I kinda do the same thing. I make fresh mixture of ground ginger, red pepper, red chili paste, garlic and turmeric. I actually use one of the mortar and pestle they use to make Som tom heh. Anyways, ill take an onion mince it, and start to brown it. I let it go low and slow until its a dark brown, ill put the paste in until it doesnt smell raw anymore, from there ill add fresh pureed tomatoes and reduce till its a yogurt like consistency. Believe it or not! It almost taste like it has meat in it but there is none, irs awesome with pita bread or served on rice.