Basic Balti Sauce

Ingredients

45 ml vegetable oil
4 onions
1 garlic clove
1 tomato
7 gr paprika
1 gr turmeric
1 gr cumin
1 gr coriander
3 gr chili powder

Instructions

Fresh chopped coriander (a handful) Salt to taste Heat the oil in a large saucepan over moderate heat. Fry the onions, ginger and garlic until the onions are translucent. Add the tomato and stir-fry, breaking it up with the spoon. Pour in 300 ml / half UK pint water, and stir in the other ingredients. Bring to the boil. Lower heat, cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Pour into a blender or food processor and liquidize. (Note: this is only one formula of thousands possible. There's no more a single recipe for Balti sauce than there's a single recipe for chili. Some cooks like more garlic, some more chili powder; some use fresh chilies as well: some add yogurt, coconut, cream...you name it.) (Adapted from 100 BEST BALTI CURRIES, Lowe & Davidson)