Homemade Bhuna Masala: The Secret to Delicious Indian Vegetable Curries

2 hours 15 minutes

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Pots of homemade Bhuna Masala used for flavorful Indian vegetable curries.
Showcasing traditional Bhuna Masala in pots, essential for rich vegetable curries.

3.50 from 2 votes
Indian

About Homemade Bhuna Masala: The Secret to Delicious Indian Vegetable Curries

Craving authentic Indian food but short on time? This easy Bhuna Masala recipe is your secret weapon! Imagine the rich aroma of roasted spices filling your kitchen, transforming simple vegetables into culinary masterpieces.
This versatile base is the foundation for iconic dishes like Rajma, Chana Masala, and Aloo Matar. Make a big batch and freeze it – just two tablespoons will elevate any curry to restaurant-quality.
Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests, this make-ahead masala is a flavor explosion waiting to happen. Get ready to experience the true taste of India!
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Recipe Time & More

Prep30 minutes
Cook1 hour 45 minutes
Total2 hours 15 minutes
Calories75 kcal
Serves20
Served AsDinnerLunch

Ingredients
 

Produce

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Instructions
 

  • Roughly chop the tomatoes and onions. Separately, chop the ginger and garlic. A food processor works well for this. The mixture should be coarsely chopped, not pureed.
    Pot for Homemade Bhuna Masala.
  • Heat the oil in a large Kadai or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped ginger and garlic. Sauté until lightly browned and fragrant. This releases their aromatic oils.
  • Add the chopped tomato and onion mixture to the pot. Increase the heat to high and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then, reduce the heat to medium and continue to cook for 1-1.5 hours, or until the water evaporates and the masala begins to release oil. This slow cooking process deepens the flavors and creates a rich, concentrated base.
  • The volume of the masala will reduce significantly as it cooks.
  • Once the masala has thickened and darkened, continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes to ensure all the water has evaporated. This is crucial for preserving the masala and preventing spoilage.
  • Remove the Bhuna Masala from the heat and let it cool completely. Transfer the cooled masala to airtight steel or plastic containers, or freeze it in ice cube trays for individual portions.
  • Store the Bhuna Masala in the freezer for long-term storage.
  • To use, thaw the desired amount of Bhuna Masala. It's now ready to be added to any vegetable curry for an instant flavor boost.

Recipe Notes

Expert Tips

  • For a richer flavor, consider using bone-in chicken thighs instead of boneless, skinless breasts.
  • Adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or less chili powder or using a milder or hotter variety.
  • If you don't have fresh cilantro on hand, you can substitute with parsley or omit it altogether.

Storage Instructions

  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Recipe Video

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Recipe Nutrition

Calories: 75kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 3gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 15mgPotassium: 492mgFiber: 4gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 1103IUVitamin C: 26mgCalcium: 46mgIron: 1mg

Richa Gupta
Richa Gupta

I love to explore healthy way of cooking in my kitchen. I share my creations on my YouTube channel "Healthy Kadai"

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