3big tomatoes(11/2 cups Readymade crushed or puree/sauce tomato can be used)
1big red bell pepper diced(This substitute onion easily for this gravy)
2inchof ginger
2-3bay leaves
1teaspoonred chili powder
1teaspoonpeparika powder
nutmeg powder just to taste
saffron powder just to taste dissolve in 1 tbsp water
cardamon powder just to taste
cinnamon powder just to taste
aamchoor powder just to taste
cumin powder just to taste
coriander powder just to taste
(If you don't have all this powder ready mix all them together and grind them in the grinder or use ready Garam masala making sure no onion garlic in it)
2tbsp. oil
salt according to your taste but deffinitely need 1 teaspoon.
1tsp. Brown sugar
1tbsp. unsalted butter. If using salted add less salt
Water as needed
Instructions
Boil tomatoes with enough water for about 10-15 min. Take off the skin and make puree. Readymade crushed tomato can be used to save some time. Now heat just 1 tbsp out of 2 tbspoil in the pan and saute the red bell pepper till little soft. When done make paste of cooked red bell pepper and ginger. Again use the same pan and pour another 1tbsp of oil at this time and add bay leaves. Add prepared paste, tomato puree, all spice powders, salt, sugar and cook about another 5 min. Add water if needed. Add butter and just cook till the butter is incorporated in gravy. You will get nice smooth gravy.
You can use this gravy for many dishes. If you are going to use heavy cream, add heavy cream at last before serving. this gravy can be freezed and use them later to make many dishes such as Paneer Masala, Paneer Bhurji, Vegetable kormaand many more recipes. I use this gravy in almost all punjabi curries. I add peas, paneer and potato to just make simple punjabi curry.
Notes
If you use ready made tomato puree, preparation and cooking time will be less.
Once gravy is done, you can add cream or yogurt as per recipe requirement and your gravy will be super smooth.