Life-Changing 30 Minute Masala Sauce
This rich, creamy masala sauce comes together in just 30 minutes and can be used with chicken, tofu, chickpeas, or veggies. It’s deeply spiced, warm, and comforting—perfect for cozy dinners and ideal for meal prep.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or ghee
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or chili powder (optional for heat)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sugar or maple syrup (optional to balance acidity)
- to taste salt salt
- optional to taste fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil or ghee in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté for 5–7 minutes until soft and golden.
- Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add ground cumin, ground coriander, garam masala, turmeric, cinnamon, and smoked paprika (if using). Toast spices for 30–60 seconds to release their aroma.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to allow the paste to caramelize slightly.
- Add crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in coconut milk or heavy cream. Season with salt and a pinch of sugar. Simmer for 5–10 more minutes until thick and creamy.
- For a smooth texture, blend with an immersion blender. Alternatively, transfer the sauce to a blender and return to the pan. Adjust consistency with water or coconut milk if needed.
- Use the sauce immediately or store for later. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
Nutrition
Serving: 1peopleCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 1gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 9gSodium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6g
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