9 masala recipes

A batch-cook curry base gravy with garlic, ginger, onion puree, and tomatoes. Make 10 portions, freeze, and shortcut your way through weeknight curries.

This rich flavoursome dish originates in the fertile Punjab, a state now divided between India and Pakistan. There is nothing more important to a Punjabi man's diet than bread, and meals are accompanied by flat round cornbread rotis or rich, flaky pan-fried paratha layered with ghee (clarified butter). Rice is reserved for special occasions or for rice pudding, for the only food that makes a Punjabi feel he has eaten a proper meal is his bread! You of course, can serve this dish with plain boiled rice.

Punjabi masala brinjals: eggplants scored and stuffed with cumin, pomegranate seeds, garam masala, and turmeric, then braised in a spiced tomato-ginger sauce until tender.

Authentic jhinka masala with plump shrimp simmered in a fragrant blend of mustard seeds, cumin, turmeric, and fresh ginger. Ready in 30 minutes and served over nutty basmati rice for a weeknight Indian curry that hits every warm, spicy note.

Authentic Indian garam masala blends black pepper, caraway, cinnamon, coriander, cloves, and cardamom into a robust, fragrant spice mix for curries, braises, and finishing dishes.

Masala Vangi: baby eggplants stuffed with toasted coconut, coriander, and cayenne, then simmered and drizzled with tangy ginger-tamarind sauce. A vegetarian Indian classic.

Tender zucchini and green peas simmered in a cumin-turmeric tomato sauce with a kick of cayenne. This easy Indian torai masala is a vibrant vegetarian side dish ready in 35 minutes.

Tender carrot slices sauté in butter then simmer in sweet Marsala wine until glazed and glossy, creating an elegant Italian-inspired side dish that's ready in under 25 minutes.

.