Sooji Thalipeeth, also known as Rava Thalipeeth, is a delightful and versatile Indian flatbread from semolina (sooji or rava) herbs and spices you choose.
Onion and Tomato Curry Base Recipe
Making curry is more simple and faster with a homemade curry base. The added benefit is a healthy meal as delicious the takeaways curry.
This onion and tomato curry base in the typically North Indian Style. The same curry base you can use to make your curry with vegetables, korma or paneer gravy in a jiffy. Use it to make delicious meat curries too! So what are you waiting for?
Make a big batch and freeze it. When you need it, thaw and use it. How to make the Curry Base? Read on.
Contents:
- So what is curry?
- Why I am talking about Curry and making a Curry Base?
- How does making a curry base in advance help?
- Okay! So what are the basic ingredients of Indian curry base?
- What is the famous curry powder that is available commercially?
- How do you make curry pastes and/or masala?
- So is it possible to classify curry bases?
- Ingredients for Onion and Tomato Curry Base
- How to make Curry Base
- Recipe Card for Punjabi Style Onion Tomato Curry Base
- Tips to make a good Base
- How do I store my curry base?
- Pin for Later
So what is curry?
That is another post I can go on and on about it.
- Simply put curry is a complex sauce, a gravy.
- A memorable Curry has a rich and flavourful sauce. The spices and herbs complement each other and create a flavourful blend.
- One of the most thrilling experiences is making Indian curry. A slight alteration in everyday pantry ingredients changes the curry magically.
Why I am talking about Curry and making a Curry Base?
Today is Monday and I am part of FoodieMonday Bloghop. Today we as a group will come up with something unique yet again. Well yes, Dear Reader today we are talking about curry as #256DesiBaseCurry.
Our hostess this week is Preethi, she blogs at Preethi's Cuisine. Her recipes are simple yet tasty and easy to make check her Pickle Spiced Beetroot Raita. After all, being a busy working woman is no excuse that an Indian woman from cooking every day. The family may be okay but it is the lady who feels guilty.
Preethi, I believe, needs some help to get some delicious curries quickly and easily. The gravy must be an easy and tasty way to batch make the curry paste and use it on the day you are using them. Of course, there should not be any compromise in taste. You are dealing with a food blogger's family. We have created discerning palates that can tell the use of one extra bit of cinnamon.
So these curry bases are something anyone man or woman can make and deep freeze. When you need a gravy remove a block, thaw and use. That is the simple idea I have been using for some time now.
How does making a curry base in advance help?
I made the curry base on Thursday took me a cool 40 minutes. On Friday making my Bhindi aur Paneer Masala was so easy. The recipe that takes about 90 minutes from start to end was ready in 20 minutes.
Okay! So what are the basic ingredients of Indian curry base?
The heart of curry in India is the ingredients, the treatment of the ingredients and the variety of ingredients. This list may seem endless here but you will have them in your pantry.
- The basic is as usual oil, onion, garlic and ginger.
- The flavouring spices generally are (there are more I will myself use somethings I have not listed here so you can imagine experienced cooks and Chefs).
- cardamom,
- cinnamon,
- cloves,
- coriander seeds,
- cumin seeds,
- fennel seeds,
- fenugreek seeds,
- mustard seed,
- black pepper
- red chilli powder
- and turmeric.
- Depending on the dish and region the cook may include
- curry leaves,
- nutmeg, mace,
- poppy seed,
- star anise,
- bay leaves etc.
What is the famous curry powder that is available commercially?
The Indians have no such thing as curry powder.
Curry powder sold in the markets is what the British adapted. Spice powders are more intricate and depend on the region, dish and preferences. Check this article.
Masala we use in India is a spice mixture that can be dry or wet. The dry masala has an advantage you can store and use for longer periods. Depending on where you are buying your masala you will call a dry powder podi down south. In Karnataka its called pudi, in Maharashtra pud.
So is it possible to classify curry bases?
You can broadly put your curry bases in these buckets.
- A Tomato-based curry base typically with yogurt and whole spices. A makhani gravy. examples are Matar Paneer, Matar Makhani, Gobi Massulam, Bibbe in Makhani Gravy.
- A boiled onion curry base example Methi Malai Mattar
- A tomato-onion curry base example is Langarwale Aloo Gobhi, Lauki ke Kofte, Chole Masala
- Coconut based curry base example Vegetable Stew, Goan Cuisine Goan Feijoada Alsande and Soya Chunks (Vegetarian), Alsande cho Tonak, Alsande Usal
- Tomato and tamarind base examples Sambhar, Saar or Rasam.
These following are also curry bases and generally made at homes.
- Then there are lentils based curry example Palak Kuttu, Khatte Masoor dal.
