MyMusingsSangSpeak-Pet Puja - Basic Curry (Rassa) Paste/Masala

Basic Curry Masala(Paste)

The basic curry masala paste is generally used in most Maharashtrian recipes and can be used for vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian dishes. This is the typical Kolhapuri Rassa(Kolhapuri Curry) paste. It is used to make many rassa bhajis (subjis or vegetables). In earlier days, when no mixers were available, this paste would be ground on a stone slab with hands, it was a good form of exercise too. The paste would be prepared fresh every time when it was required for a dish. The mixer has simplified the process to great extent. Nowadays, we have the fridge, hence, this paste can be prepared and refrigerated and used as and when required. Life has become much easier. The main ingredients for the curry paste are onions, cocnut, fresh coriander, ginger and garlic.

Ingredients

Onions – 4 large

Dry Coconut – 1 whole(grated)

Ginger – 2 inch piece

Garlic - 25-30 cloves

Coriander – 10 -12 sprigs

Oil – 2-3 tablespoons

Water – As reqiured  

Method

Chop onions and fry the onion in little oil till it is browned well. Then dry roast coconut and grind all the ingredients- onions, coconut, ginger, garlic, coriander to a fine paste. Add little water if required. Heat little oil in a pan and roast the masala paste on medium flame till it leaves the sides of the pan. You need to stir continuously lest the paste is burnt. Cool the basic curry masala paste and store in a container and refrigerate in deep freezer.

Note

This basic curry masala can be used for vegetarian as well as non vegetarian dishes. You can make brinjals, ridge gourd, green peas, potatoes, cauliflower, all kinds of sprouts etc. in vegetarian recipes. The paste can be used to make eggs, chicken, meat, fish etc. too.

For non vegetarian recipes, a mix of sesame and poppy seeds is also added for extra flavour. Sesame and poppy seeds are dry roasted and powdered and added to the curry paste.

While making curries, you need to add turmeric, chilly powder, garam masala or Kolhapuri Kaala Masala in addition. Tomatoes also can be added. Fresh grated coconut can be substituted in place of dry coconut. You can use desiccated coconut too.