Topic: CA's Curry Base (aka "gravy"/"sauce")

[Wickerman]

Hello.
I'm going to be making CA'S base this weekend.
Just one question...It states:
*Blend to a soup-like consistency when sufficiently cool.
Use immediately, store in a fridge (for 3 days max) or freeze in suitable airtight containers*
Is that it,finished?/
When you're done blending ?
The bases ive made before go back on the stove after blending,with the hope of oil seperation.
I don't want to get anything wrong,and im thinking maybe it's taken for granted that it's back on the stove after blending.
Sorry for being stupid

[Cory Ander]

Use immediately, store in a fridge (for 3 days max) or freeze in suitable airtight containers*
Is that it,finished?/
When you're done blending ?
The bases ive made before go back on the stove after blending,with the hope of oil seperation.

Hi WM,

Yep, that's it WM.  I don't really see the point in returning the base to the stove, after blending, "with the hope of oil separation", or otherwise.  I think it's best not to separate the oil in the base (and thereby keep the spice flavours evenly distributed within the base).

However, I do suggest, in my main dish recipes, to "heat the base to a gentle simmer" before making the main dish.  I say this because I believe it is important to maintain the temperature, when adding the base to the main dish, and for no other reason.

Good luck with your attempts...and please report back with your findings and photos! 

[Wickerman]

Thanks CA!
Just one more thing while you're here.
I'll be  making your spiced oil later today.
My question,,'is it ok to freeze'?
Have you ever frozen it?
Many thanks

[Cory Ander]

Thanks CA!
Just one more thing while you're here.
I'll be  making your spiced oil later today.
My question,,'is it ok to freeze'?
Have you ever frozen it?
Many thanks

Hi WM,

I have never tried freezing it.  But, being "oil", I presume it won't "freeze" in the (relatively high temperatures of a conventional domestic) freezer!  But, putting it in the freezer will no doubt prolong its life, anyway.

[Wickerman]

Made CA'S spicy oil the other day,so now onto the base gravy
 
A very easy base to prepare,and very quick,since it misses out the second cooking period.
I noticed no difference in the finished taste,and i agree with CA,the oil separating isn't needed.
Yes,a lovely tasting base.
Ps, i halved everything,as my pan wasn't large enough.
 
 
Next,the finished curry..


Everything except the water.


2 for the freezer,1 for the fridge.

[PaulP]

Just regarding the question of freezing the spiced oil.

Last time I made batches of spiced oil it froze fine in my freezer. I think veg oil freezes at about -10 degrees and my freezer is rated at -18 degrees. When I wanted to use it I would just bring in into the kitchen and it soon melts again. After cooking I would re-freeze it again. I think this would provide protection as the oil is only at room temperature for a relatively short time and at -18 degrees there is not much scope for any bugs to grow.

BTW I've stopped making spiced oil as I don't feel it was going in the right direction, but I'm not refering to CA's spiced oil which I've never tried.

Cheers,

Paul

[Wickerman]

Paul.
I just checked my oil in the freezer and it's frozen solid.
I use them ice-cube bags which hold roughly 1 tablespoon per segment.
I Will Just pull of the desired amount when needed.

[Cory Ander]

I just checked my oil in the freezer and it's frozen solid.

That's interesting (and a little surprising to me).  Sounds like freezing it might be the way to go then.

[Dix]

My friend is having a fireworks do tommorow night and has asked me to make a curry so i have made your base and am going to do a ceylon and a tikka madras from your recipes this if first time trying them so fingers crossed they turn out well

[Tolns]

Hi - I'm a newbie on here so be gentle if I'm asking the bleeding obvious.....

I want to try this recipe but I'd like to know please whether the original quantities stated are before or after peeling (i.e Onions and carrot) and whether the red or green pepper are deseeded ?

Thanks in advance