When I usually cook an Indian meal, I use chopped onions, garlic, ginger, etc., mix in whole spices and dried spices, usually some tomatoes, and whatever protein. It is usually "lumpy", with easily discernable pieces of vegetable.
When I get a takeaway, the sauce is different. It is usually smooth and often velvety. This is because the restaurant doesn't try and make everything from scratch for every order, they couldn't! They make a large batch of sauce that they combine with appropriate other ingredients and protein to make the ordered dish. From a korma to a rogan josh, the base sauce is the same.
The good news is that you can do the same, and it is a great meal prepper which freezes well. You can make it whatever way you like. This one will make 2 x 250ml portions, which will be quite dense and will need a little water added.
Ingredients:
1 medium red onion, sliced
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp mustard seeds
1/2 tsp cardamom seeds (or 6 pods, crushed)
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp coriander powder
1 tsp garam masala powder
1 tsp crushed chillis (optional)
1/2 can chopped tomatoes
1/2 contents of 285g jar roasted peppers
1/2 contents of 285g jar sundried tomatoes
Heat some oil in a pan over medium-high heat and add the cumin seed, mustard seed and cardamom. When the seeds are sizzling, add the sliced onion and fry for a few minutes until starting to get translucent.
Stir in the turmeric powder and allow to cook for a minute, stirring, and then stir in the rest of the dry spices.
Note that the chilli is optional here, as it gives you options to add or hold off heat later on.
Stir in the tomatoes and the same volume of water. Add the roasted peppers and the sundried tomatoes.
Continue to cook for a couple of minutes more and then set aside to cool. If using, remove cardamom pods now. Once cool, either add to a liquidiser or use an immersion blender to achieve a smooth consistency. Add some more water if it seems too thick.
Use immediately or split into portions and freeze. If using from frozen, heat in the microwave first, adding water to get the right consistency, before adding in with other ingredients in the pan.