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Aromatic Tikka Masala Sauce Recipe

4.9 from 55 reviews

This Aromatic Tikka Masala Sauce is a rich and flavorful Indian-inspired sauce perfect for pairing with grilled meats, vegetables, or paneer. It features a vibrant blend of spices, soft sautéed vegetables, a robust tomato base, and creamy finishing touch, creating a perfectly balanced tikka masala sauce with deep, aromatic flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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

Liquids and Bases

  • 1/4 cup tomato paste (preferably organic)
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup thick cream (heavy cream or half-and-half)

Oil

  • 3 tbsp cooking oil

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the pan. Cook them for about 5 minutes or until they are softened, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking without burning.
  2. Add and Bloom the Spices: Add minced ginger, minced garlic, ground cumin, turmeric powder, ground coriander, paprika, cayenne pepper, and garam masala to the softened vegetables. Stir continuously and cook the spices for about 30 seconds to release and enhance their flavors by blooming.
  3. Incorporate the Tomato Base: Stir in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water into the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes. You can simmer longer to develop a more robust flavor, adding a bit of water if the sauce becomes too thick.
  4. Add the Cream and Finish the Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the sauce and stir well to fully incorporate it. Cook for another minute or two until everything is well combined and heated through. The sauce is now ready to serve.

Notes

  • Use fresh minced ginger and garlic for the best flavor impact.
  • You can adjust the heat level by varying the amount of cayenne pepper.
  • If the sauce thickens too much during simmering, add small amounts of water to reach the desired consistency.
  • This sauce pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, paneer, or vegetables.
  • For a richer texture, full-fat cream is recommended.

Keywords: Tikka Masala Sauce, Indian Sauce, Aromatic Sauce, Creamy Indian Sauce, Spiced Tomato Sauce