The pros: Trader Joe's Masala Simmer Sauce is a decent simmer sauce, but if you've had anything from the frozen Indian entrees those are far superior in quality.
The cons: While there are spices in here, the heat is almost non-existent. So if you are looking for the heat, keep hot chili powder or cayenne close by to mix in.
The verdict: Right now, I have a whole collection of Trader Joe's sauces and marinades to go through. I picked out this one as I just got together with a college friend of mine and went to an Indian restaurant. I polished off my dinner, but still wanted just a bit more Indian cuisine to get me through the week. And while I've tried every frozen Trader Joe's Indian entree they have (and thought they were all darn good in one way or another), I was still curious about this sauce as it is less expensive than a single frozen item.
So Sunday night rolls around and I am in the midst of meal planning. So I reached for this jar to hopefully find a path to at home Indian joy. While I got some of the familiar aromas, it was lacking in those rich intense Indian flavors.
Perhaps, my view is a bit biased as I have made Indian at home previously. When I made chicken tikka masala at home the chicken was heavily coated in spices and then the sauce was made. I think by skipping that one step there is a missed opportunity to develop those flavors.
Now, if you've ever had any of the frozen Indian entrees, you already know that those range in heat from mild to medium. This masala simmer sauce has some extremely almost not noticeable heat. So, if you like some warmth beyond temperature then you'll want some hot chili powder or perhaps cayenne to bring the flavor up a notch.
For $2.49, it is relatively inexpensive. But, it's no where nearly as good as the sauce that comes with any of the frozen entrees. If they could bottle the chicken tikka sauce, or the vindaloo sauce, or my personal favorite the Korma sauce, then I would absolutely buy a few jars of that. But as is, it is just alright. It's not inedible, but it does not rise to being great either.
The jar of Trader Joe's Masala Simmer Sauce:
The nutritional information and the ingredient list.
How to prepare:
After being cooked with some chicken and Jasmine rice you get:
A closer look at the finished product:
Would I buy this again? No, I would not buy Trader Joe's Masala Simmer Sauce again. It wasn't terrible, not it's no show stopper.
Want to see more items I've reviewed from Trader Joe's? Click on Thoughts & Reviews of Trader Joe's for an alphabetized list.
Dag says
I so agree with you. This sauce is not nearly as good as the sauce in the frozen entrees. I have asked them time and time again to consider selling the frozen entree tikka sauce on it's own. Maybe if we started a petition....lol. I have tried replicating it on my own but haven't been able to match it exactly. I am getting close though. I will share when/if I hit the mark:)
becomebetty says
Hey Dag! If you get close to replicating it, would you mind sharing? Which Indian entree was your favorite? I had a huge soft spot for the Korma.
Dag says
I will certainly share! I just got some new Indian spices from a specialty spice market in Seattle-World Spice Merchants. I have added toasted cumin & coriander to my collection, I used to get spices from Penzeys but really have gravitated towards World Spice. Even though I live in Seattle (near the Space Needle) & the store is less than 3 miles away I still do mail order. Cheaper than paying for parking....lol. I am hoping with these additions I will have a closer match.
I, like you totally love their frozen Indian food. In general I love korma sauce but I believe it is only offered with fish. I don't love fish in general, not the protein I gravite towards. What I love are vegetable dumpiings in korma sauce but they only offer the vegetable dumplings in the Vegetable Biryani which is good but not a favorite. Dumpling are great....sauce/rice combo a little off, lacking something. I LOVE the Palaak Paneer, the Chicken Tiikka Masala (and Vegan Masala) & the Paneer Tikka Masala. (love that spinach rice). I really miss the Paneer Naan.
becomebetty says
I saw that place on Good Eats! Penzey's was my only local spice shop. They closed the closest location to me. I couldn't agree with you more on the entrees and yes, the paneer tikka it's all about the spinach rice. I would love to buy just a big bag of that!
Dagmar says
The awesome thing about World Spice Merchants is that you can buy a smaller amounts of their spices and spice blends. If you do check it out look at the Emerald City blend which is great for potato salad as well as other things. They give recipe suggestions for each one of their spices and blends. Shipping is also very reasonable as long as you don't order it in glass jars.
becomebetty says
Now, I have to look for this place online. There is just something amazing about going to a spice store and taking in the whole experience. I'll absolutely look into that Emerald City blend. It sounds like something right up my alley.
Lauren says
I love your fork.
becomebetty says
Thank you, it's part of my grandmother's set. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!