Makhani Sauce is a staple in Indian cuisine, known for its rich, creamy, and mildly spiced flavor. This smooth tomato-based curry sauce forms the base of popular dishes such as Butter Chicken, Paneer Makhani, and Dal Makhani. By making it at home, you can control the ingredients and achieve restaurant-quality flavors without any artificial additives.
In this recipe, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of making authentic Makhani Sauce, using fresh tomatoes, aromatic spices, and a touch of butter. This versatile sauce can be used in a variety of Indian dishes or even as a unique pasta sauce. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
For the Makhani Sauce
- Water – ½ cup
- Tomatoes (diced) – 5 cups
- Onion (sliced) – ½ cup
- Garlic cloves – 8
- Ginger – 1 small piece
- Bay leaf – 1
- Black cardamom – 1
- Cinnamon stick – 1
- Green cardamom – 3
- Cloves – 3
- Green chilies – 1-2 (adjust to taste)
- Kashmiri chili powder – 1 tbsp
- Butter – 1 tbsp
- Cashew nuts – 12
- Salt – to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cooking the Base
- In a large pan, add ½ cup of water and all the ingredients listed above.
- Stir well, ensuring the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the tomatoes are soft and fully cooked, turn off the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
2. Blending and Straining
- Transfer the cooked mixture into a blender and blend until smooth.
- Pass the blended sauce through a fine-mesh strainer or sieve to remove any fibrous bits, resulting in a silky smooth texture.
3. Final Touch
- Your Makhani Sauce is now ready! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Makhani Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Pan
- Blender
- Fine-Mesh Strainer
Ingredients
- Water – ½ cup
- Tomatoes diced – 5 cups
- Onion sliced – ½ cup
- Garlic cloves – 8
- Ginger – 1 small piece
- Bay leaf – 1
- Black cardamom – 1
- Cinnamon stick – 1
- Green cardamom – 3
- Cloves – 3
- Green chilies – 1-2
- Kashmiri chili powder – 1 tbsp
- Butter – 1 tbsp
- Cashew nuts – 12
- Salt – to taste
Instructions
- Add water and all ingredients to a pan, mix well.
- Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes.
- Cool slightly, then blend until smooth.
- Strain through a fine-mesh sieve.
- Store in an airtight container and use as needed.
Video
Notes
Nutrition:
- Calories: 120 per serving
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 6g
Why This Recipe is Special
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: Get the same rich flavors without additives.
- Versatile Usage: Use it for curries, dips, pasta sauce, or even as a marinade.
- Easy and Quick: Takes only 30 minutes to prepare with simple ingredients.
Pro Tips for the Best Makhani Sauce
- Use Kashmiri chili powder to add vibrant color without making the sauce too spicy.
- Straining the sauce ensures a silky smooth texture, just like restaurant-style gravies.
- Adjust the spice level by adding or reducing green chilies.
- For a vegan version, replace butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.
How to Use Makhani Sauce
- Butter Chicken: Add cooked chicken pieces and cream to make a flavorful curry.
- Paneer Makhani: Combine with paneer cubes for a vegetarian dish.
- Vegetable Curry: Mix with boiled vegetables for a quick meal.
- Pasta Sauce: Use as a unique tomato-based pasta sauce.
- Dip or Spread: Serve with naan, paratha, or breadsticks.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make Makhani Sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
2. Can I use canned tomatoes?
Fresh tomatoes give the best flavor, but canned tomatoes can be used as an alternative.
3. Is Makhani Sauce spicy?
No, Kashmiri chili powder adds color rather than heat. You can adjust the spice level by modifying the green chilies.
4. Can I make a dairy-free version?
Yes, simply replace butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.
Makhani Sauce is a must-have for lovers of Indian cuisine. This homemade version brings out authentic flavors with fresh ingredients and simple techniques. Try it in your favorite dishes, experiment with different variations, and enjoy the taste of a restaurant-quality curry base at home. Also check out Egg Cucumber Sandwich Recipe.
If you liked this recipe, leave a comment below, share it with friends, and let us know how you used your Makhani Sauce!
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