What Are Indian Simmer Sauces?

Simmer sauces are a worry-free way to make your meal tasty and healthy. These pre-made sauces are made with fresh ingredients and savory spices to give your food an easy, and convenient jolt of flavor. Using a simmer sauce is easier than ever. All you need to do is pre-cook some meat, seafood, tofu, or vegetables, add the simmer sauce of your choice, cover the frying pan and let the meal cook slowly, absorbing the flavors of the sauce.

Low heat doesn't just keep all the nutrients and taste inside your ingredients. It allows the tasty sauce to penetrate your meat or veggies to make the dish truly delicious.

Some of the most savory and flavorful simmer sauces come from India. They are packed with juicy, spicy, and delectable ingredients to ensure the highest quality of your meals. The rich, spicy flavors of cumin, cardamom, and cinnamon lend warmth and zest to a meal. 

At Co-Op Market, we have a variety of Indian simmer sauces that can spice up any meal. All of them are made from the freshest ingredients to bring a delicious piece of Indian culture to your table.

To help you take full advantage of our products, we've collected the best Indian simmer sauce recipes. Let's take a closer look.

Tikka Masala Simmer Sauce Recipe

Every cook can have their own very best tikka masala simmer sauce recipe. Here is one to add to your personal cookbook.

You'll need:

• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 pounds of boneless meat (or chicken, seafood, tofu)
• 1 sweet onion
• 3 garlic cloves
• 4 tablespoons of tomato paste
• 3 teaspoons of garam masala
• 3 teaspoons of ground turmeric
• 3 teaspoons of chili powder
• 1 cup of cream
• 2 cans of tomato sauce
• 2 cups chicken stock (or water)
• Salt and pepper

What to do:

1. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add chicken and diced onion to the saucepan and cook until they turn golden (about 5 min)
3. Add tomato paste, garlic, garam masala, chili powder, turmeric and cook for 1 minute
4. Add tomato sauce, chicken stock, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil.
6. Reduce the heat to simmer.
7. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring the sauce occasionally.
8. Add cream and cook for another minute or two.

Madras Curry Simmer Sauce Recipe

Madras Curry has all the chances of becoming the best Indian simmer sauce recipe in your arsenal. Its current name dates back to the 17th century when British merchants brought the recipe home from India. Many variations of madras curry simmer sauces exist. Let's check out one of them.

You'll need:

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 5 pounds of boneless meat (or chicken, seafood, tofu)
• 1 big red onion (chopped)
• 5 minced garlic cloves
• 1 can of tomatoes or tomato sauce
• 2 teaspoons of Madras curry powder
• 1 teaspoon of garam masala powder
• 2 teaspoons of chili powder
• 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon of coriander seeds
• Salt and pepper

What to do:

1. Heat the saucepan over low heat.
2. Add olive oil, onion, garlic, and ginger and cook for 5 minutes (onions should become soft).
3. Add madras curry powder, garam masala powder, cumin, coriander, and chili powder. Sauté while stirring for two minutes.
4. Raise the heat and add tomatoes. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Add pieces of chicken to the sauce.
6. Cover the saucepan and allow the sauce to simmer for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally.

Butter Chicken Simmer Sauce Recipe

The Indian name for butter chicken is Murgh Makhani. This Indian simmer sauce recipe dates back to the 18th century. It's great for people who love a creamy and buttery taste. The right mix of ingredients and a little patience can help you cook an unforgettable dinner.

You'll need:

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 5 pounds of boneless chicken (or meat, seafood, tofu)
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 1 large diced onion
• 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger
• 5 cloves of finely minced garlic
• One can of tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon of garam masala
• 2 teaspoons of paprika
• 2 teaspoons of mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon of cumin
• 2 cups of heavy cream (or yogurt – a low-fat alternative)
• Salt and pepper

What to do:

1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add butter and onions and cook until onions turn golden (about 5 minutes).
3. Add garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute while stirring.
4. Add chicken, tomato sauce, and all the spices. Cook for 7 minutes.
5. Add cream and simmer for another 10 minutes.

Coconut Curry Simmer Sauce Recipes

This simmer sauce recipe is fairly easy. While you'll need a bunch of ingredients, the entire cooking process won't take more than 40 minutes. This is the best Indian simmer sauce for coconut taste lovers.

You'll need:

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• 1 tablespoon of curry powder
• 2 tablespoons of turmeric
• Salt and pepper
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger
• 1 small red onion
• 2 cans of coconut milk
• 1 cup of chicken stock (or water)
• 1 can of tomato sauce

What to do:

1. Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and onion and sauté for about 4 minutes.
3. Add ginger and stir it into the mixture.
4. Add all the spices and cook for about 2 minutes.
5. Add canned tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.
6. Add chicken stock and coconut milk and let it simmer for about 30 minutes.

 

Shop Simmer Sauces from Co-Op Market

Do the above recipes seem somewhat complicated? The ingredient list can be intimidating. Thankfully, there is an easy way out. You can try the best pre-made packaged simmer sauces from our pantry.

• Simply Organic Madras Curry Simmer Sauce — an impressive collection of fresh veggies and spices to make your family beg for seconds.
• Simply Organic Tikka Masala Simmer Sauce — sweet, sour, and spicy flavors mixed into one to turn your meal into a masterpiece.

All you have to do is add water or cream (or non-dairy equivalent) for a savory experience. Shop today to stock up on classic simmer sauce varieties you love or find a new favorite to liven up your weeknight dinners.