Dive into the world of curry, a spice blend that tells centuries of history and culinary traditions. From its origins in the Indian subcontinent, where spices were used to preserve and flavor foods, curry has conquered the world, becoming a symbol of exotic and enveloping flavors.
The term “curry” encompasses a universe of spice combinations, each with its own story and specific use.
Turmeric, coriander, cumin, ginger, chili, and many more blend into a harmony of scents and colors, capable of transforming any dish into a unique sensory experience.
But why make curry at home?
Besides the pleasure of creating your personalized blend, homemade curry is an explosion of freshness and authenticity. You can choose the spices you like the most, adjust the heat to your liking, and enjoy an intense and enveloping aroma that only freshly ground spices can offer.
Used to flavor meat, fish, vegetables, and rice, curry is a versatile ingredient that adapts to a thousand different preparations.
From soups to stewed curries, from sauces to stir-fried dishes, curry is a real kitchen joker.
Today, curry is appreciated worldwide for its ability to evoke distant atmospheres and ancient cultures.
A pinch of curry powder or a homemade curry paste is enough to transform a simple dish into an explosion of flavor and aroma.
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- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Very Cheap
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 8People
- Cooking methods: No Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All Seasons
- Energy 274.52 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 51.65 (g) of which sugars 6.78 (g)
- Proteins 20.54 (g)
- Fat 4.88 (g) of which saturated 0.23 (g)of which unsaturated 2.68 (g)
- Fibers 11.22 (g)
- Sodium 581.43 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 90 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients
A rainbow of flavors and aromas, a treasure of spices from distant lands.
These carefully selected ingredients are the foundation for creating an authentic and unforgettable curry. A mix of spices that blend into a perfect harmony, releasing intense and enveloping aromas.
From turmeric, with its golden color and antioxidant properties, to cumin, with its warm and enveloping flavor, each ingredient contributes to creating a unique sensory experience.
A culinary journey that will transport you directly to the heart of India, discovering ancient flavors and millenary traditions.
- 3 tablespoons ground coriander
- 2 tablespoons ground turmeric
- 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon Cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- Half teaspoon black peppercorns
- Half teaspoon fine salt
Tools
To prepare an aromatic and tasty homemade curry, you will need a few essential tools:
Glass bowl: a large glass bowl is perfect for mixing the powdered spices. Glass is a neutral material that does not alter flavors and allows you to clearly see the color and consistency of the mix.
Spoon: a simple spoon will be useful for measuring the spices, mixing them, and combining all the ingredients. Choose a durable spoon, preferably stainless steel or wood, to avoid staining or corroding when in contact with the spices.
These two humble but fundamental tools will accompany you in the creation of your homemade curry, a dish that warms the heart and delights the palate.
- 1 Bowl Pyrex
- 1 Spoon WMF
Steps
Here we are ready to bring our homemade curry to life!
This is my base version, the one I’ve refined over time and prefer, but feel free to add your personal touch and experiment with the spices you like best. Remember, the beauty of cooking is creativity!
In the next steps, I will guide you through preparing this magical blend, from choosing spices to creating the perfect mix that will make your curry unique and special.
Don’t be afraid to dare, taste, and adjust the quantities according to your taste.
And if something doesn’t convince you, well, don’t worry! Cooking is a continuous learning process, and each attempt is a step toward perfection (or at least towards a delicious curry!).
So, put on your apron, gather the ingredients and tools I’ve mentioned, and prepare for an aromatic journey that will make you fall even more in love with cooking!
A rainbow of scents:
Let’s take our spacious glass bowl, ready to welcome a treasure of aromas.
With the help of the spoon, we carefully measure the spices, one by one, guided by their intoxicating scent.
Pour into the bowl 3 tablespoons of ground coriander, the king of this mix, with its citrusy and slightly sweet aroma.
Add 2 tablespoons and a half of turmeric, the golden spice that gives color and a touch of mild spiciness.
Continue with 2 tablespoons of sweet paprika, which provides a vibrant red color and a slightly smoky flavor.
Then it’s the turn of cinnamon, with its warm and enveloping scent, just 1 tablespoon and a half is enough.
For a touch of spiciness, add 1 tablespoon of Cayenne pepper, being careful not to overdo it if you don’t like it too spicy.