- Some are with leafy vegetables and dal example Sai Bhaji, Muddi Pallya.
- Then we have yoghurt-based ones Kadhi to name a few.
The list can be very long. There are some I have never heard of and suddenly someone springs it on me!
Ingredients for Onion and Tomato Curry Base
To make your curry base with tomatoes and onions you will need
- Onions: I use red onions you can use white ones too.
- Tomatoes: Ripe tomatoes, red ones are the best they are what gives the curry base colour and flavour.
- Oil: I have today use groundnut oil but you can use any refined oil like sunflower or rice bran.
- Garlic: Use fresh garlic you can chop, mince it, make a paste or like me use it whole.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger grate, make a paste or chop it.
- Jeera: Cumin seeds these give a nice flavour to the base.
- Whole Masla: Also called khada masala these include bay leaves, cinnamon, badi elichi and green elichi.
- Powders: Turmeric, Kashmiri Chilli Powder, coriander powder, garam masala and pav bhaji masala(optional).
- Water: Water, you can use stock but traditionally we use water. Will depend on the tomatoes if they are very juicy use will need lesser water.
- Salt and sugar: to taste.
- A few coriander stalks (optional)
How to make Curry Base:
To make the curry base you will need a thick bottomed pan. I prefer my kadhai/wok.
- Chop the onions and tomatoes roughly. Set aside in different bowls. You can puree them too, in fact, they will cook faster.
- Heat oil, on high flame, add the jeera and let them splutter. Lower the flame and add the whole masala and fry till fragrant.
- Add the chopped onions and stir-fry stirring regularly on medium flame. till the onions become dull brown.
- Add the garlic and ginger and continue to stir-fry till the onions caramelize. You will have to stir more frequently now and also keep the flame low.
- Add the dry masala and fry for a few minutes. You will feel the heat and may cough.
- Add 1 cup of water to stop further cooking.
- Add tomatoes and coriander if using. Mix well and let the tomatoes cook down.
- Add water if needed. I added about 1 more cup of water and cooked covered.
- Once the tomatoes are fully mashed. Cool.
- You can add salt and sugar to taste but since I am freezing it and when using I forget that I had added salt and sugar. So I do not add any.
- Similarly, I will add coriander leaves and cream when using in my dish.
- Cool and grind to paste. Transfer to smaller containers, or set them in an ice tray. Freeze.
- When ready to use remove the required quantity and use as needed.
Recipe Card for Punjabi Style Onion Tomato Curry Base
Onion and Tomato Curry Base Recipe
Make a batch of Curry Base and freeze it You can use it to make gravy recipes quickly. Healthier than takeaways and just as delicious.
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Servings: 4 cups
Calories: 112kcal
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Equipment
- Kadhai/wok
- Spoons and Ladles
- Knife
- Chopping Board
- Blender
Ingredients
- 3 onions chopped roughly
- 5 to matoes chopped roughly chopped roughly
- ¼ cup garlic
- ¼ cup ginger grated or chopped fine
Whole Masala:
- 4 bay leaves
- 1 Badi elichi/ Masala Cardamom
- 4 green elichi/ Cardamom
- 1 inch cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon jeera optional
Powders:
- 1 teaspoon Haldi/turmeric
- 1 teaspoon Red chilli powder adjust as per taste
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon pav bhaji masala
- 1 teaspoon coriander seed powder
- ½ cup Oil
- salt to taste
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- A few sprigs of coriander optional
Instructions
- In a thick bottomed kadhai/wok heat oil on high flame. Add the jeera and let it splutter.
- Lower the flame and Add the whole masala and fry till you get an aroma.
- On medium flame, stir fry the chopped onions. Stir regularly, till the onions become dull brown.
- Add the garlic and ginger and continue to stir-fry till the onions caramelize.
- Add the dry masala and fry for a few minutes. You will feel the heat and may cough.
- When that happens add tomatoes and coriander if using. Mix well and let the tomatoes cook down.
- Add water if needed. I added about 2 cups of water and cooked covered.
- Once the tomatoes are well cooked and mashed cool. Grind to paste.
- Transfer to smaller containers, or set them in an ice tray. Freeze.
- When ready to use the required quantity and use as needed.
Notes
- You can add salt and sugar to taste but since I am freezing it and when using I forget that I had added salt. So I do not add any.
- Similarly, I will add coriander leaves and cream when using in my dish.
- You can peel the tomatoes and puree them too. Puree the onions too. Saves a lot of time.
Please note that these nutritional Values are approximate.
Nutrition Facts
Onion and Tomato Curry Base Recipe
Serving Size
1 recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
112
% Daily Value*
Fat
4
g
6
%
Carbohydrates
19
g
6
%
Protein
3
g
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Tips to make a good Base
Making a Curry Base is very easy. Do not get upset with the long list or procedure.
