Curry powder, a warm and mildly spicy blend, is packed with the fresh aroma and flavors of whole Indian spices like coriander, cumin, and fenugreek. Ideal for authentic curries, this homemade Curry Powder recipe also enhances the taste of roasted vegetables, chicken, and rice with its bold flavor.
Jump to:
Originating from the Tamil word "Kari," curry powder is traditionally made from toasted, ground whole spices and curry leaves. This easy-to-make homemade recipe delivers the authentic flavor of Indian dishes, especially curries.
Interestingly, Curry Powder is not a traditional Indian invention. In India, specific spice blends like sambar masala, chaat masala, and garam masala are used for different dishes, each with a unique flavor profile. The British created curry powder to replicate Indian flavors, and its spice combination and spiciness can vary by brand or cook.
This recipe guides you through making homemade Curry Powder, offering rich, aromatic, and balanced flavors that elevate Indian-inspired dishes. Plus, it fills your kitchen with an enticing aroma.
Explore a World of Curry Delights:
- Chicken Curry
- Egg Curry
- Thai Yellow Curry
- Panang Curry
- Thai Red Curry
- Jamaican Chicken Curry
- Japanese Chicken Curry
Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
To create an aromatic homemade Curry Powder, you'll need a selection of basic Indian pantry spices that can typically be found at most Indian grocery stores. Here's a list of what you'll need:
- Coriander Seeds: With a citrusy flavor and sweet aroma, these seeds turn nutty and earthy when ground, forming the voluminous base of the curry powder.
- Cumin and Fennel Seeds: Cumin seeds add a rich, warm, and earthy taste, while fennel seeds contribute a subtly sweet, earthy flavor.
- Cloves: Known for their subtle sweetness and aromatic warmth, cloves enhance the spice blend.
- Cardamom: This spice has a complex, fruity, piney flavor with menthol-like undertones.
- Star Anise and Cinnamon Stick: Cinnamon offers a sweet, woody flavor with hints of citrus, and star anise brings a sweet, licorice-like taste.
- Turmeric Powder: Besides giving a vibrant color, turmeric is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Dry Red Chili: Providing a mild heat, you can adjust its quantity for a spicier curry powder.
- Peppercorn: Adds a warm, earthy, and rustic flavor to the mix.
- Mustard Seeds: These seeds impart a mildly aromatic and nutty taste.
- Fenugreek Seeds: While tangy and bitter, they balance and enhance the overall flavor when combined with other spices.
- Curry Leaves: An essential herb that offers a fresh and distinct aroma to Indian curries.
How to Make Curry Powder at Home?
Dive into the art of spice blending with this homemade Curry Powder recipe. Follow these simple steps, illustrated with photos and videos, to create a flavorful and aromatic spice mix perfect for a variety of dishes.
Dive into the World of Delightful Seasoning Mixes:
- Garam Masala
- Chai Masala Powder
- Creole Seasoning
- Chili Seasoning
- Italian Seasoning
- Taco Seasoning
- Fajita Seasoning
- Blackened Seasoning
- Chicken Seasoning
- Everything Bagel Seasoning
- Five Spice Powder
Curry Powder
Ingredients
- 1 Cinnamon Stick, small
- 2 Star Anise
- 5 Cardamom
- 15 Cloves
- ½ tsp Fenugreek Seeds
- 1½ tbsp Whole Peppercorn
- ¼ cup Cumin Seeds
- 2 tbsp Fennel Seeds
- 1 tbsp Mustard Seeds
- 1 cup Coriander Seeds
- 8 Dry Red Chili
- 2 sprig Curry Leaves, fresh
- 1 tbsp Turmeric Powder
Instructions
To Make Curry Powder
- In a pan over medium-low heat, add all the whole spices and curry leaves mentioned in the ingredients section above, except for the turmeric powder.
- Saute the spices until they become aromatic. The gentle toasting on low heat releases their natural oils, enhancing the aroma. Be careful not to burn them, as it can alter the final taste and scent.
