Get ready to embark on a culinary journey to India with this "Easy Indian Tikka Masala Sauce"! In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a rich and creamy sauce that transforms any meal into a flavorful feast. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe promises to impress your family and friends alike. With its aromatic spices and luscious texture, this sauce is perfect for pairing with chicken, paneer, or even veggies. Don't miss out on the chance to elevate your dinner game—read on to discover how to make this delightful dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp garam masala
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat, ensuring the pan is wide enough to accommodate all ingredients.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until they become soft and translucent, approximately 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the onions, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant and releasing their aromatic oils.
- Sprinkle garam masala over the onion mixture, stirring continuously to toast the spices and enhance their flavor profile for about 30 seconds.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine with the spiced onion base, and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in heavy cream, creating a rich and creamy texture. Simmer gently for an additional 3-4 minutes.
- Season with salt to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed to balance the flavors.
- Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro just before serving.
- Serve hot alongside rice, naan bread, or with your preferred protein such as chicken or paneer.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your onions and mince your garlic and ginger ahead of time. This will streamline the cooking process and make everything flow smoothly.
- Choose Quality Spices: Fresh garam masala can elevate the flavor of your sauce significantly. If possible, buy whole spices and grind them yourself for a fresher taste.
- Simmer for Flavor: Allow the sauce to simmer longer if you have the time. This will deepen the flavors and create a more robust sauce.
- Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with coconut milk or yogurt for a different flavor profile.
- Garnish Generously: Don't skip the cilantro! It adds a fresh burst of flavor that perfectly complements the richness of the sauce.
- Serve with Style: Pair your tikka masala sauce with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread to soak up every delicious drop.
- Experiment with Proteins: While chicken is a classic choice, feel free to try this sauce with shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 316kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 29g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 75mg
