Indian Curry Powder Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is Indian curry powder made of? ›

What's In Curry Powder? Curry powders usually consist of turmeric, cumin, ginger, and black pepper. Some blends also incorporate garlic and cinnamon. What all curry powders share is a sweet warmth and pleasant pungency that adds a toasty depth to everything it touches.

TURMERIC. That is the go to spice in any South Indian kitchen to enhance a dish.

Ultimately both curry powder and masala are blended spice mixes that can be added to food to pack a spicy and aromatic kick. In the end, the difference boils down to the different mix of spices, masala being more of a warming aromatic blend and curry powder being more of an earthy blend.

Spices: South Indian curries use a blend of spices that are typically not used in other curries. This includes mustard seeds, cumin seeds, curry leaves, and asafoetida (hing). Turmeric and tamarind are also commonly used.

The actual sweetness and creaminess of such curries meanwhile, usually comes from fried onions and either cashews and/or dairy products. Instead of (or in addition to) onion, ground coconut may be used. White poppy seeds and/or watermelon seeds are also used in some creamy sauces.

❤️💯The key ingredient in most Indian curries is a blend of spices known as "masala" or "curry powder". While the specific blend of spices can vary depending on the region and the dish, typical ingredients include turmeric, cumin, coriander, ginger, garlic, and chili peppers.

You'll find hing or asafatida in about 90% of Indian recipes. It's that pale looking spice that smells a bit like eggs and tastes rather bitter. But don't be put off by hing's foul odour - most Indians certainly aren't. Hing is the spice responsible for giving Indian food its heady and authentic flavour.

The primary ingredient in most Indian curry powders is bright yellow turmeric. Turmeric is earthy, musky, and warm, and delivers great depth to curries with no heat. Indian curry spices are usually a blend of: Kashmiri Chile Powder – this chile has a terrific, rich flavor without much heat.

What are the 3 main spices in Indian food? ›

Curries can be bland if you haven't used enough of the base aromatics of garlic, ginger, and onion. The onion should be caramelized in oil until well browned and flavorful. Spices should not be old enough to lose potency and preferably should be toasted and ground yourself.

One study found that people who eat more curry powder are less likely to have high blood pressure. Another study found that having curry powder in a meal improves circulation immediately after the meal. The turmeric commonly found in curry powder also helps lower cholesterol, which makes heart disease less likely.

Cumin and chili powder work together as a swap-out ingredient for curry powder that deliver spicy warming notes. These spices work with meat dishes, stews and curries.

Curry is usually associated with Indian food, though it is also found in Asian and Caribbean cuisines. Curry powders are blends created to season curries. Despite the presumption that they are traditional Indian dishes, curry powders were not developed for Indian kitchens.

Garam masala, a traditional Indian spice blend, is perhaps the closest match for a curry powder substitute. While garam masala often contains many of the same spices as curry powder, it often features additional ingredients like mustard seed, cloves and peppercorn.