Brown Masala Sauce (Daag)
Description:
This rich and aromatic Brown Masala Sauce, also known as Daag, is a medium-spiced dish that delivers deep flavor with its combination of onions, garlic, and fresh tomatoes, enhanced by a blend of traditional Indian spices. Perfect for adding complexity to your favorite curries or as a base for various Indian-inspired dishes.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Serves: 8
Spice Level: Medium
Dietary Info: Lactose-Free
Rating: 3.8 (58 votes)
Views: 81,062
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Oil | 2 tbsp |
| Onions, finely diced | 4 |
| Garlic, finely chopped | 6 cloves |
| Plum tomatoes | 800g |
| Fresh ginger, grated | 8 cm piece |
| Salt | To taste |
| Turmeric | 1½ tsp |
| Coriander stalks, finely chopped | Handful |
| Fresh green chillies, finely chopped | 3 |
| Chilli powder | ½ tsp |
| Garam masala | 2 tsp |
| Fresh coriander leaves, chopped | Handful |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the base:
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced onions and fry them for a few minutes. Once they start to soften, reduce the heat to low and cook gently. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. -
Caramelize the onions:
Add the finely chopped garlic to the pan with the onions. Continue to cook on low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring regularly until the onions turn a rich, dark golden brown. This slow cooking process is essential for developing the depth of flavor in the sauce. -
Add tomatoes and spices:
Once the onions are perfectly caramelized, add the plum tomatoes, grated ginger, salt, turmeric, finely chopped coriander stalks, and green chillies. Stir in the chilli powder and mix everything well. -
Simmer into a paste:
Allow the mixture to cook on low heat for 5 to 10 minutes, letting the tomatoes and spices break down and meld together into a thick, aromatic masala paste. Be patient during this step; the flavors intensify as the ingredients combine. -
Storage and usage:
Once the masala sauce has thickened and achieved a rich flavor, it is ready to use as a base for your curry or dish. You can also cool the sauce down and store it in tubs for later use. Simply defrost and reheat as needed for a quick, flavorful addition to your meals.
Tips and Advice:
- Slow Cooking is Key: The caramelization of the onions is the secret to the deep, rich flavor of this masala. Resist the temptation to rush this step as it greatly enhances the taste.
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to adjust the spice levels to suit your preference. You can reduce or increase the amount of green chillies and chilli powder depending on how hot you like your sauce.
- Batch Cooking: This masala sauce freezes well, so consider making a larger batch. Store in airtight containers and use it whenever you need a flavorful base for curries, stews, or other Indian-inspired dishes.
- Pairing Suggestions: This Brown Masala Sauce is incredibly versatile. Try it with vegetables, chicken, lamb, or even tofu for a delicious, comforting meal.
Allergen Information:
This recipe is lactose-free, making it suitable for those who are lactose intolerant or following a dairy-free diet. It contains no gluten or nuts, so it is also safe for people with gluten and nut allergies. However, always check the specific ingredients used, particularly spices, to ensure they are free from allergens or cross-contamination.
Dietary Preferences:
- Lactose-Free: Ideal for those avoiding dairy products.
- Vegetarian & Vegan: Suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets when paired with plant-based ingredients.
- Gluten-Free: No gluten-containing ingredients are used in this recipe.
Conclusion:
This Brown Masala Sauce (Daag) is an essential base for many Indian dishes, delivering a rich, complex flavor profile that will elevate your meals. Whether you use it immediately or store it for later, this masala will add depth and spice to a wide variety of dishes. Enjoy it with your favorite proteins or vegetables, and don’t hesitate to experiment with additional ingredients to make it your own!
