Basic Balti Sauce

Directions

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 / ½ 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.)