- Once the spices are aromatic, turn off the heat and add the turmeric powder. Give it a thorough mix. Remove the spice mixture from the pan and let it cool to room temperature.
- Now, blend the spice mixture in a blender until it becomes a smooth powder. Your aromatic Curry Powder is ready to elevate your recipes or store for future culinary adventures.
To Use
- This Curry Powder is versatile and adds bold Indian flavors to chicken curries, veg curries, roasted vegetables, and other non-vegetarian dishes.
Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
- Inspect and Clean Spices: Before using your whole spices, check and clean them to remove any stones, dirt, or debris. This step is crucial for safety and purity.
- Follow Spice Ratios: Adhere to the recommended proportions for a balanced masala blend. Using too much of any potent spice can overwhelm the flavor and may not be easy to digest.
- Choose Quality Spices: Opt for high-quality whole spices for the best aroma and taste. Organic spices or those from reputable Indian grocery stores are excellent choices.
- Manage Temperature: Toast spices on low-medium heat to release their natural oils, which enhances the aroma and flavor of your curry powder. This step is key for achieving a rich and aromatic seasoning.
- Incorporate Curry Leaves: If available, use fresh curry leaves for their distinctive aroma. Both fresh and dried leaves can be found in Indian grocery stores and make a significant difference in flavor.
- Customize with Care: While you can adjust the quantity of the curry powder you make, try to maintain the spice ratios in the recipe. Altering these ratios could result in an overly spicy or pungent blend.
- Spice Level: The spice level of this Homemade Curry Powder recipe can vary from mild to high, depending on the quantity and types of spices and red chili you use. Adjust to your preference for the perfect level of heat in your dishes.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer: We’re not nutrition experts. Nutritional info is estimated and should be used as a guide. For precise details, consult a professional.
Explore a world of flavors with our curated selection of seasonings, marinades, and condiments, perfect for enhancing dishes like chicken dinner, shrimp, and salmon. Our handcrafted blends elevate your meals, beautifully complementing your favorite recipes. Don't miss our delectable curry recipes showcasing the versatility of our spice mixes.
How to Use this Curry Powder?
For a curry serving 4-5, 2 tsp of this spice blend will work its magic. But it's not just for curries! Elevate roasted veggies like potatoes, cauliflower, and chickpeas. Give your pasta a flavorful twist by adding this spice mix, creating a mouthwatering curry pasta. And when you're in the mood for a savory delight, coat baked chicken drumsticks generously with this aromatic blend for a burst of curry goodness.
Storage Suggestions
To keep your Curry Powder fresh and aromatic, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place at room temperature. Enjoy its flavors for up to 6 months.
Substitute for Curry Powder
If you're missing some spices for homemade Curry Powder, here's a convenient substitute using readily available ground spices. This blend is a great alternative for quick and easy seasoning, especially if you can't find all the whole spices. Here's the substitute recipe:
- 2 tbsp Coriander Powder: Brings a citrusy, nutty base.
- 1 tsp Cumin Powder: Adds a warm, earthy flavor.
- ½ tsp Turmeric Powder: Offers a vibrant color and mild taste.
- ½ tsp Black Pepper Powder: Introduces a subtle heat.
- 1 tsp Chili Powder: For a spicy kick.
- ½ tsp Mustard Powder: Adds a tangy, nutty flavor.
- ¼ tsp Cinnamon Powder: For a hint of sweet warmth.
- ¼ tsp Ground Cloves: Lends a subtly sweet aroma.
- ¼ tsp Cardamom Powder: Infuses a complex, fragrant note.
- 1 tsp Dried Curry Leaves or Curry Leaf Powder: If available, for an authentic aroma.
Combine all the powders and store them in an airtight container. Use about 2 tsp of this mix for seasoning curries, sufficient for 4-5 servings. Remember, some recipes might call for additional chili or coriander powder, so adjust according to your specific recipe.
Leave a Review