Curry experts... please help!

So yesterday DH and I tried to make a curry in the crock pot.  We bought a spice mix for Tikka Masala, Yogurt, Chopped tomatoes, butter, chicken, prawns, onions and a green pepper.  This is what the recipe called for.  On the spice mix packet it said to put the entire sachet into the pot.. i thought that would be alot but im no expert so in it went.  After fussing around with it all day I still couldnt get it to taste edible... all you could taste was spice mix.. it was almost sandy in your teeth. ICKKK.  And it was DARK BROWN when i swear tikka masala is supposed to be red.. or at least it is when we get it from the takeaway... in the end.. it wasnt edible.. i took a spoonfull and it gave me a stomach ache so we took the chicken and prawns out of the pot.... scraped as much of the mix off the meat as possible and went to the takeaway and ordered JUST tikka masala sauce...hahah  It tasted delicious with the sauce from the takeaway... but how do i replicate that at home... or come close.. any idea. I know a mistake i made was adding too much spice mix but even if there was less it didnt taste right at all... Im rather embarrassed at my first attempt at a curry.  but would love to try again with possibly more authentic ingredients than a spice packet from morrisions... I LOVE tikka masala, madras and jalfrezi.. so something along those lines would be great!

EDIT: spelling

My fiance being the chef he is and loving curry has grown addicted to www.curryfrenzy.com and we have had lovely curries turn out from those recipes.  I hope this helps!

I've never used spice mix packets. I'd try one of the jars next time if you aren't up to mixing your own spices up. The Pataks jars are pretty reliable. Powdered spices in Indian cooking really need to be browned in a frying pan first anyway. Another reason it might have tasted funny.

Also, not sure what you did, but prawns should go in at the very last or they will get overcooked and chewy.

Thanks lissy, that website looks FAB.  I've already printed out a recipe!

Also, not sure what you did, but prawns should go in at the very last or they will get overcooked and chewy.

Thanks for the suggestion balmerhon...Yes, prawns went in last right before we ran out to get the takeaway sauce  or else they pretty much shrink & disappaear.  I swear, Im normally a good cook.. but I think making a curry is going to take some practice.  Ive tried the Pataks and Sizzle & Serve jars and they just didnt have an authentic taste...

Hi Chrissy... i cant call myself an expert, but i have over 20 years experience eating and cooking curries, so im going to chime in.

The dry packet mix is not the way to go.
As Balmerhon said, if you're not confident mixing your own masala (note:  not marsala, which is a type of wine!)... get a jar, or even better, try Rafi's:

http://www.spicebox.co.uk/

I could PM you a couple of recipes for 'from scratch' curries, but they can be a bit labour-intensive.


Better luck next time!   (Seriously, try Rafi's!!)

I'll second the vote for Rafi's! They're amazing!   

I find that one of the key things with making curries is to taste as you go along, as otherwise you may find too little or too much of one spice.  A curry is a work in progress until the point where you know it is right, so I wouldn't use a crock pot.

A good way to start is using curry powder and garum masala as a base, and working up from there. 

I have an easy recipe I use if you'd like it.

Vicky

Very true, Vicky... i wouldnt use a slow cooker for a curry either.

If I can throw my 2p in, I highly recommend the Patak's pastes and not the Sizzle and Stir-type sauces.

Another vote for Patak's pastes, their tikka massala one is scrummy!

That is a sweet story.  It sounds like your next attempt will go much better, although if you do need any more help, I am sure my husband can advise on it. He has made some excellent curry. (My mother-in-law showed me how to make curry when I last visited, it was definitely a nice thing for her to do, although it might be tricky to exactly replicate her recipe, since most of the spices were direct from Pakistan- ah well, Preston has quite a few halal shops, I am sure you can find some good spices around there.)