what is a good brand of balti curry sauce?

Question

in a jar.

Answer 1

So who cooks with a sauce like this? David, it's over to you...
... Yes, let's take a look at the evidence. One flamboyant presenter with what seems like a put on accent, one jar of curry sauce and a couple of very hungry bellys. It can only add up to one thing: A Loyd Grossman Balti Curry Review!

If you're anything like me, you've eaten your way through different brands of curry sauces like your searching for the elexir of life. You see, we Brits love our curries but finding a sauce which tastes as good as a take-away bought curry seems like an exercise in futility.

Having tried the whole spectrum of varieties from Knorr to Superstore Own-brands, I suddenly happened upon Loyd Grossmans smart little range of sauces.

I must admit, that I was enticed by a 2 for £3 offer which pitched each jar at £1.50 instead of the usual £2 down at the local Sainsbury's and can reveal that my journey may have at last reached a succesful ending.

First impressions always count with curry sauce, a fact that Mr Grossman is all too aware of it seems. Each 425g Jar has a minimalist branding style with a teasing view of most of the contents, as opposed to other brands which blanket brand the jar as if it were considered immodest to show too much sauce.
With an upper-body shot of Loyd on the wrapper, some would cynically say that this minimalism is solely because Loyd has a face for radio, but I would like to think that this is a shrewd move in showing off the exquisitely chunky sauce.

So what makes this one so special? I think that it's a great combination of things. For a start, the sauce is weighted on the side of being heavily laden with veg and authentic spices. In fact the label say that half the sauce is made up of tomato and onion.Too many sauces are watered down, thus becoming a swimming pool in your saucepan instead of the think swamp land that this curry sauce creates. You'll also be struck by the freshness of the ingredients. The peppers still have their form and the onions not reduced down to near-nonexistence. The oils and spices (fenugreek, coriander to name but a few) are also rich and authentic too.

Cooking this little beauty is almost as good as eating and you'll find yourself impatiently testing the sauce whilst cooking, not for the sake of improvment but just because you can't stop eating the sauce! Some simple cooking instructions are contained on the wrapper, just in case you're not familiar with the drill. You'll also be pleased to know that the sauce maintains it's consistency from start to finish, as some sauces seem to capitulate like portugese football players at the first contact of heat.

On a taste scale, this one definitely hits the 10's. The flavour is a very authentic Balti style (read the label about how the dish gets it's name after, after you've eaten it!). All the delicious spices dance like spring lambs on your tongue. Beware if you like your curries very mild, as this sauce does have some punch but will not overpower you if you're comfort zone lies in the medium strength bracket. I cooked this sauce with chicken, but Loyd G reckons it will go with most meats and veg formats. One jar comfortably serving 2 people but would easily stretch to 3.

Once you try Loyd Grossman's sauces I doubt that you'll settle for any other brand, budget-willing. I've tried the Tikka Masala and the Rogan Josh and can report that they're all good, but particularly the Rogan Josh.

Loyd Grossman maybe a nosey parker, delighting in scrutinising the dwellling quarters of the rich and famous or in his more celebrated role of food critic to the working class, but he certainly knows a thing or two about sauces. Consumers..., it's over to you!

Answer 2

Loyd Grossman Balti Sauce

Answer 3

Patak's is a very good brand of curry sauce, I have tried the Balti and enjoyed it, but I prefer the Madras :)

Answer 4

Patak's wins every time, their sauces seem to have the most authentic flavour. They also do awesome poppadoms, try their hot lime pickle chutney with a bit of their mango chutney for a truly delicious starter!!

Answer 5

well if its got to be a jar then go for pataks or sharwoods - they are indian manufacturers so they be as 'authentic' as poss. or try in you local Asian grocers for other Asian manufactured brands. obviously nothing would be as good as making it yourself.
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