Restaurant-Style Chop Masala (Bhuna Masala)

Restaurant-Style Chop Masala (Bhuna Masala) Ingredients For the Masala Base * 700 g Onions, finely chopped * 1 kg Tomatoes, finely chopped Step 2: Make the Ginger-Garlic Paste * ¼ cup Ginger * ⅓ cup Garlic * Add a little water to the ginger and garlic. * Grind into a smooth paste and set aside. Step 3: Roast and Grind the Whole Spices * 10 Whole Black Peppercorns * 3 Green Cardamom Pods * 1 Small Piece Cinnamon * 2 Cloves * 1 Bay Leaf * 4 tbsp Whole Coriander Seeds * 1 tbsp Cumin Seeds * Dry roast lightly until aromatic. * Transfer to a plate and allow to cool completely. * Grind into a fine powder and keep aside. For Cooking * 1½ cups Mustard Oil * ¼ tsp Asafoetida (Hing) * 1 tsp Cumin Seeds * * 2 tbsp Salt * 2 tbsp Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder * 1 tsp Turmeric Powder * 1 tbsp Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves) ⸻ Method Step 4: Brown the Onions * Heat mustard oil in a large kadai or pan. * Add hing and cumin seeds. * Add the chopped onions and sauté until deep golden brown. Step 5: Cook the Ginger-Garlic Paste * Add the prepared ginger-garlic paste. * Cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and fragrant. Step 6: Add the Spice Mix * Add: * Salt * Kashmiri red chilli powder * Turmeric powder * The roasted and ground spice powder * Mix well and sauté for 2–3 minutes. Step 7: Add the Tomatoes * Add the finely chopped tomatoes. * Mix thoroughly. * Cover and cook until the tomatoes soften completely and the oil separates from the masala. Step 8: Finish the Masala * Add Kasuri Methi. * Mix well and cook for another 1–2 minutes. Step 9: Ready to Use * Your Restaurant-Style Chop Masala (Bhuna Masala) is ready. * Use it as a base for preparing chole, rajma, paneer dishes, mixed vegetables, chicken curries, mutton curries, and many other restaurant-style gravies. Chef’s Tip: Allow the masala to cool completely before storing. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week or freeze in portions for longer storage. Restaurant Style Chop Masala, Bhuna Masala Recipe, Curry Base Recipe, Restaurant Gravy Base, Onion Tomato Masala, Make Ahead Gravy, Hotel Style Curry Base, Punjabi Gravy Recipe, Chole Rajma Base Masala, Rita Arora Recipes