Curry: The Little Powder that Could
What is it about the complex scent and flavor of curry powder that makes it so special? There’s no definitive answer to that question, but without a doubt this spice blend (known as garam masala to the millions of Indians who use it in their cooking each day) packs a punch.
What many amateur chefs don’t know is that curry is actually a mixture of various spices, which means that its flavor and quality can vary greatly from one brand to the next. As with most ingredients, the best way to ensure that your curry powder is top notch is to make it yourself.
While it may sound like a daunting task, creating a homemade garam masala is not difficult and only requires a few basic kitchen tools: a spice grinder (or coffee grinder), a heavy skillet, and a jar with a tight-fitting lid to store the finished product (in a sealed container curry powder will keep for several months). Most importantly, you’ll need the spices themselves. Most curry mixes include some or all of the following:
- Cumin seeds
- Coriander
- Cardamom pods
- Black peppercorns
- Cinnamon
- Mustard seeds
- Fenugreek
- Turmeric
There are plenty of recipes for garam masala on the Internet. Look at a few and you’ll quickly notice that they are all different. Once you begin making spice blends you should be able to identify the subtle differences that can come from omitting or adding certain spices.
The real fun begins when you have a curry powder to work with. Of course traditional Indian curries are a delicious addition to any cook’s repertoire, but why stop there? Throw your signature spice blend into deviled eggs, chicken salad, or use it to season roasted seeds and nuts. Once you start experimenting with this versatile ingredient, you’ll find that the options are endless.
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