Jamie Oliver’s Curry Sauce Recipe

  • June 29, 2025

Jamie Oliver’s Curry Sauce is the perfect combination of bold flavors and effortless cooking, making it a must-try for those who love rich, aromatic curries without the hassle of long preparation times.

What Is Jamie Oliver’s Curry Sauce

Jamie Oliver’s Curry Sauce is a versatile, flavorful sauce designed to bring the comforting taste of homemade curry to your kitchen with ease. With a carefully crafted blend of spices, tomatoes, and aromatic ingredients, this curry sauce delivers an authentic depth of flavor that makes any dish feel special. Whether you’re a novice cook or an experienced chef, Jamie Oliver’s Curry Sauce simplifies the curry-making process while ensuring that every bite bursts with deliciousness.

Jamie Oliver’s Curry Sauce Recipe

Ingredients Needed

jamie oliver curry sauce

To make Jamie Oliver’s Curry Sauce, you’ll need a handful of fresh ingredients that together create the bold flavor profile. Here are the essentials:

  • Olive oil – A good-quality olive oil will form the base of the sauce, helping to bring out the flavors of the spices.
  • Onions – Finely chopped onions add sweetness and body to the sauce.
  • Garlic – A few cloves of garlic give the sauce an aromatic punch.
  • Ginger – Freshly grated ginger adds a hint of warmth and spice.
  • Tomatoes – You’ll need ripe tomatoes (or a can of chopped tomatoes) to create the rich, tangy base for the curry.
  • Spices – Ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala form the essential spice blend.
  • Chili – Fresh chili or chili powder adds a bit of heat, balancing the rich flavors.
  • Coconut milk or cream – This helps to mellow out the spice and create a creamy texture.
  • Fresh cilantro – To garnish and add a fresh herbal note that brightens up the curry.

These ingredients come together to create a balanced and flavorful curry sauce that can easily be adapted to suit various proteins or vegetables.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need any fancy equipment to make Jamie Oliver’s Curry Sauce. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Chopping board and knife – To chop the onions, garlic, ginger, and any other ingredients.
  • Large pan or saucepan – This is where you’ll cook the sauce, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  • Wooden spoon – For stirring and ensuring the spices are evenly distributed.
  • Grater – To grate the fresh ginger.
  • Can opener – If using canned tomatoes or coconut milk.
  • Ladle – For serving the sauce or pouring it over the dish you’re making.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Curry Sauce?

Making Jamie Oliver’s Curry Sauce is surprisingly simple and doesn’t take much time. Here’s how you can whip up a flavorful curry sauce in just a few steps:

  1. Prep your ingredients: Start by finely chopping your onions, garlic, and ginger. If you’re using fresh chili, chop it as well.
  2. Cook the aromatics: In a large pan, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, and ginger and cook until softened and aromatic-this will take about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add the spices: Stir in the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. Cook for another minute to allow the spices to toast and release their fragrance.
  4. Add tomatoes: Pour in your chopped tomatoes or canned tomatoes, and stir to combine. Let this cook for around 10 minutes, breaking down the tomatoes and thickening the mixture.
  5. Simmer: Add coconut milk (or cream) and some water if needed to achieve your desired consistency. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for another 10-15 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld.
  6. Finish and season: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning, adding salt, pepper, or more chili for heat if desired. Once you’re happy with the flavor, stir in freshly chopped cilantro.
  7. Serve: The curry sauce is now ready to be served! Pour it over cooked chicken, lamb, or vegetables, or even mix it into a stir-fry for a quick weeknight dinner.

Expert Tips

  • Spice control: If you’re sensitive to spice, feel free to adjust the amount of chili in the sauce. Start with less and add more as needed.
  • Simmer for deeper flavor: The longer you let the sauce simmer, the more the flavors will develop. If you have extra time, let it cook for 30 minutes for an even richer taste.
  • Customize your curry: The beauty of this curry sauce is its versatility. You can add any vegetables (like potatoes, peas, or spinach) or proteins (chicken, beef, tofu, or prawns) to make it your own.
  • Make ahead: This sauce stores well in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. You can even freeze it for up to 3 months, so it’s a great option for meal prep.
  • For extra richness: Add a spoonful of plain yogurt or a dash of cream at the end to make the sauce even richer and creamier.

