Topic: How do I Blend a Curry Base?

[Paul1980]

I always use a hand blender and have had no problems. I alwayd add warm water to the base before blending then simmer it again afterwards.

[Dirk]

just in case I'm doing something really wrong.... I boil the onions and other ingredients for a few hours (5 in this case). I then allow the mixture to cool overnight and bring it back to the boil the next day, I then blend it before adding it to the hot spiced oil. Is this right?

[976bar]

I always use a hand blender and have had no problems. I alwayd add warm water to the base before blending then simmer it again afterwards.

Why not just follow the recipes as they are intended without modifying? The most experienced members on here have tried and tested most things and are very very confident in what they are doing.

And I have to say that following those recipes to the letter will bring you the best results....

[Dirk]

The recipe I use is actually from this website. I appreciate that people know what they are doing on here so I have not modified anything from that recipe. I don't remember who posted the recipe but I do remember that it was someone who got the recipe first hand from someone that worked in a BIR. Just to clarify, what exactly have I modified?

[Stephen Lindsay]

Have never had a problem blending a base using a jug blender as per CA's pic. I think quartering onions is not enough, they need to be chopped or maybe thinly sliced.

[Dirk]

I will defienitely chop the onions next time. I've just had a look a  few base recipes and some do say to quarter or even half them. Do most people blend before adding it to the spiced hot oil in a sepearate stock pot?

[Mikka1]

What I do is chop in half then lay them flat and cut through the centre then cut crosswise four times. I don't have any pieces larger than about an inch and a half I'd say.

Sorry it got messed up for you, it happens to all of us.
Best wishes.

I will defienitely chop the onions next time. I've just had a look a  few base recipes and some do say to quarter or even half them. Do most people blend before adding it to the spiced hot oil in a sepearate stock pot?

[JerryM]

i only 1/4 the onions and simmer for 2 hrs before blending. i usually blend straight off the heat using a hand blender in the base pan (here http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/curry/index.php?topic=4026.msg36484#msg36484. never had any problem getting the base smooth.

my only thought not base related but using the hand blender generally - they work better in a deep jug (to work they have to suck the ingredient down through the plastic shroud and into the blade). when blending base (if i'm not measuring it for volume when i use a deep jug) then i tend to tip the pan to one side to create the depth needed.

[Secret Santa]

Dirk I can't relate to the problem you're having at all.

I usually quarter the onions ( cheap supermarket ones) and sometimes I only simmer/boil for 45 minutes. I then blend with my cheapo hand (stick) blender for no more than 5 minutes.

I'm wondering if you're expecting too much? You want it to have the consistency of cream perhaps? Not necessary.

[Dirk]

I'm not expecting it to be that smooth but most of the time if i put a spoon to the bottom of the pan I can lift out a mashed up onion gloop while the top will be very watery. It doesn't mix together. I think I will try a jug blender and chopping the onions to see if it helps. But for now I've got 15 portions of lumpy sauce!