Curry powder is a blend of spices that come together to give a warm and robust flavour to whatever dish it is used in.
Curry powder is truly a unique combination of spices. And it is worthy of note that homemade curry powder has different variations.
The concept of “curry powder’” is actually a British invention by the Indian spice merchants. It was an attempt to bring the flavour of Indian dishes that British colonists came to love home.
It is so easy to make your own curry powder at home with a few ingredients. You can decide to use the seeds of various spices or buy and use the powdered form of your desired spices to make yours at home.
To use the spices in their powder form, simply mix them together and you will have your curry powder. However, the seeds are more aromatic.
By making your own curry powder, you will know what has gone into the blend, and because it’s so flexible you can tweak it so it’s perfect for you and your family. But more importantly, it will taste fresher and more fragrant.
Note that the spices you desire to use for your own curry powder are not limited to the ingredients below as there are so many different recipes you can use.
How to make curry powder using seeds
Ingredients
I cup coriander seeds
1/2 cup cumin seeds
1/3 cup fennel seeds
I tablespoon black peppercorns
Dried bay leaf (2 pieces)
1 cup turmeric
Method
- In a frying pan, add the coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, black peppercorns, and a few dried bay leafs. The aim is to toast it.
- So, toast on very low heat as you keep stirring so it doesn’t get burnt.
- Toast spices until you start to perceive the aroma.
- When fragrant, take off the heat and allow to cool down.
- Then transfer into a dry mill/blender and blend until it is smooth.
- Once it’s smooth, sieve to get rid of any particles/shaft.
- Pour the particle/shaft back into your blender and blend again until it is smooth and add to the content.
- Then add the turmeric, and mix thoroughly to combine making sure to break every lump.
- Mix again and your curry powder is ready.
- Transfer it into an air-tight container and it is ready for use.
Toasting all the ingredients will release some of the oils in the spices, enhances the flavour (make the mixture more fragrant), and also improve the shelf life of the curry.
How to make curry powder using spices in powder form
If you want easy access to curry powder, without the extra steps, then, this method is for you.
Ingredients
Purchase all your preferred spices in powdered form.
Method
- Pour all your preferred spices in powdered form into a bowl.
- Then pass the combined spices through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps or particles.
- Store in an airtight container.
It is advisable to make a small quantity per time so that your curry does not lose its freshness.
