How To Make BASE GRAVY | AUTHENTIC British Indian Restaurant Style *2023 UPDATE*

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will guide you through making authentic British Indian restaurant-style base gravy, a crucial component for a variety of curry dishes. This rich and flavorful gravy serves as the foundation for countless recipes and is designed to elevate your cooking. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Begin by chopping the necessary vegetables to create a robust flavor profile.

• Quarter 8 onions.
• Quarter 6 tomatoes.
• Chop 2 green peppers.
• Dice 2 carrots.

Step 2: Prepare Flavor Infusion

While preparing the vegetables, infuse your water with spices.

• In a small saucepan, heat 1 liter of water.
• Add the following spices:
  • 8 cloves.
  • 8 cardamom pods.
  • 3 Bangladeshi bay leaves.
  • 2 pieces of cassia bark (or cinnamon sticks).
• Cover and let simmer for 15-30 minutes.

Step 3: Heat Up the Stock Pot

Next, get your large stock pot ready for cooking the base gravy.

• Heat the large stock pot over medium heat.
• Add 250ml of vegetable oil.

Step 4: Create the Spice Base

Once the oil is hot, add the essential spices and flavorings.

• Stir in 4 tablespoons of garlic and ginger paste.
• Add:
  • 2 teaspoons of salt.
  • 2 teaspoons of curry powder.
  • 2 teaspoons of coriander powder.
  • 1/2 teaspoon of cumin powder.
  • 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala powder.
  • 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder.
• Add a splash of water to prevent burning and mix well.

Step 5: Incorporate Tomato Puree

Enhance the flavor with tomato puree.

• Stir in 4 tablespoons of tomato puree.

Step 6: Combine Vegetables

Add the previously chopped vegetables to the pot.

• Mix in the quartered onions, tomatoes, carrots, and green peppers.
• Cover the pot and let it cook for a few minutes.

Step 7: Add Water and Cook

After the vegetables have softened, add water and let it simmer.

• Pour in 3 liters of water.
• Cover the pot and cook for 90 minutes on medium heat.

Step 8: Incorporate Garam Masala Water

After 45 minutes of cooking, enhance the gravy with extra flavor.

• Use a sieve to add the garam masala-infused water from the small saucepan to the pot.
• Cover and continue cooking for the remaining 45 minutes.

Step 9: Blend the Gravy

Once the cooking time is up, blend the gravy to achieve a smooth consistency.

• Use a hand blender or a normal blender to blend the mixture thoroughly.

Step 10: Final Cooking Steps

To finish off the base gravy, make the final adjustments.

• Boil the blended gravy for an additional 15-20 minutes.
• If desired, add 1 liter of boiling water and 125ml of single cream for richness.

Conclusion

You've successfully made a flavorful base gravy that can be used as a base for various curry dishes. Store it in the refrigerator or freeze it for later use. Enjoy experimenting with different recipes, and don’t forget to share your culinary creations with friends!