Learn how to make this basic Indian Curry Sauce, also known as "Bhuna Masala" from scratch. It is base for many Indian dishes such as beans, lentils and curries.

This versatile curry sauce not only offers convenience but also freezes well, ensuring a delightful homemade curry in no time, ideal for those busy days when you just need a quick yet flavorful meal.

As a busy mom juggling countless tasks, having a basic Indian curry sauce, or Bhuna Masala, at hand is a game-changer. No more time-consuming chopping and measuring; the aromatic blend of onions, tomatoes, and spices is ready to whip up a variety of delicious dishes, effortlessly in no time.

Imagine, after a long day at work, when I come home and have a family to feed in limited time. That's when, I turn to my trusty Indian curry sauce. In a matter of minutes, I toss some diced vegetables or chicken into a pan with a generous spoonful of the sauce.

On days when I have unexpected guests drop by, I'm thankful for this sauce. It makes it easy for me to make a tasty and filling meal that everyone enjoys.

But perhaps the greatest relief comes on those rare moments when I can steal a quiet moment for myself. With a batch of Indian curry sauce stashed in the fridge or freezer, I can indulge in a quick and comforting meal without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. As I savor each bite, I'm reminded that even in the midst of chaos, a delicious meal is just a spoonful of sauce away.

The versatility of this Indian curry sauce means I can whip up diverse dishes without sacrificing quality. One day it's a hearty lentil curry, and the next it's a savory egg masala. The possibilities are endless, allowing me to provide my family with wholesome, homemade meals, even on the busiest of days. So, take a breath, simplify your evenings, and let the basic Indian curry sauce be your secret in the kitchen.

Not only does it simplify cooking, but the deep, rich flavors developed through the bhuna technique ensure that every dish tastes like a labor of love. It's a secret, turning simple ingredients into restaurant-worthy meals that leave my family asking for seconds. With the basic Indian Curry Sauce, dinnertime becomes a delightful experience, allowing me to savor both the joy of cooking and the joy of family time.

Jump to:

What is basic Indian Curry Sauce (Bhuna Masala)?
Advantages of using basic Indian Curry Sauce
Ingredients to make basic Indian Curry Sauce
Stovetop Indian Curry Sauce Recipe
How to make Indian Curry Sauce in an Instant Pot?
Storage
How to use Indian Curry Sauce
Recipes using Indian Curry Sauce
Indian Curry Sauce | Bhuna Masala
Beginners Recipes

What is basic Indian Curry Sauce (Bhuna Masala)?

Base for Indian Curries: This Onion Tomato Bhuna Masala is a staple in Indian kitchens. It serves as the foundation, base for many Indian curry dishes.
Ingredients: The main ingredients are onions, tomatoes, green chili, garlic, ginger, and a few ground spices such as coriander powder, red chili powder, and turmeric powder.
Bhuna Technique: The term "bhuna" refers to the cooking process where the masala is slow-cooked until the oil separates, intensifying the flavors and achieving a thick consistency.
Saves Time: Having this everyday basic sauce ready saves a lot of time since you don't have to sauté basic ingredients each time.
Ease of Cooking: With this pre-made bhuna masala on hand, many Indian dishes become quick and easy "dump-and-go" recipes.
Homemade Goodness: Making the bhuna masala from scratch allows for control over the quality of ingredients and customization of spice levels.
Versatility: This basic curry sauce can be customized by adding various proteins (meat, fish, or paneer) or vegetables to create a variety of curry dishes.
Adaptability: The recipe can be adapted based on regional variations and personal preferences, making it a versatile base for different regional Indian cuisines.
Batch Cooking: You can prepare this everyday basic onion tomato masala in advance in large batches (like meal prepping), or parties, and even freeze it.

Advantages of using basic Indian Curry Sauce

Time-Saving: Preparing a batch of curry sauce in advance saves time during daily cooking as it eliminates the need to chop, sauté, and spice every time you make a curry.
Efficiency: The sauce acts as a ready-made flavor base, making the cooking process more efficient, especially on busy days.
Versatility: The basic curry sauce is versatile and can be used as a base for various dishes, without starting from scratch each time.
Reduced Cleanup: As the sauce is prepared in bulk, there is less frequent cleaning of utensils and chopping boards, streamlining the cooking process.
Manageable: This curry sauce simplifies Indian cooking, making it accessible for many. With this versatile sauce, you can relish freshly cooked Indian meals at home every day!

Ingredients to make basic Indian Curry Sauce

Here's a brief description of each ingredient in the basic Indian Curry Sauce:

Oil/Ghee: Used for cooking and enhancing flavor, oil or ghee provides a rich base for the curry sauce.
Onions: Finely chopped and sautéed until golden brown, onions add sweetness and depth to the sauce.
Garlic and Ginger: Minced garlic and grated ginger contribute aromatic and pungent elements to the masala.
Tomatoes: Chopped or pureed tomatoes bring a tangy and acidic flavor, balancing the sweetness of onions in the sauce.
Green Chilies: Chopped green chilies add heat to the masala, and the quantity can be adjusted according to spice preferences.
Ground Spices: A blend of coriander powder, red chili powder, Kashmiri red chili powder (optional) for color, and turmeric powder provides depth, color, and flavor to Indian curries.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the overall flavor profile of the curry sauce.

