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Most people don’t dislike cooking, but the everyday decision-making of what to make. What to cook, how much time it will take to make, and whether the effort will even feel worth it. That is where one smart gravy base has the ability to change everything. Prepping a simple masala in advance means you’re not making everything starting from scratch, but you are simply just finishing a dish that is already made. The chopping, slow-cooking, and spice balancing happen all at once, and you are sorted for the rest of the week.
On busy weekdays, that base turns into delectable paneer curry in minutes, saves leftover vegetables, or gives eggs, chana, or chicken a proper taste. It saves you from standing near the gas, switching between dishes, and also the question of what to make, without making food feel repetitive. Instead of treating cooking like an everyday task, it becomes easy, flexible, and surprisingly yummy.
Onion–Tomato Masala Base
This is the most trustworthy base you can blindly rely on. Slow-cooked onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and basic spices are cooked until they turn soft. Make a big batch of it on Sunday, and you are sorted for the rest of the week. On Monday, add paneer cubes and cream to make a quick paneer butter-style curry. On Tuesday, toss some boiled eggs and finish it with kasuri methi. By each passing day, it tastes more pleasing because the base has more depth, and you are just changing the main ingredient. It can be stored well in the refrigerator, requires no fancy spice add-ons, and turns everyday cooking into easy work rather than additional effort.
(Image credit: Freepik)
Yellow Onion & Cashew Base
This pale, creamy base is prepared by cooking onions, ginger, garlic, and cashews, then blending everything to make a smooth paste. It feels luxurious but is mild and can be experimented with various ingredients. Add mushrooms and black pepper to make a rich vegetarian curry, or stir in the shredded chicken with garam masala to get a light korma-style dish. Because tomatoes are not used in it, the base remains gentle and does not overpower the ingredients. It is perfect when you are cooking for kids, elders, or anyone who likes flavour but minus the spicy notes.
Bhuna Masala Base
This base is all about patience. Onions and tomatoes are cooked until the oil separates, and the masala turns dark and bold. Make it once, and you’ll know its power. You can add bhindi and amchur for a dry-style curry, or pressure-cook mutton or chana and chole with it to get a bold gravy. As the heavy work is already done, everyday cooking is hassle-free and faster. This base is best for days when you want to have a proper meal but do not want to stand in the kitchen for hours.
(Image credit: Freepik)
Coconut–Onion Base
Fresh coconut, onions, ginger, and green chillies are cooked lightly and then blended to make this base creamy without adding any cream to it. Pair it with some mixed vegetables to make a mild kurma, add prawns to get that coastal-style curry, or simply stir in boiled potatoes for a quick weekday meal. The coconut gives the dish its body, whereas the onion keeps it balanced. Prep it once, and this base saves time on busy mornings and also pairs beautifully with rice, dosa, or even soft chapatis.
Tomato–Garlic Base
This base skips onions completely and has just tomatoes, garlic, cumin, and a hint of chilli cooked down and blended. It is quick, fresh, and extremely versatile. Add kidney beans to make a quick rajma curry, paneer for a light lunch gravy, or add leftover veggies for a no-waste dinner. Because it is lighter than most of the gravies, it works pleasingly when you want flavour without making it heavy. It is perfect for ruched days, late dinners, or low-effort cooking nights.
(Image credit: Freepik)
