Topic: Saffron vs. Darth 100 Percent Madras Clone base sauce comparison (illustrated)

[Secret Santa]

...the two curries that were identical other than the base, tasted completely different. Barely similar...

And verily Secret Santa did repeateth for the umpteenth time...my son you may not mix and match bases and curry recipes...and so it came to pass. 

[Secret Santa]

gives a whole new meaning to eating out...

You've plumbed depths that I don't think even I would sink to with that one..oooeeer!

[Secret Santa]

...I've not really been into Darths recipes as I had my suspicions around the time of them being posted if they were genuine....

That's an interesting thought. I never thought there was any hint of falsehood to his posts. Just shows how we all have a different take on things.

[Bobby Bhuna]

That's an interesting thought. I never thought there was any hint of falsehood to his posts. Just shows how we all have a different take on things.

Yeah, I wasn't around when he posted but I've read his threads and he seems like a pretty cool guy. Who knows eh! His recipes are still pretty tasty nonetheless.

[Bobby Bhuna]

After many of you pointed out that the true comparison between the bases would really have to use a Madras recipe in order to be fair to the Darth base, (since this is the kind of curry for which it was intended) I defrosted some more base sauce and went to work. I didn't take so many photos but you get the point.

Here are the resultant curries (both curries on both plates, Saffron at the top, Darth at the bottom). I thought I'd keep things simple and so opted for the Rajver Madras recipe, which can be found here http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/curry/index.php/topic,2152.0.html The results were astounding.



So, for the Bhunas, Saffron was the clear winner, getting a unanimous thumbs up from both my girlfriend and I.

This time however, it was an altogether closer race. With the Bhunas I explained that the curries were very different. Well guess what! With the Madras, they were very very similar, to the point that I didn't have a preference - they were both absolutely delicious. Lashings of beautiful sauce that I happily mopped up with some garlic and coriander nan from the corner shop

My girlfriend agreed that they were very similar but decided that she preferred the Saffron base as it was more "Tomatoey", which she liked.

So, overall, it's still a win for Saffron but the Darth base does really come into its own far more when used with a Madras type recipe. However, Saffron still beat the Darth base at its own game (only just) and offers far more versatility.

In conclusion, the Saffron base is as good or better than the Darth base at making Madras style recipes. It is better at making Bhuna type recipes, and is a proven winner for Kormas, Jalfrezis etc. etc.

Darth's Madras base is a really tasty base and great one to try but as far as bases go, I think I know the winner ;D

[Rai]

After many of you pointed out that the true comparison between the bases would really have to use a Madras recipe in order to be fair to the Darth base, (since this is the kind of curry for which it was intended)

As I understand it darth happened to like madras and vindaloo and therefore added chilli powder to the base.  Otherwise the base was allegedly from a restaurant (despite what curryking may otherwise think) and is versatile

I defrosted some more base sauce and went to work

How long had each been in the freezer for bobby?  Time changes the consistency of the sauce significantly.  Ill wager that darths base has been there longer (judging by the consistancy in your earlier post)

Saffron at the top, Darth at the bottom)

I can only see left and right Bobby? 

My girlfriend agreed that they were very similar but decided that she preferred the Saffron base as it was more "Tomatoey", which she liked

Thats hardly surprising bobby since there is no tomato in darths base (he adds it to his madras recipe which you didnt use) and only 1 tsp in the rajver madras recipe.  This is where secretsanta is maybe correct (for once), darths madras recipe is matched to his madras recipe regarding two things in particular, the addition of chilli and the absence of tomato in his base.  In this regard its an "unusual" base.

So, overall, it's still a win for Saffron but the Darth base does really come into its own far more when used with a Madras type recipe. However, Saffron still beat the Darth base at its own game (only just) and offers far more versatility

So overall, you probably need to compare darths madras (made with darths base) with the saffron madras (made with the saffron base)

[Bobby Bhuna]

As I understand it darth happened to like madras and vindaloo and therefore added chilli powder to the base.  Otherwise the base was allegedly from a restaurant (despite what curryking may otherwise think) and is versatile

I'm not sure about that one Rai, can you clarify? That said, it seems like a perfectly reasonable base recipe.

How long had each been in the freezer for bobby?  Time changes the consistency of the sauce significantly.  Ill wager that darths base has been there longer (judging by the consistancy in your earlier post)

I'm afraid it's the other way around. Saffron's been in about 2 months and Darth's been in for around three weeks. Darths base is quite thick, as he does not thin it at any point, whereas the Saffron base is quite thin. This also accounts for why Saffron looks like it contains much more oil, as thin bases lend themselves more to oil separation.

I can only see left and right Bobby? 

As I said Rai, both curries are on both plates, Saffron at the top, Darth at the bottom. They look very similar though.

Thats hardly surprising bobby since there is no tomato on darths base (he adds it to his madras) and only 1 tsp in the rajver madras recipe.  This is where secretsanta is correct (for once), darths madras recipe is matched to his madras recipe regarding two things in particular, the addition of chilli and the absence of tomato in his base.  In this regard its an "unusual" base.

Like I said, I liked both curries equally. It's not like the Darth Madras lacked Tomatoes, my girlfriend is a bit of a tomato fiend. With a different judge it could have easily swung the other way.

So overall, you probably need to compare darths madras (made with darths base) with the saffron madras (made with the saffron base)

I am trying to compare bases, not entire recipes. I have used a simple, generic, genuine BIR third party recipe in this case and so I cannot see fairer than that. If you want to compare the entire recipes, please go ahead, as like me, you seem to be very interested in the matter and active contribution to the forum is always appreciated.

[Secret Santa]

With the Madras, they were very very similar...

I just don't see how you can take two very different bases and end up with two almost identical curries. It just doesn't make sense.

[Secret Santa]

This is where secretsanta is maybe correct (for once)...

Cheeky sod!

[Rai]

Cheeky sod!

Its a compliment secretsanta!  ;D