Hey there, my friend 👋. If you love rich, spicy, and creamy sauces, then you need to try this 30-minute masala sauce. It’s the base for so many delicious dishes, and I’m going to show you how to make it from scratch.
The best part? You don’t need fancy ingredients, and it comes together in just 30 minutes. You can use it for curries, pasta, grilled meats, or even as a dip. Let’s get cooking!
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and/or equipment you need to make this recipe:
- Medium-sized saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Blender or immersion blender
- Chopping board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Mixing bowl
Important Info
- Servings: About 2 cups of sauce
- Estimated Cost: Making this recipe will cost around $5
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Calories Per Serving: 90 calories per ¼ cup
- Cook Method: Stovetop
- Season: Great for all seasons
- Courses: Condiment, Sauce
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired
- Diets: VegetarianDiet, GlutenFreeDiet
How to Make 30-Minute Masala Sauce
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this delicacy and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
- 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or coconut oil)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup coconut milk or heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon sugar (optional, for balance)
- ½ cup water (adjust for thickness)
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Vegetable oil | Butter or ghee |
| Coconut milk | Heavy cream or yogurt |
| Crushed tomatoes | Tomato puree or fresh blended tomatoes |
| Chili powder | Paprika for milder heat |
| Garam masala | Curry powder |
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn soft and golden brown.
- Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, and garam masala. Stir well and let the spices toast for 30 seconds.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir everything together. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Blend the sauce using an immersion blender (or transfer to a blender) until smooth.
- Return the sauce to the pan and add the coconut milk, salt, sugar, and water. Stir well.
- Simmer for another 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove from heat.
- Use immediately or store for later use.
Helpful Tips
- Want it spicier? Add extra chili powder or a pinch of cayenne.
- For a richer taste, use ghee instead of oil.
- Make it thicker by simmering longer or using less water.
- Blend it smoothly for a creamy texture, or leave it chunky if you prefer.
- Store leftovers in the fridge and use within a few days.
What to Serve with 30-Minute Masala Sauce
You can pair this sauce with so many things! Here are some ideas:
- Grilled chicken or tofu
- Steamed rice or naan bread
- Pasta for a spicy twist
- As a dip for roasted veggies
- Over scrambled eggs for a bold breakfast
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
I love serving this sauce warm in a bowl with a drizzle of extra coconut milk on top. If you want to go fancy, garnish with fresh cilantro. A ladle or serving spoon works best for scooping.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
This sauce is perfect for meal prep because it lasts a few days and can be used in many dishes. It’s also great for weeknight dinners when you need a quick sauce for rice or pasta. If you’re hosting, serve it as part of a curry bar with different toppings and sides.
Storage
Short-Term Storage (Room Temperature)
- If using within a few hours, keep the sauce covered at room temperature.
Refrigeration
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Reheat on the stove or microwave before serving.
Freezing
- Pour the sauce into a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it up before using.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it a few days ahead and store it in the fridge or freezer. It actually tastes better as the flavors develop over time.
Is this sauce kid-friendly?
If your kids like mild spices, they will enjoy it. You can reduce the chili powder or leave it out for a milder version.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones?
Yes, but you need to cook them longer until they break down completely. Blending them also helps get a smooth texture.
Can I add protein to this sauce?
Absolutely! You can add cooked chicken, tofu, shrimp, or chickpeas to turn it into a full meal.
What can I do if my sauce is too spicy?
Stir in more coconut milk or a bit of yogurt to mellow out the heat. Adding a pinch of sugar can also help balance the flavors.
Meta Description
This 30-minute masala sauce recipe is rich, creamy, and packed with bold spices. Perfect for curries, grilled meats, or pasta. Quick and easy to make!