Curry Powder

Curry powder is widely used in Indian cooking, curry powder is actually a blend of up to 15 spices, herbs and seeds. While there are different combinations possible, the most commonly used ingredients are red chilies, coriander, turmeric, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, fenugreek seeds, tamarind, black and white pepper, rock salt, dried ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, poppy seeds and sesame seeds. The color of the spice blend may vary from a bright golden yellow to a toasty brown or red. It has a musky aroma, and a spicy taste.  Turmeric and fenugreek add earthiness, cinnamon and cardamom add sweetness, while the red chilies and pepper add spiciness to the powder. Since each household has its own proportions to make this powder, the resulting flavor will also be different depending on the ingredients that dominate the blend.

Culinary Uses

• Add 3 small spoons of this curry powder/masala to make 1 kg. green vegetables, lentils, non-vegetables dishes and in general cooking.
• Curry powder is used in a variety of curries, lentils, green vegetables and non-vegetables dishes and other savory foods.
• Before using curry powder mix it again with spoon because it is a mix of different spices in powder form.
• It is used to flavour soups and stews, and does wonders for sauces and marinades.
• For a quick dip to complement fruit and vegetable sticks, blend sour cream or yogurt with curry powder, marmalade and thyme.

How to Store

• Curry powder quickly loses its pungency.
• It should be stored in an air-tight container and used before 12 months.
• Refrigeration is not required.

Health Benefits

• Since curry powder is added only in small quantities, it does not have substantial health benefits.
• However, the use of beneficial spices like cloves and peppercorns helps improve digestion and immune functions.