A simple curry sauce comes in many flavors and styles yet when you want something basic and easy to create you still want it to be delicious. Here then is a delicious and simple curry sauce recipe. By the way, there are no measurements given here so just use your sense of taste, and aroma!
Curry sauce ingredient #1: red onions
Red onions are the perfect base for any simple curry sauce recipe and add certain sweetness. They should be finely chopped and lightly fried in ghee or rapeseed oil ensuring that the onions do not burn. Once they are soft and sweet we add:
Curry sauce ingredient #2: grated ginger and chopped garlic
Of course, you can chop the ginger if you wish; yet grating seems to bring out the flavour. The garlic can be crushed or chopped and again make sure that the heat is not too high. Once the aroma of ginger and garlic fills the kitchen, add:
Curry sauce ingredient #3: spices
The curry spices will be a matter of personal taste however the essentials are: Cumin, coriander seed, chili, paprika, turmeric, garam masala and a little cinnamon. You may not want to add too much chili here because this is a base sauce that will flavor your dishes. You can then add more chili according to daily preference. The curry spices need to be warmed to allow the flavors to escape; if the heat is too high then they will burn and go bitter. The next step is then:
Curry sauce ingredient #4: tomatoes
You can use fresh tomatoes or canned tomatoes and these are added to your mixture and stirred well. You then lower the heat and let it all simmer nicely for at least 40 minutes. This will allow all the flavors to blend well. Make sure that you taste your curry sauce as you go and add further seasoning according to taste.
Curry sauce ingredient #5: dried fenugreek leaves
Add this to your sauce and let the flavors infuse. Dried fenugreek has a wonderful aroma that makes you think of curry! You can sift the leaves first to remove any fenugreek stalks and then grind the leaves.
The best part is now preparing the meal and using the curry sauce.
Simply take your vegetables or your meat and fry them in a little ghee or rapeseed oil. Here is where you can add extra spices and extra chili powder if you wish. Of course you can also use fresh chilies but remember the seeds hold the majority of the heat so be careful!
Fry your main ingredients with the spices until done and then add a ladle or two of your simple curry sauce and simmer for a little while. This can then be served with your favorite rice dish and bread accompaniments.
The beauty of this simple curry sauce recipe is that you can make enough to last a couple of days and adjust accordingly; one day add coconut milk or cream for a light korma or extra chili powder and fresh chilies for a vindaloo; the possibilities are endless.
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