Curry Powder

Curry is a blend of spices and associated with the cuisines of India. The word Curry was actually coined by the British. Curries may be savory dishes of meat, fish, or vegetables. Curry is also considered a hot and spicy sauce.

Depending on your personal taste Curry powders can be many different blends of spices. The blends are mixtures of ground or whole spices which may be mild or strong. There is no one specific blend and they are based on the spices native to India: turmeric, ginger, pepper, coriander, cumin and chilies are the most common spices used. Some curries may include additional spices such as clove, cinnamon, nutmeg and other spices.

Curry blends may be wet or dry mixtures depending on preference and regional style of cooking. As a rule, northern Indians favor dry powders, while in the South, pastes are more common. Most Indians prefer to make their spice mixtures fresh from raw or green ingredients.

Curry is also known as masala powder which is a thick and pasty spice sauce based on a combination of spices with ghee (clarified butter), butter, palm oil or coconut milk. In India curries are extremely diverse; some are red, yellow, brown; some has five spices and as many as 20 or more spices. Spicy and ethnic foods are becoming more popular here in the United States. All spices have nutritional benefits and curry is loaded with a wide range of spices.