The kormas I have seen cooked were always very simple
Most had no extra spicing, so the base really was the main flavour
I was cooked some last summer (a free curry from a takeaway)
Although, I would probably not buy one, I must admit that it tasted very nice.
This was of course due to the quality of their base
Sorry to go on about it, but there is a cooking aroma from a proper base that we just don't get with home made versions
When I first had demos, I used to rush home, write some notes and get them posted onto this site.
I was so sure we could all do it
But, for me, I still feel that the base is not 100% reproducable at home
If the base and oil is not right, then the curry isn't right
Having said that, I haven't tried the Ashoka recipes yet, although I have come across and used a "secret" paste before
The secret paste, I found, doesn't go into kormas so it's not the missing taste
Just a very strong flavour