Easy and Versatile Curry Sauce In Just 5 Steps

A delicious curry sauce is the perfect foundation for a quick and satisfying meal. This recipe provides a versatile, aromatic base that can be customized with your favorite protein or vegetables. Made with a rich blend of spices and a creamy coconut milk base, this homemade curry sauce delivers a complex flavor profile that is both comforting and vibrant. It’s a simple, foolproof recipe that will become your go-to for a healthy and flavorful dinner.

What is Curry Sauce?

A curry sauce is a foundational component of a curry, which refers to a variety of dishes from South and Southeast Asian cuisines. A sauce, or gravy, is the liquid base that holds the main ingredients together. This version of a curry sauce is a fragrant blend of aromatics like onion, ginger, and garlic, combined with a medley of toasted spices such as curry powder, cumin, and coriander. The flavors are then mellowed and enriched with a liquid, often a mix of tomatoes and coconut milk, which results in a rich and flavorful sauce that is perfect for pairing with a variety of ingredients. This sauce can be used in many delicious recipes like Malabar Fish Curry.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil or ghee
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (13.5-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
• 1 cup vegetable broth or water
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish

How to Make a Versatile Curry Sauce

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the oil or ghee over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Toast the Spices: Reduce the heat to low. Add the curry powder, cumin, coriander, and turmeric to the pot. Stir constantly and cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the spices are fragrant. This step is crucial for unlocking their full flavor.
3. Add Tomatoes and Liquid: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well, scraping up any spices from the bottom of the pot. Stir in the coconut milk and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Simmer and Season: Reduce the heat to low and let the curry sauce simmer for at least 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve: The curry sauce is now ready. You can add cooked chicken, chickpeas, or a mix of vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or spinach directly to the sauce and simmer for another 5-10 minutes to heat through. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley and serve over steamed rice.

Tips for the Perfect Curry Sauce

• Quality Spices: Using fresh, good-quality spices makes a big difference in the flavor of your curry. Toasting them briefly before adding liquids enhances their aroma.
• Control the Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more vegetable broth or water. If it is too thin, let it simmer for a few extra minutes.
• Make It Your Own: This recipe is a great starting point. You can add a touch of brown sugar for sweetness, a squeeze of lime juice for acidity, or a pinch of garam masala at the end for an authentic finish.

Conclusion

This simple yet robust curry sauce is a rewarding recipe that brings a world of flavor to your kitchen. It’s a versatile and essential base for creating countless delicious meals.

Easy and Versatile Curry Sauce In Just 5 Steps

foodifa

A simple and versatile recipe for a classic curry sauce with a rich blend of spices, coconut milk, and tomatoes.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Sauce

Cuisine Indian

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil or ghee
• 1 large yellow onion finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
• 2 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1 15-ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 1 13.5-ounce can full-fat coconut milk
• 1 cup vegetable broth or water
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Instructions

 

• Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the oil or ghee over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Toast the Spices: Reduce the heat to low. Add the curry powder, cumin, coriander, and turmeric to the pot. Stir constantly and cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the spices are fragrant. This step is crucial for unlocking their full flavor.
• Add Tomatoes and Liquid: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well, scraping up any spices from the bottom of the pot. Stir in the coconut milk and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
• Simmer and Season: Reduce the heat to low and let the curry sauce simmer for at least 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve: The curry sauce is now ready. You can add cooked chicken, chickpeas, or a mix of vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or spinach directly to the sauce and simmer for another 5-10 minutes to heat through. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley and serve over steamed rice.

Notes

The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keyword curry, curry recipe, curry sauce, easy dinner, Indian curry, vegetarian curry