Tomato Curry Sauce [Easy Instant Pot Recipe]
There are sauces that make a dish taste good… and then there are sauces that steal the show. This Tomato Curry Sauce definitely falls into the second category. It’s creamy, spiced just right, and somehow manages to taste like it simmered all day – even though the Instant Pot does most of the work in about 10 minutes.
Made with crushed tomatoes, coconut milk, garlic, ginger, and a handful of warm spices, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket. Pour it over rice, spoon it onto roasted veggies, or serve it with chicken or fish – no matter how you use it, this sauce makes any meal feel a little more special.
Why You’ll Love This Sauce
- Quick & easy: 10 minutes of cook time in the Instant Pot.
- Versatile: Use it with chicken, fish, vegetables, or grains.
- Flavorful: Layers of spice from ginger, garlic, and garam masala.
- Diet-friendly: Paleo, gluten-free, and dairy-free.
Ingredient Notes
- Crushed tomatoes: The base of the sauce, providing rich flavor and natural sweetness.
- Garlic + ginger: Bright, zesty flavor that makes curry sing.
- Garam masala & turmeric: Traditional Indian spices that add warmth and depth.
- Coconut milk: Adds creaminess without dairy.
- Red pepper flakes: A touch of heat – adjust to taste.
- Thyme: Fresh herbs balance the richness of the sauce.
If you enjoy bold, flavorful dishes, you’ll love my Massaman Curry with Chicken for a Thai-inspired comfort meal, Spicy Basil Chicken for a quick stir-fry that packs a punch, and Kung Pao Shrimp for a takeout-style favorite you can make at home.
Tomato Curry Sauce
Ingredients
Method
- Combine all ingredients in the Instant Pot™. Lock lid. Press the Manual or Pressure Cook button and adjust time to 10 minutes. When timer beeps, let pressure release naturally for 5 minutes. Quick-release any remaining pressure until float valve drops and then unlock lid.
- Use an immersion blender to blend the sauce in the pot until smooth.
- Pour sauce into a lidded container or jar and refrigerate until ready to use. Use within 5 days.
Nutrition
Video
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!How to Use This Sauce
- Simmer chicken in it: Let the chicken cook gently in the sauce until tender and juicy for a flavorful main dish.
- Over eggs for breakfast: Spoon it over scrambled or poached eggs for a bold morning twist.
- With rice or cauliflower rice: A classic pairing that makes a complete meal.
- Tossed with roasted veggies: Carrots, cauliflower, and sweet potatoes all shine with this sauce.
- As a base for curries or stews: Build on it with your favorite proteins or legumes.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store in a sealed container for up to 5 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave.
- Freeze: Yes — freeze in jars or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
The “I Love My Instant Pot” Paleo Recipe Book
This recipe comes from The “I Love My Instant Pot” Paleo Recipe Book by Michelle Fagone – a must-have if you love easy, flavorful meals made in the Instant Pot. The book includes 175 Paleo recipes, with chapters covering Breakfast and Soups, Poultry, Beef, Pork, Seafood, and even Sweet Treats.
It also features a helpful introduction that walks you through the Instant Pot buttons, pressure-release methods, accessories, and cleaning tips.
Popular recipes like Sausage Gravy, White Chicken Chili, and Southern Squash Casserole have been given a Paleo twist, so you can stick to your Paleo or gluten-free lifestyle without missing out on comfort-food favorites.
Look for The “I Love My Instant Pot” Paleo Recipe Book at your local bookstore or at Amazon.com.
Last BIte
This Tomato Curry Sauce is one of those recipes you’ll want to keep on hand – it’s simple, versatile, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re following a Paleo lifestyle or just looking for a healthier homemade sauce, this recipe delivers big taste with very little effort.
👉 Give it a try, and let me know in the comments what you paired it with!
I clicked over to your lovely post, looked at your profile picture and realized I know you from the Alabama Peanut Tour! Just wanted to drop by and say HEY! Can’t wait to try this recipe this summer when I have fresh tomatoes and thyme from my garden.
Hey! That was a really great tour and it was nice meeting you. This is a delicious recipe. (I wish I could say that I created it, but I did not. I am just grateful that I was permitted to share it.)
READERS: Head over to Lisa’s blog CookingBride.com for MORE delicious recipe options.
I followed this recipe about a year ago.I froze about half of it. Maybe it’s just me (or my spices) but I found the sauce just a little bland. I plan to add 1/2 teaspoon cumin and maybe up the other spices a tiny bit next time.