Jamie Oliver’s Curry Sauce is a fantastic way to elevate your home cooking game. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, you can prepare a curry that’s bursting with flavor and rich in texture.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving a crowd, this sauce is versatile and customizable, making it a staple in any kitchen. With a little creativity, you can use it as the base for endless curry variations, from vegan dishes to hearty meat-based meals. So grab your apron, follow these steps, and bring the tantalizing flavors of an authentic curry right to your table.

Easy Recipe Variations For Jamie Oliver’s Curry Sauce

jamie oliver curry sauce

Jamie Oliver’s curry sauce recipe is a versatile base that can easily be customized to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are some easy variations you can try to keep your curry exciting and fresh each time:

  1. Spicy and Smoky Curry Sauce: If you love heat and a smoky depth of flavor, add smoked paprika and a chopped chipotle pepper to the mix. These ingredients will give your curry a rich, smoky heat that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes and onions in the base sauce. If you want to make it even spicier, increase the amount of chili or use fresh bird’s eye chilies.
  2. Vegetarian or Vegan Curry Sauce: For a plant-based version, simply omit the cream and replace it with coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free alternative. You can also add a variety of vegetables, such as carrots, peas, spinach, or cauliflower, to enhance the flavor and texture.
  3. Coconut Curry Sauce: To give the curry sauce a more tropical flavor, incorporate coconut milk along with a tablespoon of ground turmeric. This variation will yield a creamy, fragrant sauce that pairs wonderfully with fish, chicken, or vegetables.
  4. Mango Curry Sauce: A fantastic way to add a fruity twist to your curry sauce is to blend in some fresh or frozen mango chunks. The sweetness of the mango balances out the spices and gives the sauce a silky-smooth consistency, perfect for a mild yet flavorful curry.
  5. Lemon and Herb Curry Sauce: For a tangy, fresh twist, add a generous squeeze of lemon juice and fresh herbs like cilantro or mint. This variation works well with lighter proteins, like chicken breast or shrimp, and gives the curry an uplifting, aromatic finish.
  6. Butter Chicken-Style Curry Sauce: To mimic the popular butter chicken curry, add a couple of tablespoons of butter and some cream to your sauce, along with a bit of garam masala and fenugreek leaves. This will create a rich, luxurious sauce that’s perfect with chicken or paneer.
  7. Sweet and Sour Curry Sauce: If you’re in the mood for something a bit tangier, add a spoonful of tamarind paste or a small amount of brown sugar and vinegar to balance out the heat and spice. This sweet-and-sour variation works wonderfully with pork or tofu.

These variations will help you adapt Jamie’s curry sauce to your mood, dietary needs, or the ingredients you have on hand, creating endless opportunities for delicious meals!

Best Practices To Store Leftovers

Storing curry sauce and leftovers properly is key to maintaining both flavor and safety. Here are the best practices to follow:

  1. Cool the Sauce Before Storing: After cooking your curry sauce, allow it to cool at room temperature for no more than 2 hours before storing it. This prevents bacteria growth and keeps the sauce fresh for longer.
  2. Airtight Containers: For optimal freshness, store curry sauce and leftovers in airtight containers. This helps prevent moisture from escaping and keeps your curry from absorbing unwanted odors from the fridge. Glass containers are especially useful because they don’t absorb smells and are easy to clean.
  3. Separate Protein from Sauce: If you have a curry with added protein (like chicken, beef, or tofu), consider separating the protein from the sauce before storing. This helps the sauce maintain its consistency and makes it easier to reheat the protein and sauce without overcooking anything.
  4. Refrigerating Curry Sauce: Curry sauce will last in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. Always make sure to check for any signs of spoilage, like changes in texture, color, or an off smell.
  5. Freezing for Longer Storage: If you want to store curry sauce for a longer period, freezing is a great option. Let the curry sauce cool completely before transferring it into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Label the containers with the date so you can keep track of how long it’s been frozen. Curry sauce can typically be frozen for up to 3 months.
  6. Reheating Leftovers: When reheating your curry sauce, it’s best to do so gently on the stove over low to medium heat to preserve the flavors. If the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge or freezer, simply add a splash of water or broth to return it to the desired consistency.

What Goes Well With Curry Sauce?

