1. Put diced white onion and olive oil and let simmer. 2. Put diced garlic and ginger and let simmer. 3. Put diced tomatoes and let simmer. 4. Put salt, turmeric, garam masala, chili powder and let simmer. 5. Add meat or vegetables and let simmer. Done! Garam masala is the one ingredient that may be tough to come by you'll probably have to go to an Indian store for that.