Rich, creamy, and bursting with vibrant spices, this Dairy-Free Tomato Tandoori Sauce is the perfect plant-based alternative for your favorite Indian-inspired dishes. Crafted with a base of smooth coconut milk and puréed tomatoes, this sauce is infused with an aromatic medley of cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, and smoked paprika, delivering bold, authentic tandoori flavors. Finely chopped onions, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger add depth, while a hint of lemon juice brightens every bite. Ready in just 30 minutes, this versatile recipe is perfect as a savory topping for grilled vegetables, tofu, or any protein, or as the base for a flavorful curry. Whether you're following a dairy-free lifestyle or simply craving a luscious, spiced tomato sauce, this recipe is sure to impress!
Heat the coconut oil in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat.
Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 5–7 minutes, or until soft and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
Add the pureed canned tomatoes and tomato paste to the pot, stirring to combine.
Mix in the ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, smoked paprika, garam masala, and cayenne pepper (if using). Let the spices toast for 1–2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Pour in the coconut milk and stir well to create a smooth sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.
Taste and adjust the salt to your preference.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the lemon juice.
Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.
Serve as a sauce for grilled vegetables, tofu, or your favorite protein, or as a base for curry dishes.
Calories |
1024 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 87.6 g | 112% | |
| Saturated Fat | 74.1 g | 370% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 982 mg | 43% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 62.6 g | 23% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.8 g | 56% | |
| Total Sugars | 29.1 g | ||
| Protein | 14.8 g | 30% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 209 mg | 16% | |
| Iron | 17.0 mg | 94% | |
| Potassium | 2432 mg | 52% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.