QuoteActually, I know you're kidding Josh, but I have to say that that is correct (for me anyway).
Actually I was just helping to ensure Chonois got laid.

But in retrospect, you're right. The base is part, and the other part is the focus you put on the method. If I cook just a korma, its great. If I cook a Vindaloo and and korma, the korma lacks.
As for the glossiness, I put this down to the copious sugar. BIR kormas (as I remembered them) were just as sweet, but with other flavours also coming the fore -- they were curries!