Indian Curry Sauce Recipe (Onion Tomato Bhuna Masala)
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
50 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 5 mins
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Servings
12
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Calories
120 kcal
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Course
Condiments
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Cuisine
Indian
Indian Curry Sauce Recipe (Onion Tomato Bhuna Masala)
Description
Indian Curry Sauce (Onion Tomato Bhuna Masala) is built on a foundation of caramelized onions and ripe tomatoes cooked with freshly minced garlic, grated ginger, and green chilies. The oil helps the spices such as Kashmiri red chili powder, coriander, and turmeric bloom as they cook with the aromatics. The method involves sautéing the onions until soft and golden, then blending in the spices and tomatoes to create a thick, richly flavored sauce. Using an Instant Pot reduces active stirring time and helps meld these ingredients under pressure, enhancing depth and complexity. The sauce has a robust texture with a balance of spiciness and warmth from the turmeric and chili. It can be refrigerated or frozen in portions, and frozen cubes can be added directly to pressure-cooked curries without thawing. This preparation makes it versatile for use as a base in various Indian curry recipes, saving time on future cooking while ensuring consistent flavor quality.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup neutral cooking oil generic cooking oil
- 5 onion yellow medium diced, about 2 lbs
- 10 cloves garlic minced
- 2 inch ginger grated
- 4 green chili pepper I used Thai chili, optional
- 6 tomato medium chopped, I used Roma tomatoes, about 2 lbs
Spices
- 2 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder adjust to taste
- 5 teaspoon coriander powder dhaniya powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder ground, aka Haldi powder
- 2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Instant Pot Method:
- Start the instant pot in Saute(more) setting and let it heat until it displays HOT.
- Add oil, then diced onions and stir them.
- Saute the onions for about 15 minutes. You dont need to stir for the first 8-10 minutes, as the onions release water and do not stick to the pot. After 10 minutes, stir at regular intervals.
- Add ginger, garlic and green chili pepper and mix well. Saute for 5 mins, while stirring frequently.
- Add the spices. Then add tomatoes and stir well.
- Saute for about 3 minutes. We don't want to cook down the tomatoes completely, as we need the tomato liquid for pressure cooking. Scrape the bottom to make sure nothing is stuck. If needed, add 1-2 tablespoons of water and deglaze the pot.
- Press Cancel and close lid with vent in sealing position. Set the instant pot to manual or pressure cook mode for 5 minutes at high pressure.
- When the instant pot beeps, let the pressure release naturally. Open the pot and give it a good stir.
- You can leave the masala as is or blend using an immersion blender or in a standalone blender. Keep it chunky or smooth depending on your taste.
- This recipe makes about 6 cups of curry sauce.
Stovetop Method:
- Use a heavy bottom deep saucepan. Add the oil and onions, and saute for about 15 minutes. Stir at regular intervals from the start on stovetop.
- Add the tomatoes and spices, and stir well. Cover and let it cook for 5 minutes, so the tomatoes soften. Then cook the masala uncovered so all the liquid dries and the masala thickens.Keep stirring at regular intervals.
- The Bhuna Masala is ready when it starts to leave oil on the sides of the pan. You can keep it as it or blend in a blender, depending on your preference.
Notes
- Store the curry sauce in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Freeze in small portions using ice cube trays or silicone molds for easy use later.
- Frozen masala cubes can be added directly to dishes without thawing when pressure cooking.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 120 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 120kcal | 6% |
| Carbohydrates | 9g | 3% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 449mg | 19% |
| Potassium | 238mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 611IU | 12% |
| Vitamin C | 15mg | 17% |
| Calcium | 22mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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