What’s the cheapest way to make sabzi base for 4 meals?

Question

What’s the cheapest way to make a sabzi base for 4 different meals? Learn how to cook a versatile onion-tomato masala on a tight budget.

Answer 1

The cheapest way to make sabzi base for 4 meals is to use a combination of onions, tomatoes, and basic spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Buy these in bulk when they are on sale and freeze any excess.

Detailed Explanation:

Creating a cost-effective sabzi base involves strategic ingredient selection and preparation. Here's a breakdown:

1. Onions: Onions form the foundation of most sabzi bases. They are relatively inexpensive and add a crucial depth of flavor. Buy a large bag of onions when they are on sale.
2. Tomatoes: Tomatoes provide acidity and sweetness. Canned crushed tomatoes are often cheaper than fresh tomatoes, especially out of season. Alternatively, buy fresh tomatoes in bulk when they are in season and freeze them.
3. Ginger and Garlic: These aromatics add a lot of flavor. Buy them fresh and store them properly to extend their shelf life. You can also buy ginger and garlic paste, but it's usually more expensive.
4. Basic Spices: Turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili powder are essential spices for Indian cooking. Buy these in bulk from an Indian grocery store for the best prices.
5. Preparation: Finely chop the onions, ginger, and garlic. If using fresh tomatoes, blend them into a puree. Sauté the onions until golden brown, then add the ginger and garlic. Cook for a minute until fragrant, then add the tomato puree and spices. Simmer until the base thickens.
6. Storage: Divide the sabzi base into four portions and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for longer storage.

Pro Tip:

Consider using vegetable scraps (onion peels, carrot tops, etc.) to make a vegetable broth. Use this broth instead of water when simmering your sabzi base to add extra flavor and nutrients, reducing food waste and saving money.