Description
Sumptuous Indian Masala Sauce dances with rich, complex flavors that elevate simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece. Bold spices and smooth texture promise an authentic journey through traditional kitchen magic you can savor in just half an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon salt
Base Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquid and Binding Ingredients:
- 1 (15 ounces/425 grams) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14 ounces/400 milliliters) can full-fat coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, balances acidity)
- Water or broth, to thin as needed
Instructions
- Create a flavor foundation by gently caramelizing finely diced onions in a spacious skillet with heated oil or ghee, allowing them to transform into a golden, translucent canvas of deliciousness.
- Introduce aromatic ginger and garlic, stirring vigorously to release their intense, fragrant essence and prevent burning, developing a rich base layer of flavor.
- Awaken the spices by sprinkling garam masala, cumin, turmeric, paprika, coriander, and salt directly into the pan, quickly toasting them to amplify their complex, warming characteristics.
- Pour crushed tomatoes, creamy coconut milk, and concentrated tomato paste into the spice-infused mixture, creating a vibrant, harmonious blend that promises depth and complexity.
- Allow the sauce to gently simmer, gradually thickening and melding the ingredients, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and ensure even flavor distribution.
- For an ultra-smooth, restaurant-quality texture, carefully transfer the sauce to a blender and pulse until silky and uniform, transforming the rustic mixture into a luxurious sauce.
- Return the blended sauce to the pan, adjusting consistency with a splash of water or broth if needed, ensuring the perfect balance of thickness and flavor intensity.
Notes
- Master the art of slow caramelization by cooking onions low and slow, ensuring golden-brown edges without burning for deeper, richer flavor profiles.
- Experiment with spice toasting techniques to unlock intense aromatics; toast whole spices briefly before grinding for maximum depth and complexity.
- Keep coconut milk at room temperature before adding to prevent sauce separation and ensure smooth, creamy consistency throughout cooking process.
- Transform this versatile sauce into different dietary variations by swapping ingredients: use dairy-free alternatives for vegan versions or reduce heat levels for mild palate preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg