How to Make a Curry Spice
Curry powder is a strikingly yellow blend of spices that are popular in Indian-style stews and vegetable stir-fries. It has a distinct flavor profile that differs from garam masala, which is made with warming spices like peppercorns, cinnamon and cloves.
How to Make a Curry Spice
Making a homemade curry spice is easy and can be done with a handful of ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. It’s cheaper than buying it in the store and is a great way to control the spice level to adjust to your family’s tastes. It’s also a fun project to do with your kids.
How to Make a Spice Blend
To make your own curry spice blend, start with seeds like cumin and coriander. Toast them lightly in a dry skillet until they become fragrant, then grind them in a spice grinder. You can also use pre-ground powdered spices, but it’s best to use seeds if you have them because the flavor will be more robust.
How to Make a Spicier Curry Spice
You can make your curry more spicy by adding a little hot pepper oil or a couple of extra chiles in the recipe. In addition, yogurt can help tame the heat in a curry. Yogurt is a casein-based product, and it binds to the capsaicin molecules that give chili peppers their heat. This process makes it easier for the oil or chiles to wash off the heat, which helps the dish retain its flavor.
If you want to add a little more heat, try adding a tablespoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of chili powder to the recipe. You can also add a bit of coconut milk to the recipe to make it more creamy.
How to Store Your Spices
You’ll want to store your homemade curry spice in an airtight container or jar with a lid. Keep in mind that the spices may go bad quicker if they’re exposed to light or moisture. That’s why it’s important to write the “made on” date down on the jar so you know when it’s time to make a new batch.
How to Make a Spicier Curry Sauce
You can make a quick and easy red or green curry sauce by mixing together curry powder, tomato paste, salt and pepper. This is a quick way to add spice to a variety of dishes and is perfect for using on a weeknight meal.
How to Make a Spicier Cucumber Raita
To make a delicious cucumber raita, mix together 1 cup shredded cucumber, 12 cup Greek yogurt, a small pinch of cayenne pepper and a sprig of cilantro. This is a refreshing and healthy side dish that’s ready in less than 30 minutes!
How to Make a Garam Masala and How to Use It
To make your own garam masala, combine equal parts of the above ingredients in a dry frying pan over medium-high heat. Turn off the heat and allow the spices to cool completely before grinding them up in a spice grinder. The result is a robust, smoky-sweet blend that pairs perfectly with chicken or fish.