM
You say you have used the Ashoka base, while Bobby Bhuna dismisses it. Would love to know why there is two differing views.

Real interesting question and one i'm currently trying to get a better feel for. what i do know is there seems to be a threshold above which any base has the potential to produce a very good curry. there are also some specific ingredients that people either gel with or not (eg coconut, marg, celery). for me there are 2 areas that are of particular interest - veg & spice. on veg for example i know fresh coriander makes a difference, i'm still undecided on say green pepper, carrot is essential (for me). on spice i know basic spicing works (coriander, turmeric and paprika & cumin to suit personal taste). i also know the addition of curry powder and garam sometimes works but not always.

in short i'm not sure your question can be answered. the main difference in the ashoka is the use of marg which i've adopted in all bases i make. once u've made the ashoka u can pick out the marg in the photo of the red madras i added. how widespread it's use is i don't know. i know a lot of members were not impressed with it either. into the personal taste buds i guess.

I'm going for this tonight, and will let you know how I get on.... I am using the Bruce Edwards base as I have a batch left.......