Ok, so i've cooked a madras with base now.
I cooked the garlic an ginger in the oils, then basically chucked everything in the pan.
The outcome was something which looked like a real madras.
The taste, wasn't quite there, there where hints and after tastes like a BIR madras, but it did seem like something was missing. I'm wondering guys, if my spices aren't up to it..
I've been using the cheap spices and chilli powder from tescos.. I made my first madras with tesco hot chilli powder, the result was it wasn't very hot. The second one I made was using a chilli powder from my local asian store. Result, much better.
So i'm thinking i may need to give this another go with better quality spices before I pass judgement.