BIR base sauce, also known as curry sauce or gravy, is the foundation of many popular curries found in British Indian restaurants. It is a versatile and flavorful sauce that is essential for creating the unique taste and texture of BIR curries. While there are various recipes available for BIR base sauce, experienced chefs often develop their own version based on their culinary expertise.
One of the key ingredients in BIR base sauce is onions. They provide a sweet and savory flavor to the sauce and help to thicken it. In most cases, chefs will use a significant amount of onions in their BIR base sauce, typically two or three large onions for a medium-sized batch. The onions are typically chopped into small pieces and cooked slowly on a low heat until they become soft and translucent.
Another important ingredient in BIR base sauce is tomatoes. Tomatoes add a tangy flavor to the sauce and help to balance out the sweetness of the onions. Chefs often use fresh, ripe tomatoes and chop them finely before adding them to the sauce. Some chefs prefer to use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones, as they are more consistent in terms of flavor and texture.
Ginger and garlic are also essential ingredients in BIR base sauce. They add a strong and aromatic flavor to the sauce and help to enhance the flavors of the other ingredients. Chefs typically use fresh ginger and garlic, which they peel and chop into small pieces. The ginger and garlic are often added to the onions once they have become soft and translucent and are cooked for a few minutes until they become fragrant.
Spices are another important ingredient in BIR base sauce. A wide range of spices can be used, depending on the chef’s preferences and the type of curry they are making. Some common spices used in BIR base sauce include cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, and garam masala. Chefs often grind their own spices to ensure maximum flavor and freshness.
To make BIR base sauce, chefs typically start by heating a few tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, they add the chopped onions and cook them slowly until they become soft and translucent. The ginger and garlic are then added to the pan and cooked for a few minutes until they become fragrant.
Once the onions, ginger, and garlic are cooked, the spices are added to the pan and stirred well. Chefs often use a variety of spices to create a complex flavor profile for their BIR base sauce. The mixture is cooked for a few minutes until the spices become fragrant and release their aroma.
Once the spices are cooked, the chopped tomatoes are added to the pan and stirred well. Chefs typically add a little bit of water at this point to help the tomatoes break down and create a thick and flavorful sauce. The mixture is cooked on low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
Once the BIR base sauce is ready, it can be used to create a wide range of curries. Chefs may add different meats, vegetables, or pulses to the sauce, along with additional spices and herbs, to create a unique and flavorful curry dish.
In conclusion, BIR base sauce is a key ingredient in many popular curries found in British Indian restaurants. While there are various recipes available for BIR base sauce, experienced chefs often develop their own version based on their culinary expertise. Onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and spices are the essential ingredients in BIR base sauce. Chefs typically cook the onions, ginger, and garlic slowly until they become soft and translucent, and then add the spices and tomatoes to the pan. The mixture is cooked on low heat for about 30 minutes,