Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat and then add a tablespoon of olive oil
Add in the diced onion and a pich of salt. Saute for about 15 minutes until the onions soften and start to carmelize
Add in the minced garlic and another pinch of salt. Saute for another 5 minutes
Add in the turmeric, chili powder, coriander, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Stir for 2 minutes until the onions and garlic are evenly coated
Add in the tomato paste and stir for 5 minutes until the edges of the pan turn a metallic orange color
Add the can of tomatoes with their juices, water, the rest of the salt, and the Chai tea concentrate. Bring to a boil
Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, then add the brown sugar. Stir until it dissolves
Simmer the sauce for 10 more minutes, stirring occasionally until it reaches your desired thickness
Add in the apple cider vinegar and simmer for 2 more minutes then turn off the heat
Add in the cumin and taste. Adjust for seasoning as needed.
Allow sauce to cool before transfering it to a blender and beldning until smooth. If using an immersion blender you can blend the sauce directly in the pan until it's smooth.
Once cooled store the sauce in glass jars or containers with air tight lids and refrigerate. Sauce will keep for up to 2 weeks in the refridgerator