- As always use the best quality ingredients.
- You can use canned tomatoes but check if they have any additives. I rather use fresh tomatoes.
- Ripe red tomatoes are very juicy so go easy on the amount of water. You will have to cook for a longer period to get rid of all the moisture.
- You can use a puree of onions and tomatoes. Then you need not grind after cooking the base. Only fish out the khada masala.
- Store the curry base in an airtight container.
- Use the base to cook choley, paneer, kofta, ladyfinger, cauliflower, potatoes, mixed vegetables. You can also use it for chicken or meats.
How do I store my curry base?
As I had a busy schedule I never had the time or inclination to make equal-sized blocks in the ice tray. So what I used to do was freeze it in one container. Then after 2 days(or so) remove it and use the chopper on the block. The entire thing used to get pushed in another container and back to the freezer 15 minutes was all the time it got.
So what are you going to try making? This curry base or one of the others that I have mentioned. I will love to hear about it. Do leave a comment I read them all.
Poonam Bachhav says
Love how versatile this onion tomato curry base is! I am.sure, with the addition of spice powders and whole spices , it would make any curry flavorful and aromatic.
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks, Poonam.
priya vj says
That is a lovely write up on the Indian curries and various recipes. Loved your recipe of onion tomato base curry. Sometimes these things make our life easy when we are in a hurry to cook up a meal .
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks, Priya.
Swati says
Homemade is always the best and making meals is a breeze if we plan ahead and keep a batch of base sauces like this one always ready in refrigerator. Loved this versatile base curry, that I can make ahead and use it in so many different ways!!
ArchanaPotdar says
Aww! Swati you will certainly do a wonderful job.
Preethicuisine says
Love this versatile base curry. Beautifully explained Archana . Will definitely try out your base curry version. With this we can enjoy delicious curry even on busy days.
ArchanaPotdar says
😀 Thanks, Preethi.
Vasusvegkitchen says
Onion tomato curry base is one of my favorite curry base, which I use regularly di.As always nice write up di, loved your version curry base. Liked adding pav bajji masala in it di, will try next time.
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks, Aruna.
Sasmita says
This onion-tomato curry base is really a very versatile curry base . One can make a no of dishes using this pre-prepared masala paste specifically when in a hurry. I most of the time store this type of masala in in refrigerator
ArchanaPotdar says
All of us are birds of the same feather. ;D
Mayuri Patel says
Adding pav bhaji masala to the basic tomato onion curry base is a good idea as the masala is so aromatic and flavorful. I 've never made big batches of basic curry sauce to store but I should start as sauces like yours are so versatile.
ArchanaPotdar says
Pav bhaji masala is my go to masala for everyhing.
The Girl Next Door says
I loved your detailed write-up on different types of Indian curry bases. This tomato and onion base sounds absolutely flavourful. Having this base ready in the freezer would be so very handy. 🙂
ArchanaPotdar says
Definitely Priya. Try it.
NARMADHA says
This spicy onion tomato masala looks so inviting and tempting. Definitely much needed for busy working moms. I always say if you know to make onion tomato masala you are chef and you can create so many wonderful dishes.
ArchanaPotdar says
😀 Nailed it Narmadha.
Bless my food by Payal says
Indeed a very helpful recipe, especially, for working families. It saves lots of time in the morning. Truly a worth keeping recipe.
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks.
Pavani says
That is such a flavorful and delicious curry base. Always great to have something like this in the freezer/ fridge to make quick curries.
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks, Pavani.
Lata Lala says
It's such a time saver recipe for working couples during morning rush hours. An important cooking ingredient this curry base is must foe almost all individuals.
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks.
Uma Srinivas says
I love this kind of curry base. This will be handy for many curries if you prepare ahead and keep it in the fridge! Lovely share!
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks.
Sandhya Ramakrishnan says
Such an essential recipe for beginner cooks. Having a good curry base is the most important thing to make the most flavorful curry. Love the recipe!
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks, Sandhya.
Jagruti's Cooking Odyssey says
This verstaile onion and tomato curry base is so handy. Such a simple and easy sauce recipe to keep.
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks.
Padma Veeranki says
This is such a versatile curry base and very handy on busy days. Saves lot of time & you can still enjoy good food. You have explained so well...will be very useful for beginner cooks!!
ArchanaPotdar says
😀 Thanks.
sapana says
This is one of the most used curry base in my house. Though I have never thought of making it ahead of time but it is such a nice idea to store it in freezer. Loved reading all about the curries based on different gravy.
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks, Sapana.