Curry powder is a spice blend that usually contains turmeric, ginger, and garlic.
Spice blends similar to curry have been used in the Indian subcontinent for over 4000 years, however, curry powder is actually a British invention created to mimic the flavors of Indian cooking.
Curry blends tend to be similar in flavor to garam masala, a spice blend often used in Indian cooking. Curry, as a word, can mean both a spice blend and a term used to refer to a South Asian sauce or gravy dish.
What spices are in curry?
Curry often has a mixture of turmeric, garlic, and sometimes chili powder, ginger, cumin, coriander, and pepper.
Recipes with Curry Powder
Curry powder can be used in so many ways! Here are a few of our favorite recipes using curry powder.
- Chickpea Curry Recipe from This Healthy Table
- Chicken Curry Recipe from Once Upon a Chef
- Curried Butternut Squash Soup from Platings and Pairings
- Coconut Mango Chicken and Broccoli Curry from Half Baked Harvest
Is curry powder spicy?
Curry powder can be spicy, but it depends on the amount of chili used in the recipe.
There are also sweet curry powders, so if you're worried about a spicy blend check to make sure it doesn't have chili peppers or cayenne.
Recipe for Curry Powder
With just a few ingredients, you can make your own curry powder. Don't worry if you don't have saffron, you can leave it out if you'd like.
Curry Powder Recipe
This curry powder blend is deeply aromatic and richly flavorful.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons turmeric
- 1 tablespoon coriander
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cardamom
- 3 strands saffron
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend to combine.
Where to Buy Curry Powder
If you don't want to make your own spice blend, you can purchase it online - we recommend the Maharajah curry blend from The Spice House. Their hot curry and the sweet curry blends are also excellent!
If you'd like to order a curry blend from Amazon, we recommend Frontier's Indian Curry Seasoning.