Basic Indian Tomato Curry Recipe

Name: Basic Indian Tomato Curry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or ghee); 1 medium onion, finely minced; Sea salt; 3 tablespoons finely grated ginger; 4 garlic cloves, finely grated; 1 teaspoon garam masala; 1 teaspoon ground turmeric; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/4 to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (to taste); Seeds from 4 cardamom pods; One 15-ounce can crushed tomatoes; 1/2 cup water; 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)

Servings: persons

1/4 cup vegetable oil (or ghee)
1 medium onion, finely minced
Sea salt
3 tablespoons finely grated ginger
4 garlic cloves, finely grated
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (to taste)
Seeds from 4 cardamom pods
One 15-ounce can crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)

1
In a large frying pan, heat the oil or ghee over medium high heat.
2
Add the onion and 1 teaspoon of sea salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are medium brown, about 8 to 10 minutes.
3
Add the ginger and garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
4
Add all of the spices and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
5
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, scraping the bottom of the pan to remove any browned bits.
6
Add 1/2 cup of water to the pan, reduce the heat to low and slowly simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and begins to splatter.
7
Remove from the heat and allow the curry to cool for a couple minutes, then stir in the heavy cream, if using.
8
Season it with sea salt to taste.

360

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 14 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or ghee), 1 medium onion, finely minced, Sea salt, 3 tablespoons finely grated ginger, and more.

Yes, Basic Indian Tomato Curry falls under the General category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Basic Indian Tomato Curry

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions