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Aromatic Tikka Masala Sauce Recipe

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4.3 from 86 reviews

This Aromatic Tikka Masala Sauce is a rich, flavorful, and creamy Indian-inspired sauce bursting with the warmth of spices like turmeric, garam masala, and cumin. Perfect for pairing with grilled chicken, paneer, or vegetables, this sauce is made by sautéing fresh vegetables and blooming aromatic spices before simmering with tomato base and cream to create a velvety and deeply satisfying dish.

Ingredients

Spices

  • 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 (freshly minced)
  • 1 medium onion (finely diced)
  • 1 small bell pepper (chopped)
  • 6 garlic cloves (minced)

Liquids and Sauces

  • 1 cup thick cream (heavy cream or half-and-half)
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste (Muir Glen organic preferred)
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 cup water
  • 3 tbsp cooking oil

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 to the pan. Cook these vegetables for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become softened and fragrant without burning.
  2. Add and Bloom the Spices: To the softened vegetables, add 2 tablespoons minced ginger, 6 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 2 teaspoons turmeric powder, 2 teaspoons ground coriander, 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and 2 teaspoons garam masala. Stir continuously and cook the mixture for about 30 seconds. This process blooms the spices, releasing their full flavor and aroma.
  3. Incorporate the Tomato Base: Stir in 1/4 cup tomato paste, 2 cups tomato sauce, and 1 cup water into the pan with the spiced vegetables. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low to let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes. If you want a more intense flavor, simmer longer, adding water as needed if the sauce thickens too much.
  4. Add the Cream and Finish the Sauce: Pour in 1 cup of thick cream (heavy cream or half-and-half) and stir well to incorporate it evenly within the sauce. Allow the sauce to simmer for another few minutes until it is heated through and the cream has imparted a rich, smooth texture to the sauce. Adjust salt as needed before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh minced ginger and garlic for the best flavor.
  • Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the spice level.
  • If the sauce thickens too much while simmering, add a little water to reach desired consistency.
  • This sauce pairs beautifully with chicken tikka, paneer, or roasted vegetables.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free option.

Find it online: https://deliciousyum.com/aromatic-tikka-masala-sauce-recipe/