Topic: When to add Tomatoes and/or puree in a base

[spiceyokooko]

i Did mean the base sauce and not an individual dish.

Aha! Then I don't really have a definitive answer. At a guess, I'd say because 1/ Tomatoes/puree don't need cooking for as long as the other ingredients and 2/ They're there primarily for colour and not flavour and that colour might be lost if they're cooked as long as the other ingredients.

[ELW]

The flavour of fresh tomatoes can be lost by overcooking, tinned I've never really noticed

[Razor]

Sorry DP,

I don't have an answer either, but a good example of both;

In CA's base he asks us to include 40g of tomato paste and 175g of fresh tomatoes before we bring the pan to the boil,

whereas in Chewys base, he asks us to include a quarter of a tube of tomato puree after the initial 1st boil.  Two very different methods but both very good base gravies.

My base is different again, as I ask you to boil the veggies in one pan, and in  another, make a 'tarka' of oil, spices and tinned tomatoes.  Once reduced, add the 'tarka' to the pan of onions, and continue.  Just another take on things I guess.

Ray

[DalPuri]

Thanks everyone,
Maybe it was just coincidence that all the base recipes ive saved and made so far, used this method?
Or it's like one of those QI questions, Nobody Knows  ;D

Cheers, Frank. 

[Curry Barking Mad]

I have heard people say that they believe tomatoes/paste go bitter if put in the gravy pot too early,
I can't say I've ever noticed a difference if added earlier or later.

[chewytikka]

Hi DP
I add it as an ingredient, just like you would add to a Ragu or fresh tomato sauce.

it's a double or triple concentrated, tangy tomato flavour, which adds to the finished base flavour.
Doesn't matter when you add it, you must have missed my 1 hour base on here
http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/curry/index.php?topic=5606.msg55247#msg55247
where its added with all the other ingredients before the boil.

Of course it adds colour, its red.

Some restaurants avoid tomato in there base and work with what I call a Haldi base.(No Relation)

I prefer the golden nectar.

cheers Chewy