15-Minute Indian Restaurant-Style Indian Curry Gravy Sauce

Curry Sauce is  a simple and fragrant Indian-inspired recipe, ideal for giving an oriental touch to your dishes. Perfect to accompany rice, meat, fish or shellfish, it goes particularly well with chicken and prawns, better if cooked on the grill or fried, but it can also be used to dress salad or a portion of crispy potatoes.

Curry is a mixture of several spices that can vary depending on the place of preparation: turmeric, coriander, pepper and cumin are essential, however, as they determine its flavor and color. To bring to the table a sauce of the right consistency, melt the butter in a small pan, brown the chopped onion, add the sifted curry and flour, then dilute it with boiling meat broth and let everything thicken on the heat for a few minutes.

All that remains is to transfer the mixture into a container, blend it with an immersion blender and that's it: the result is a smooth and enveloping sauce, to be served during an ethnic dinner with your dearest friends.

What is Curry Sauce?

Curry sauces and gravies trace their origins to Indian cuisine, where they emerged as versatile, spice-rich accompaniments to enhance rice, meats, and vegetables. The word "curry" is believed to derive from the Tamil word "kari," meaning sauce or relish. These flavorful mixtures often include a blend of spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and pepper, which vary by region and dish. Introduced to Europe during the colonial era, curry adapted to different culinary traditions worldwide, inspiring countless variations, including creamy sauces like this one.

Pro Tips for The Best Curry Sauce

• Opt for a fresh, aromatic blend for a richer flavor.
• Cook onions until golden and softened to build a flavorful base.
• For a creamier sauce, ensure it’s well-mixed and added gradually.
• Prevent the spices from burning by stirring frequently over medium heat.
• Adding fresh ginger or garlic can enhance the sauce's depth.

What Else Can I Add to This Curry Sauce?

You can enhance this curry sauce by adding vegetables like bell peppers or carrots, proteins such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu, or even fruits like pineapple for a sweet twist. Fresh herbs like cilantro or a splash of lime juice can also brighten the flavor.

Is This Curry Sauce Spicy?

This curry sauce is mildly spiced, as the heat level depends on the type of curry powder used. You can adjust the spiciness by choosing a mild or hot curry blend or adding extra chili for more heat.

Is This Curry Sauce Vegetarian?

No, because it uses a meat broth! If you want to make it suitable for vegetarian guests, substitute the meat broth with a vegetable broth!

What Can I Use This Curry Sauce For?

This curry sauce is versatile and can be used to enhance dishes like steamed rice, noodles, roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, tofu, or seafood. It’s also great as a dip or drizzled over baked potatoes for added flavor.

Can I Make it Ahead of Time?

Yes! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, stirring to restore its creamy consistency and flavor.

Does Curry Sauce Freeze Well?

It does! Store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently, stirring well to restore its texture.

How to Store Indian-Style Curry Sauce

The curry sauce can be stored in the refrigerator, well covered with a sheet of cling film, for a maximum of 2 days.

How to Make Indian-Style Curry Sauce

Place the butter in a non-stick saucepan with high edges and let it melt.

Coarsely chop the onion, then let it brown until lightly golden: this will take about 5 minutes.

Spice with curry, sieved through a fine mesh sieve.

Complete with the flour, also sifted.

Mix and cook for about 1 minute.

At this point, pour in the hot broth.

Add salt, mix and let everything thicken for a few minutes.

At this point, transfer everything into a tall, narrow container, then blend the mixture with an immersion blender until you obtain a smooth, creamy sauce.

Enjoy!