Curry is one of the most well-known spice blends in the world, yet there is a lot of confusion about it. Is it a spice? Is it the same as a curry (dish)? And which spices are actually in it? If you have ever eaten a creamy chicken curry, an aromatic lentil soup, or a spiced rice dish, you have probably already become familiar with the warm and aromatic flavor.
In this guide you will discover what curry actually is, how the spice mix is composed, what it is used for, and how to make the tastiest dishes with it at home.
What is curry?
Curry is not a single herb, but a mixture of various herbs and spices. The exact composition varies by manufacturer, region, and recipe. As a result, one curry mix can taste a bit sweeter while another is spicier or earthier.
The bright yellow color usually comes from turmeric, a spice that forms the base of many curry blends.
In the Netherlands curry is often used in chicken dishes, sauces, soups, and salads, but the possibilities are much broader.
Which spices are in curry?
There is no official recipe for curry, but these ingredients are commonly found:
- Turmeric
- Cumin
- Coriander seed
- Fenugreek
- Ginger
- Black pepper
- Mustard seed
- Cardamom
- Cinnamon
- Chili powder
By adjusting the ratio of these spices, countless variants arise with their own flavor profile.
What does curry taste like?
Curry has a warm, spicy, and slightly earthy flavor. Depending on the composition, you can also taste notes of citrus, pepper, sweetness, or mild heat.
In general, you can describe the taste as:
- Warm and aromatic
- Slightly spicy
- Earthy
- Full and savory
- Sometimes subtly sweet
For that reason, curry pairs well with both meat and fish, vegetables, and legumes.
Is curry the same as "curry" (the dish)?
No. This is perhaps the most frequently asked question.
Curry is a spice blend, whereas curry as a term is a collective name for a dish in which herbs and spices are central. A curry dish can therefore contain curry powder, but it does not have to.
In many traditional Indian curries, fresh spices are roasted and ground separately instead of using a ready-made curry mix.
What is the difference between curry and garam masala?
Although both spice blends are inspired by Indian cuisine, they differ considerably. Many home cooks use both blends alongside each other to give dishes extra depth.
Characteristics of Curry:
- Often contains turmeric (and therefore the yellow color)
- Mild and accessible
- Suitable for sauces and soups
Characteristics of Garam Masala
- Usually brown in color
- Warmer and more intense
- Usually does not contain turmeric
- Often added at the end of cooking
In our shop you will also find a ready-made Organic Garam Masala mix. View it here
What do you use curry for?
Curry is surprisingly versatile and fits into many everyday dishes.
- Chicken curry: probably the best-known application. Fry chicken breast or thighs with onion, garlic, and a generous spoonful of curry for a quick meal.
- Soups: add a teaspoon of curry to pumpkin soup, cauliflower soup, or carrot soup for extra warmth and depth.
- Rice dishes: mix curry into fried rice with vegetables, chickpeas, or chicken for a simple weekday meal.
- Vegetables: cauliflower, carrot, sweet potato, and pumpkin go excellently with the warm flavor of curry.
- Egg salad: a pinch of curry immediately gives a classic egg salad a fresh, spicy twist.
- Marinades: mix curry with olive oil, yogurt, or lemon juice and use this as a marinade for chicken, tofu, or grilled vegetables.
Make a simple curry mix yourself
Do you have loose spices at home? Then you can easily compose a curry mix yourself.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons turmeric
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
Mix everything well and store the blend airtight in a dark place.
Don't feel like mixing yourself? Choose a ready-made curry mix
Composing a curry mix yourself is fun, but with a quality ready-made blend you are immediately ready to cook. At Natural Spices you will find, for example, Hurry Curry, a versatile spice mix that is delicious in chicken dishes, curries, rice dishes, and roasted vegetables. Looking for a more intense and spicier flavor? Then Kerrie Poeder Madras is an excellent choice for authentic curries, stews, and marinades.
Discover the blends here:
- Hurry Curry: https://www.naturalspices.nl/hurry-curry
- Kerrie Poeder Madras: https://www.naturalspices.nl/kerrie-poeder-madras
How to best use curry?
For most dishes it works well to briefly fry the spices in oil or butter. This releases the aromatic oils and the flavor develops better.
Only then add liquid, such as coconut milk, broth, or canned tomatoes.
How to store curry?
Store curry:
- In a sealed jar or tin.
- In a dry and dark place.
- Away from direct sunlight.
- Preferably not above the stove because of heat and moisture.
Over time the mix slowly loses aroma. For the best flavor it is advisable to use curry within one to two years.
Frequently asked questions
1. Is curry spicy?
Usually not. Most curry blends are mild and aromatic. Spicier variants contain more chili pepper or black pepper.
2. Is curry healthy?
Curry mainly consists of herbs and spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Therefore it fits well into a varied diet.
3. Is there salt in curry?
That varies by product. Always check the label, because some ready-made blends contain added salt.
4. Can I use curry without frying it?
Yes, for example in yogurt, mayonnaise, or a dressing. However, briefly heating the spices often brings out the flavor better.
5. Which vegetables go well with curry?
Pumpkin, cauliflower, broccoli, carrot, sweet potato, spinach, and green beans all pair excellently with curry.
Conclusion
Whether you choose a homemade spice mix or a ready-made blend, curry is one of the most versatile flavorings in the kitchen.
With a mild mix such as Hurry Curry or a stronger variant like Kerrie Poeder Madras you can easily add extra depth to chicken, vegetables, soups, rice dishes, and marinades. In no time you can put a flavorful meal on the table without complicated ingredients.
