Tomato Base Restaurant Sauce: A Flavorful Tomato Masala Recipe
This Tomato Base Restaurant Sauce, also known as Tomato Masala, offers a delightful blend of spices, rich flavors, and a smooth texture that brings a touch of restaurant-quality cooking right into your own kitchen. With its medium spice level and aromatic base, this sauce is a versatile addition to various dishes, from curries to stews or even as a pizza base.
Perfect for vegetarians, it serves up to 4 people and can be stored for up to 5 days in the fridge or frozen for longer shelf life. Whether you want to elevate your homemade meals or use it as a quick go-to sauce, this recipe promises to bring both ease and depth to your cooking.
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Onions (peeled) | 500g |
| Fresh root ginger | 25g |
| Water | 900ml |
| Garlic | 25g |
| Salt | 1 tbsp |
| Tinned tomatoes | 400g |
| Vegetable oil | 4 tbsp |
| Tomato purée | 1 tbsp |
| Turmeric | 1 tbsp |
| Mild chilli powder or paprika | 1 tsp |
Allergen Information
This recipe is naturally free from common allergens such as dairy, gluten, and nuts, making it suitable for those with specific dietary restrictions. However, it is important to note that the recipe includes vegetable oil, which may be a concern for individuals with specific oil sensitivities.
Dietary Preference
This Tomato Masala Sauce is 100% vegetarian and can be easily adapted for vegan diets by ensuring that the oil used is plant-based and no animal-based products are added during preparation. It also caters well to individuals following a gluten-free diet, as all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Preparation Instructions
-
Chop and Blend the Ingredients
Begin by roughly chopping the onions, fresh root ginger, and garlic. Place these chopped ingredients into a blender along with half of the water (450ml). Blitz until the mixture forms a smooth paste. -
Cook the Blended Paste
Pour the blended paste into a large pan along with the remaining water. Stir in the salt. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat, allowing it to simmer for approximately 45 minutes. Once simmered, let it cool to room temperature. -
Final Blend
Once cooled, pour the mixture back into the blender and process until completely smooth. This step ensures that the sauce has a velvety texture. -
Blend the Tinned Tomatoes
Open the tinned tomatoes and blend them in the same manner until smooth. This will be the tomato base for your sauce. -
Prepare the Spice Base
Heat the vegetable oil in a clean pan over medium heat. Add the tomato purée, turmeric, and mild chilli powder or paprika. Stir well and allow the spices to cook for a minute or two until fragrant. -
Combine the Ingredients
Add the blended tomatoes to the spice mixture in the pan and bring it to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. -
Combine the Onion Paste
Stir in the cooled onion paste and bring everything to a boil again. After a few minutes, reduce the heat to a simmer. -
Skim the Froth
As the sauce simmers, skim off any froth that appears on the surface. Continue this process while cooking the sauce for about 25 minutes. -
Cool and Store
Once the sauce has thickened and developed a rich flavor, remove it from the heat. Let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. You can refrigerate the sauce for up to 5 days or freeze it for longer storage. -
Serve and Enjoy
When ready to use, simply heat the sauce and incorporate it into your favorite dishes such as curries, rice dishes, or as a topping for roasted vegetables.
Tips and Advice
- Customization: Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less chilli powder. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend it for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Storage: This sauce freezes exceptionally well, so if you make a large batch, simply portion it into freezer-safe containers and defrost as needed.
- Serve with: This sauce pairs beautifully with dishes like curry, lentil dahl, and vegetable rice. You can also use it as a base for your favorite pizza, giving it a zesty twist!
Conclusion
This Tomato Base Restaurant Sauce is a must-have in your culinary repertoire. Not only does it provide a robust, flavorful base for many dishes, but its versatility and ease of preparation make it an essential go-to recipe for busy weeknights or weekend feasts. Whether you use it as a curry base, a dip, or a pizza topping, you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe again and again.
With 45 votes and a 3.7-star rating, it’s a crowd-pleaser that satisfies all kinds of appetites, especially those who love a medium-spiced, vegetarian-friendly sauce. Let the magic of this tomato masala elevate your next meal with rich flavors and perfect spice!
