Bhuna Masala: The Classic Base for Everyday Indian Gravies

Bhuna means to fry. It is a base for many Indian Curries. The base is used in everyday Indian cooking. This technique involves frying the onion, tomatoes, green chilies, ginger-garlic, and aromatic Indian spices. The secret to making it delicious is frying the base until it forms a paste without water.

Did you ever wonder what it is when you have been to an Indian Restaurant? How is it different from all other Indian curries?

Its origins are from the Bengal area of northeast India and western Bangladesh. Also, its popularity is beyond Indian shores. It is familiar now on the menus of Indian restaurants in the US. They usually serve with flavor rice and flatbreads like naan, paratha & Rotis. Also, alter according to the diner’s taste buds and choice of meat.

How is it made?

Firstly, heat the oil or ghee and temper with cumin seeds. Then sauté the onions along with the minced ginger-garlic-green chilies. Next, add tomato puree with salt. Also, add turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chili powder & cumin powder. And cook it till it reduces in quantity and until the oil begins to leave the sides of the pan. Some prefer adding sugar to balance the tanginess.

What Bhunas do we have for you?

At Little India, we serve bhunas with both Meat and Vegetarian Options.

Chicken Bhuna

We marinate the chicken first with yogurt, ginger-garlic, and some aromatic Indian spice powders. Simultaneously make the base. Then add the marinated chicken to the base. Stir till the chicken is all coated with the masala. Simmer till the chicken cooks perfectly and is juicy.

Lamb Bhuna:

The famous northern Punjab region Lamb bhuna is thick. The rich curry that we slow-cook with spices simmering for hours till the mutton appears brown. It is more flavourful as the meat cooks in its own juices. This finger-licking dish is worth it as we make it with ghee for the rich taste.

Chicken Tikka Bhuna

Marinate the Chicken with besan, lemon juice, yogurt, herbs, and spices. Grill the chicken to perfection. Add the tender, juicy & succulent chicken to the base. Cook till it absorbs the masala.

Shrimp Bhuna

The bit of tanginess, hot spiciness, and flavourful spices make this simple dish elegantly sophisticated. The shrimp remains the star without letting the spices dominate.

Fish Bhuna

Marinate with bright turmeric and Kashmiri chili powder. The fish is fried before being tossed in the base. It tastes the best when eaten with rice and zesty salad.

Our Classic Bhunas are also available with vegetarian and vegan options, which cannot be guaranteed with other restaurants in Denver.

Why not come and visit Little India of Denver? If your mouth is watering for a taste of these delicious and traditional Bhunas, they are available for both lunch & dinner options.

Little India is among the top searched, rated, and recommended Indian restaurants in the city of Denver with four locations, one on 330 E. 6th Avenue, second on 2390 S. Downing St., third in 32nd & Lowell Highland, and fourth on 29th Avenue Central Park, are easy to access five-star Indian food.