Ask Cookix, your sous-chef

British-Style Curry Sauce

A staple of British takeaways, this rich and aromatic curry sauce is a versatile base for a variety of dishes. Inspired by the fusion of Indian spices and British culinary traditions, this sauce is perfect for transforming leftovers into a flavorful meal or serving as a dipping sauce for fries. With a balanced blend of warming spices, tangy tomato, and a hint of citrus, it delivers a mild yet complex flavor profile. Whether used as a base for curries, poured over chips, or paired with grilled meats, this sauce is a must-have for lovers of comforting, spice-infused cuisine. Easy to prepare and store, it’s a great way to bring a taste of British curry house flavors into your kitchen.

British | Dairy-Free | Egg-Free | Halal | Kosher | Nut-Free | Shellfish-Free | Soy-Free | Vegan | Sauce | Blender | Food Processor | Frying Pan | Sieve | Garlic | GInger | Onion | Tomato Paste | Sautéing | Simmering | Straining | Make-Ahead
Time to complete

Prep

10min

Cook

15min

Wait

0 minutes

Total

25min

Ingredients (Approximately 355ml (1½ cups) of sauce)
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 medium onion, grated (155g / 5.5oz)
  • 2 medium cloves garlic, finely chopped (4g / 0.14oz, about 2 teaspoons)
  • 1-inch piece ginger, peeled and finely chopped (12g / 0.42oz, about 1 tablespoon)
  • 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander
  • ½ teaspoon curry powder (such as Madras)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon (15g) tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon (8g) all-purpose flour
  • 1½ cups (355ml) water
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice, from 1 lemon
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Nutrition Information (per 100g)
  • Calories: 45
  • Fat: 3.2
  • Protein: 1.1
  • Carbohydrates: 4.8
  • Fiber: 1.2
Directions

Sautéing the Aromatics

  • 1. Heat the vegetable oil in a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the grated onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook, stirring constantly, until the onions soften, about 5 minutes.

Toasting the Spices

  • 2. Add the cumin, turmeric, paprika, coriander, curry powder, and red pepper flakes. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the spices become fragrant and toasted, about 6 minutes.

Building the Sauce

  • 3. Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the tomato paste. Cook, stirring, until fully incorporated, about 3 minutes. Sprinkle in the flour and stir until well combined.

Simmering and Thickening

  • 4. Pour in the water and lemon juice, stirring continuously until the mixture begins to thicken. Allow the sauce to simmer until reduced to about 1½ cups (355ml), approximately 5 minutes.

Optional Puréeing and Straining

  • 5. For a smoother texture, transfer the sauce to a food processor or blender and process until smooth. Pass through a fine-mesh strainer into a storage container.

Final Seasoning and Storage

  • 6. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Cookix's Secrets

Alternative Cooking Method

  • For a richer flavor, roast the onion, garlic, and ginger before blending them into the sauce.

Bold Flavor Enhancements

  • Add a teaspoon of garam masala at the end for a more complex spice profile.

Consistency Adjustment

  • If the sauce thickens too much upon cooling, add a splash of water or vegetable broth when reheating.

Enhancing Flavor

  • For a deeper flavor, allow the spices to toast slightly longer before adding the tomato paste.

Healthier Version

  • Use whole wheat flour or omit the flour entirely for a gluten-free version.

Regional Ingredient Substitutions

  • Replace lemon juice with tamarind paste for a tangier, more authentic Indian-inspired flavor.

Storage

  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat gently before use.