Description
Aromatic Tikka Masala Sauce is a rich, creamy Indian-inspired sauce perfect for chicken, paneer, vegetables, or any protein. Ready in 30 minutes, it delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- Cooking oil – 3 tbsp
- Onion – 1 medium, finely diced
- Bell pepper – 1 small, any color
- Minced ginger – 2 tbsp
- Garlic – 6 cloves, minced
- Turmeric powder – 2 tsp
- Cayenne pepper – 1 tsp
- Garam masala – 2 tsp
- Ground coriander – 2 tsp
- Ground cumin – 1 tsp
- Paprika – 2 tsp
- Tomato paste – 1/4 cup
- Tomato sauce – 2 cups
- Water – 1 cup
- Thick cream (or half-and-half/coconut cream) – 1 cup
- Salt – 1/2 tsp (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Heat cooking oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and bell pepper. Cook 5 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally.
- Add minced ginger and garlic, then turmeric, cayenne, garam masala, coriander, cumin, and paprika. Stir continuously and cook 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
- Stir in tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes, adjusting water as needed for desired thickness.
- Pour in thick cream and stir to incorporate. Simmer a few more minutes until well combined and heated through. Sauce is ready to serve over protein or vegetables.
Notes
- For dairy-free version, substitute cream with coconut cream or Greek yogurt (added off heat to prevent curdling).
- Adjust cayenne for preferred spice level.
- Serve with basmati rice, naan, or add protein like chicken or paneer.
- Store in fridge up to 5 days; freeze up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian