Did you know that curry is not a spice itself but a mixture of countless spices that have become popular along with Indian cuisine throughout the world?
Indian cuisine is synonymous with colors, flavors and sensations; but beyond that it is tradition.
What we know today as curry, and whose word evokes images of Sikh turbans and the Taj Majal, has become popular in the form of a standardized dressing with a proper name throughout the world; when in reality it is nothing more than a set of other spices that have been standardized for the taste of Western culture.
This standardization coming from the hand of the English colonization of India and its spread by them to the whole world, is actually the furthest thing from a uniform taste. There are so many ingredients, and the variations by regions of India, that each curry recipe is pride and tradition inherited between families and regions of that South East Asian nation.
What ingredients does an original curry have?
The mixture of spices that make up the curry contains chili, basil, saffron, cinnamon, thistle monkey, onion, black pepper, tamarind, fenugreek, ginger fresh seeds mustard, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, coriander, celery; among others.
Generally to prepare the homemade curry mixture, all the seeds are poured into a mortar and ground by hand, later the powders are added and then this mixture is fried with the onion and other vegetables with a little olive oil and a little broth.
The curry has a very strong spicy flavor for those with a resistant and flavorful palate of contrasts. You should use it in moderation if you are not used to it, but it definitely brings a very distinctive oriental touch to your dishes.
If you want to surprise your family with something different for dinner, then a unique and delicious Indian dish could be your perfect choice.
However, not being an Indian, you might be wondering why the 'Butter Masala' chicken' or the 'Goat Fish Curry' he cooked didn't taste the same as what his Indian friend made when he visited them.
How to prepare an authentic Indian curry?
The distinctive flavor of all true Indian dishes comes from the unique preparations and methods used to prepare them. This is true not only for Indian dishes but for any authentic cuisine originating from different parts of the world.
If you are trying to make an American-style Indian dish, then of course the taste will be more American than Indian. One of the secrets to making authentic Indian dishes is adding the right amount of spices, particularly for non-vegetarian dishes. Even a pinch more can offset the flavor of the dish.
Another tip to make your Indian dish taste more Indian is to buy the spices from an Indian shop. This is because the origin of the spices used also makes a difference in the flavor of the dish. For example, for Indian dishes that require tamarind, you should use Indian tamarind and not, for example, Thai tamarind. This is because Thai tamarind tastes much sweeter than Indian tamarind.
If you want to prepare classic Indian dishes like chicken curry on par with Indian restaurants, it's best to prepare ready-made masalas for that particular dish at an Indian store.
Trying to put together the complex mix of different spices in the correct proportions yourself might not turn out as good as you hoped. India is a tropical country where coconut is found everywhere and it is not surprising in most Indian dishes. Most Indian recipes, especially South Indian cuisine, have the grated coconut or the coconut milk as one of the main ingredients.
If you are trying to make an Indian dish that calls for coconut, it is better to buy the real coconut instead of settling for the readily available coconut powder. To prepare Indian dishes with best results, it is best to follow recipes from authentic sources created by Indians.
Frequently asked questions from our readers:
Curry is a spice mixture native to South and Southeast Asia, especially countries such as India, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Malaysia. It is not a spice in itself, but rather a combination of several spices that can vary depending on the region and the traditional recipe.
Curry is used as a seasoning in a variety of dishes, especially in Asian cuisine. It can be part of dry spice mixtures to season meats, fish or vegetables, or it can form the base of sauces, stews and stir-fry dishes. Curry powder is especially popular and convenient to use in everyday cooking.
There are a wide variety of curries, each with its own flavor profile and preparation method. Some examples include Thai red curry, Thai green curry, Indian yellow curry, Thai masaman curry, Indian chicken tikka masala curry, Japanese curry (kare), and Malaysian curry (rendang).
Curry not only adds flavor to dishes, but can also offer health benefits due to the spices it contains. For example, turmeric, a common spice in many curry mixes, contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases. Additionally, the spices used in curry can improve digestion and metabolism.
basil saffron cinnamon thistle monkey cayenne onion cilantro Condiments Curry spices fenugreek Hindu ginger mustard nut pepper
Last modified: 2024-10-11T17:32:13+11:00