Curry sauce is incredibly versatile, and the possibilities for pairing it are nearly endless. Here are some ideas for what to serve with curry sauce:

  1. Rice: A classic pairing! Fragrant basmati rice, jasmine rice, or even brown rice are the perfect base for soaking up the rich curry sauce. You could also try coconut rice for an added flavor dimension.
  2. Bread: Indian breads such as naan, roti, or paratha are fantastic for dipping into curry sauce. Their soft texture complements the creamy, spicy sauce, and they’re great for sopping up every last bit.
  3. Grilled Meats and Vegetables: If you’re making a non-vegetarian curry, grilled chicken, lamb, or shrimp are perfect proteins to pair with the sauce. For vegetarians, roasted cauliflower, grilled eggplant, or even paneer work beautifully with the sauce.
  4. Salads: A fresh, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance out the richness of curry sauce. Try a cucumber and tomato salad with lemon dressing, or a mixed green salad with a mint-yogurt dressing for an added cooling effect.
  5. Potatoes: Roasted potatoes or potato wedges pair wonderfully with curry sauce, soaking up the spices and adding a hearty texture. For a comforting touch, try mashed potatoes with a hint of turmeric or cumin.
  6. Pickles and Chutneys: A side of tangy mango chutney or spicy lime pickle can provide a sharp contrast to the smooth and rich curry sauce, adding layers of flavor to the meal.
  7. Eggs: Hard-boiled eggs or a fried egg are another great option for topping a curry, especially in a spiced vegetarian curry like a potato and egg curry.

Conclusion

Jamie Oliver’s curry sauce is a fantastic and adaptable recipe that can be customized to suit a variety of tastes and dietary needs. Whether you’re adding heat with smoked paprika or enjoying the rich, creamy texture with coconut milk, there’s no shortage of ways to play with the recipe.

Pair it with your favorite grains, proteins, or vegetables, and you’ll have a comforting, flavorful meal every time. Plus, with proper storage, you can enjoy your delicious curry leftovers for several days or even freeze them for later enjoyment. From easy recipe variations to smart storage tips, mastering curry sauce is a great way to elevate your cooking game!.

FAQs

What Are The Key Ingredients For Jamie Oliver’s Curry Sauce Recipe?

Jamie Oliver’s curry sauce recipe typically includes onion, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, fresh coriander, and a mix of spices such as turmeric, cumin, and coriander. He also uses coconut milk to add creaminess and a rich flavor.

Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Curry Sauce Spicier?

Yes, you can increase the spice level by adding more chili, or by including extra spices like cayenne pepper or hot paprika. Adjust the heat to suit your taste.

How Long Does It Take To Make Jamie Oliver’s Curry Sauce?

Making Jamie Oliver’s curry sauce takes approximately 30-40 minutes. This includes time for chopping the ingredients, cooking them down, and allowing the flavors to meld together.

Is Jamie Oliver’s Curry Sauce Suitable For Vegetarians?

Yes, Jamie Oliver’s curry sauce can easily be made vegetarian-friendly. Just use vegetable stock and ensure all ingredients are plant-based, like coconut milk instead of cream.

Can I Use A Different Kind Of Milk Instead Of Coconut Milk In Jamie Oliver’s Curry Sauce?

Yes, if you’re not a fan of coconut milk, you can substitute it with almond milk or any other plant-based milk. However, coconut milk adds a unique richness that other milk substitutes might not replicate.

Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Curry Sauce Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can make the curry sauce ahead of time. In fact, the flavors often improve after sitting in the fridge for a day or two. Simply store it in an airtight container and reheat when needed.

What Dishes Can I Serve With Jamie Oliver’s Curry Sauce?

Jamie Oliver’s curry sauce can be served with a variety of dishes such as rice, naan bread, grilled vegetables, tofu, or your favorite protein like chicken, lamb, or shrimp.

How Can I Thicken Jamie Oliver’s Curry Sauce?

If you want to thicken Jamie Oliver’s curry sauce, you can simmer it for a longer period to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, you can mix in a bit of cornstarch or flour to achieve the desired consistency.

Can I Freeze Jamie Oliver’s Curry Sauce?

Yes, Jamie Oliver’s curry sauce freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

It can be stored for up to three months. Just reheat it thoroughly before serving.

What Can I Do If My Curry Sauce Turns Out Too Bitter?

If your curry sauce turns out too bitter, try adding a bit of sugar or honey to balance the bitterness. You can also add a bit more coconut milk or cream to smooth out the flavors.