I became a middle school mom this year, and wow, it’s been a whirlwind trying to juggle school drop-offs and all the kids’ activities! Every other Sunday, it’s become my ritual to whip up a big batch of this curry sauce and freeze it for the next two weeks—though you can easily freeze it for longer! It makes cooking homestyle indian meat curries or vegetarian dishes a breeze! If you want a taste of indian homecooking- this is the recipe you need to try. Whatever you’re cooking, this bhuna masala is the perfect, flavorful starting point, and once you start making and freezing it, you’ll be hooked to its convenience & delicous flavor—trust me!
About Onion Tomato Masala
“Masala” is a broad term in Indian cooking that could refer to single spices, spice blends or a thick sauce made with spices. Masala can take many forms—dry or wet, chunky or smooth, and taste can range from mild to fiery. This everyday indian curry sauce is made by sauteing and blending together pantry staples such as onions, fresh tomatoes, ginger, garlic and basic spices such as coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder and red chilli powder. These ingredients give the masala its distinct consistency, color, and heat. The deep orangish-red color comes from the combination of red chili powder and yellow turmeric, and the vibrancy depends on the quality of the spices and the length of slow cooking process. There are many people who make it in pressure cooker or instant pot, but I like to cook it it on stove top. The slow process of browing onions and tomatoes becoming soft and mushy over 20-25 minutes definitely makes the taste stand out. Since I love to process mine in a blender, you can decide the sauce texture you desire- coarse, smooth, or silky smooth. This homestyle indian curry sauce is different in taste and texture from other popular indian sauces such as korma, tikka masala, butter chicken sauce or vindaloo. It has no heavy cream, ground nuts, or butter. Also, you will not find it in stores or in indian restaurants.
Taste & Texture
It is savory & spicy with slightly tangy flavor. As the onions and tomato cook, they attain a complex taste while the spices provide a layer of flavor. The sweetish caramelized, golden browned onions balance the bright tang of fresh tomatoes. The ginger and spices add warmth, mild heat and the aroma. It has a lot of texture and an unmistakable freshness that stand out. Plus, the curry sauce recipe is highly customizable—you can dial down the ginger if it’s too strong for your taste, or amp up the garlic. In our homes, we usually stick to fresh tomatoes, but if you’re in a pinch, canned diced tomatoes work just as well.
How To Make Indian Curry Sauce
How To Use
Tips
If you have curry powder at hand, you can use it instead of the spice powders. Make sure that the tomatoes you use aren’t too tangy.
Few Recipe Ideas Make
