Aromatic Tikka Masala Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Aromatic Tikka Masala Sauce is a flavorful and creamy Indian classic that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. With a blend of authentic spices and a rich tomato base, this sauce brings restaurant-quality results to your kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, it pairs beautifully with chicken, paneer, or vegetables.

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp cooking oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 1 small bell pepper
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp minced fresh ginger
• 2 tsp turmeric powder
• 2 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp ground coriander
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 2 cups plain tomato sauce
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup thick cream (heavy cream or half-and-half)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften without burning.
2. Step 2: Add the minced ginger, minced garlic, cumin, turmeric, coriander, paprika, cayenne pepper, and garam masala to the softened vegetables. Stir continuously and cook the spices for about 30 seconds to bloom and release their flavors.
3. Step 3: Stir in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for about 10 minutes. You may simmer longer for a deeper flavor, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.
4. Step 4: Pour in the thick cream and stir well to combine. Let the sauce simmer for a few more minutes until fully heated through and smooth in texture.

Tips & Variations

• Swap thick cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version or use Greek yogurt added at the end with the heat off to prevent curdling.
• Use any color bell pepper, or add extra paprika if Kashmiri peppers are unavailable.
• If you don’t have garam masala, mix equal parts cumin, coriander, cardamom, and cinnamon as a substitute.
• Plain canned tomato sauce is best; avoid varieties with added herbs or seasonings.
• To prevent burning the spices, add them gradually and stir well after each addition.
• Simmer the sauce on low heat for at least 15-20 minutes for the best depth of flavor.

Storage

Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors improve after a day or two. You can freeze the sauce for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Warm gently on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce is too thick after reheating, add a splash of water or cream to adjust the consistency.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make tikka masala sauce vegan?

Yes, substitute the thick cream with coconut cream or another plant-based alternative. Avoid dairy to keep it fully vegan.

How spicy is this tikka masala sauce?

The heat level is customizable. Adjust the cayenne pepper amount to taste – reduce it for a milder sauce or increase it for more spice.

Aromatic Tikka Masala Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 127 reviews

• Author: Matteo
• Total Time: 25-35 minutes
• Yield: About 4 servings of sauce 1x
• Diet: Halal

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Description

This Aromatic Tikka Masala Sauce recipe delivers restaurant-quality Indian flavor in just 30 minutes. Combining caramelized onions, vibrant spices, and a rich creamy tomato base, this sauce is perfect for busy weeknights and versatile enough to pair with chicken, paneer, vegetables, or chickpeas. Its customizable heat level and make-ahead convenience make it a delicious staple for your dinner rotation.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Spices and Seasonings

• 2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp garam masala
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 2 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp ground cumin

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 1 small bell pepper
• 2 tbsp minced fresh ginger
• 6 garlic cloves, minced

Tomato Base

• 1/4 cup tomato paste (double-concentrated)
• 2 cups canned tomato sauce (plain, no herbs or seasonings)
• 1 cup water

Dairy and Oils

• 3 tbsp cooking oil (vegetable, canola, or ghee)
• 1 cup thick cream (heavy cream or half-and-half)

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Instructions

1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat 3 tablespoons of cooking oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and chopped bell pepper and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened but not browned. This step ensures a sweet, flavorful base for the sauce.
2. Add and Bloom the Spices: Add 2 tablespoons minced ginger, 6 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon cumin, 2 teaspoons turmeric powder, 2 teaspoons ground coriander, 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and 2 teaspoons garam masala to the softened vegetables. Stir continuously and cook the mixture for about 30 seconds to bloom the spices and release their full aroma and flavor without burning.
3. Incorporate the Tomato Base: Stir in 1/4 cup tomato paste, 2 cups tomato sauce, and 1 cup water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and adjust the consistency by adding more water if the sauce becomes too thick. This simmering deepens the flavor and allows the spices to meld with the tomato base.
4. Add the Cream and Finish the Sauce: Pour 1 cup of thick cream into the sauce and stir well to incorporate it fully. Allow the sauce to simmer for an additional few minutes on low heat until everything is heated through and the sauce is rich and creamy. Be careful not to let the sauce boil after adding the cream to prevent splitting.

Notes

• Allow onions to caramelize fully for 8-10 minutes if time permits to deepen flavor.
• Add spices gradually and bloom each to avoid burning and bitterness.
• Use high-quality tomato products to reduce acidity and improve taste.
• To make dairy-free, substitute cream with coconut cream or add Greek yogurt at the end off heat.
• The sauce thickens as it cools; adjust consistency with water or cream as needed.
• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat stirring occasionally.

• Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Indian

Keywords: tikka masala sauce, Indian curry sauce, creamy tikka masala, easy tikka masala, weeknight dinner sauce, Indian spices, homemade curry sauce