Stovetop Indian Curry Sauce Recipe

Here's a basic recipe for Indian curry sauce or bhuna masala:

Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onions, ¼ teaspoon salt, and sauté until they become golden brown. Stir occasionally.
Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
Add chopped or pureed tomatoes and green chilies to the mixture. Cook until the tomatoes become soft and the oil starts separating from the masala.
Now, add the ground spices - coriander powder, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the spices blend and release their flavors.
Keep stirring and cooking until the masala becomes thick, and the oil starts to separate from it. This process is known as "bhuna," which intensifies the flavors of the spices.
Allow the masala to cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator or freeze it.
Use the masala as needed to make Indian curries, lentils (dal), beans, pulao, etc.
This recipe yields about 6 cups of curry sauce. This can easily be used to prepare 10 or more Indian curries when cooking for 3-4 people.

Adjust the spice levels and salt according to your taste preferences. This versatile bhuna masala can be used for chicken curry, vegetable curry, or lentil curry!

How to make Indian Curry Sauce in an Instant Pot?

Making Indian Curry Sauce in an Instant Pot is a convenient and efficient method. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Turn on the Instant Pot and select the "Saute" function. Adjust to the "More" setting.
Add oil (vegetable or ghee) to the Instant Pot and let it heat up.
Add finely chopped onions, ¼ teaspoon of salt (speeds up cooking process), and sauté until they become golden brown. This will take about 15 minutes.
Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
Stir in coriander powder, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well.
Add chopped or pureed tomatoes and green chilies to the pot. You don't need to cook the tomatoes down, since their liquid is essential for pressure cooking. Scrape the bottom of the inner pot to make sure nothing is stuck. If required, add 1-2 tablespoons of water and deglaze the pot.
Cancel the "Saute" function. Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Select the "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" function and set the timer for 5 minutes.
Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural release for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
Use an immersion blender to blend the sauce to your desired consistency. This step is optional; you can leave it chunky if you prefer.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt or spices according to your preference.
Allow the masala to cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator or freeze it.
Use the masala as needed to make Indian curries, lentils (dal), beans, pulao, etc.
This recipe yields about 6 cups of curry sauce. This can easily be used to prepare 10 or more Indian curries when cooking for 3-4 people.

Your Instant Pot Indian Curry Sauce is now ready! You can use it as a base for various curries by adding your choice of proteins or vegetables.

Storage

This Indian curry sauce or bhuna masala stores well for up to a week in the refrigerator. I prefer storing half in the refrigerator for about a week's curry, and rest I simply freeze for later use.

I use these silicon molds which are about ¼ cup (each cavity). Once, these freeze well, I remove the masala cubes and store it in a freezer safe Ziploc bag.

The advantage of freezing curry sauce in individual portions makes it easier to use. I use 1 or 2 cubes of the bhuna masala, depending upon the recipe, which is about ¼ cup or ½ cup of the curry sauce.

Properly stored, Indian Curry Sauce can maintain its flavors for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.

How to use Indian Curry Sauce

Now comes the best part, using this aromatic Indian curry sauce. This bhuna masala is incredibly versatile and you can use it in pretty much everything!

In curries, lentils, beans, pulao, veg or non-veg, and much more! Any recipe that calls for these basic ingredients, onion, tomatoes and basic Indian spices, use it.

Here's how I use this Indian Curry Sauce (Bhuna Masala) in my everyday cooking:

Curries: Use Indian Onion Masala as a base for curries. Simply add your choice of protein (chicken, lamb, paneer, etc.) or vegetables to the masala. Cook until the ingredients are well-coated and cooked through. Adjust the consistency with water or broth as needed.
Gravies: Blend the Onion Masala to a smooth consistency and use it as a rich gravy for dishes like koftas (vegetable or meat balls) or dumplings.
Stir-Fries: Add Indian Onion Masala to stir-fried vegetables or meats for a quick and flavorful preparation. It works well with a variety of ingredients, providing a robust taste.
Rice Dishes: Mix the masala with cooked rice to create flavorful rice dishes. You can add additional spices, vegetables, and protein for a complete one-pot meal.
Soups: Enhance the flavor of soups by adding a spoonful of Indian Onion Masala. It works particularly well in lentil or bean-based soups.
Pizza Topping: Spread a thin layer of Onion Masala on pizza crusts before adding your favorite toppings. It provides an Indian twist to the classic pizza flavor.
Dips: Mix the masala with yogurt or sour cream to create a flavorful dip for snacks or appetizers.
Egg Dishes: Add Indian Onion Masala to scrambled eggs, omelets, or frittatas for a savory and spiced breakfast.
Pasta Sauce: Give your pasta an Indian twist, with this Indian curry sauce for a unique and aromatic twist. It pairs well with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian pasta dishes.

Comment below, and share your favorite way to use this Indian curry sauce!

Recipes using Indian Curry Sauce

Here are few examples of recipes from the blog, where you can use this bhuna masala. Simply add this masala instead of onion, tomato, green chili, ginger and garlic. Adjust the spices to your taste preference.

Lentils (For 1 cup of dry lentils, use ¼ cup masala)

Beans (For 1 cup of dry beans, use ½ cup masala)

Rajma Masala
Chana Masala | Punjabi Chole
Lobia Masala | Black Eyed Peas Curry
Kala Chana | Black Chana Masala

Indian Curry

Easy Indian Chicken Curry, - use ¾ cup masala
Soya Granules Aloo Matar, - use ¾ cup masala
Mushroom Matar Masala, - use ¾ cup masala
Matar Paneer, - use ¾ cup masala

Vegetables

Gobi Matar Masala, use ¾ cup masala

This bhuna masala is cooked well, so you can add more later to the recipe if required. For lentils, start first with ¼ cup masala, for beans, use ½ cup and for curries add ¾ cup. As you will cook with the bhuna masala, you will get an idea of how much to add. This is a versatile recipe and can be adapted to suit your taste preference.

I hope this easy Indian curry sauce recipe inspires you to prepare homemade Indian meals with confidence and delight. Happy Cooking!

Indian Curry Sauce | Bhuna Masala