Finally, complete our rainbow of spices with 1 tablespoon of cumin, with its earthy and aromatic flavor.
The final touch:
Now that we’ve gathered all the spices, it’s time to add the last two ingredients that will complete our blend:
1 teaspoon of black peppercorns, freshly ground for a more intense aroma, and 1 teaspoon of salt, to enhance all the flavors.
With a gentle and decisive movement, mix all the spices with the spoon, ensuring they blend perfectly.
The color becomes more intense, the scents blend into an enveloping harmony.
The magic touch:
And here it is, our spice blend for curry is ready! A treasure of aromas and colors, a real concentrate of flavors waiting to be released in our favorite dishes.
This versatile and aromatic blend is a joker in the kitchen: you can use it to flavor meat, vegetables, legumes, fish… just add a tablespoon or two to your preparation to transform an ordinary dish into an explosion of taste.
Imagine a creamy and enveloping chicken curry, with basmati rice serving as a bed for this triumph of flavors.
Or a colorful and fragrant vegetable curry, perfect for a light and healthy dinner.
And what about a lentil curry, rich in spices and comforting like a warm hug?
The possibilities are endless! Let your creativity run wild and experiment with the ingredients you like the most.
Remember, curry is a culinary journey, an exploration of flavors that will lead you to discover new combinations and create unique and personal dishes.
And now, all that’s left is to get in the kitchen and bring your culinary creations to life.
Enjoy your meal!
Once ready, your homemade curry spice mix will release intense aromas for several weeks, provided you store it with some care.
But it doesn’t end there!
If you want to experiment with new aromatic notes, you can always enrich your base with other spices, herbs, or ingredients you like the most.
Here are some useful tips for storing your curry and personalizing it every time you want:
Storage
Airtight container: the spice blend should be stored in an airtight container, away from moisture, light, and heat sources. A glass jar with an airtight seal is ideal.
Cool and dry place: store the curry in a cool and dry place, such as a pantry or cabinet. Avoid keeping it near the stove or in areas where there might be moisture.
Shelf life: the homemade spice mix, if stored correctly, can last several months, even up to a year. However, for optimal flavor, it is advisable to consume it within 3-6 months.Variations
Additional spices: you can personalize your curry mix by adding other spices you like, such as:
Mustard seeds: for a touch of spiciness and a slightly bitter taste.
Fenugreek: for a unique aroma, slightly bitter and a taste reminiscent of maple syrup.
Cardamom: for an intense and aromatic scent, with notes of lemon and mint.
Cloves: for a warm and enveloping flavor, with spicy and slightly sweet notes.
Nutmeg: for a delicate aroma and a slightly sweet and spicy taste.
Spiciness level: you can adjust the spiciness of your curry by increasing or decreasing the amount of Cayenne pepper. If you prefer a milder taste, you can also use sweet chili powder.
Vegan version: for a vegan version of the curry, you can use only vegetables and legumes, or add tofu or tempeh for extra protein.
Coconut milk: for a creamier and more aromatic curry, you can add coconut milk during cooking.
Curry paste: if you prefer a creamier consistency, you can turn your spice mix into a curry paste by adding coconut oil or water.
I hope these tips are useful for storing your homemade curry and experimenting with new variations!
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
Making curry at home is a fantastic way to personalize flavors and always have a fresh and aromatic spice mix on hand.
However, some questions may arise during the process.
Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about homemade curry:
What are the basic spices for a good homemade curry?
The basic spices include turmeric, coriander, cumin, ginger, and chili. You can then add other spices to taste, like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, black pepper, etc.
Can I use fresh spices instead of powdered ones?
Yes, you can use fresh spices like ginger, garlic, and chili. Generally, a larger amount of fresh spices is used compared to powdered ones to achieve the same flavor.
How do I measure the spiciness?
The amount of chili depends on your taste. Start with a small amount and add more if necessary. Remember that the spiciness intensifies during cooking.
How do I store homemade curry?
Homemade curry should be stored in an airtight container, in a cool and dry place, away from light. It usually keeps for several months.
Can I freeze homemade curry?
Yes, you can freeze homemade curry. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container and consume it within 3 months.
How do I use homemade curry?
You can use homemade curry to flavor meat, fish, vegetables, legumes, rice, and much more. Add it during cooking or use it as a base for sauces and marinades.
