Indian curry is a popular dish known for its delicious and aromatic blend of spices and herbs. Creating a basic Indian curry is as straightforward as selecting a base, spices, adding vegetables and protein before finishing the dish with aromatics. Some of the traditional spices to consider using in the dish include turmeric, cumin, coriander, garam masala, and cayenne pepper. Adding in aromatics, like chili peppers or fresh herbs, can give the curry a bright and fresh flavor. With these helpful tips and recipe mentioned in the article, anyone can create a mouthwatering Indian curry at home.

Indian Curry 101: Discover the Best Spices and Blends for a Delicious Dish

Introduction

Indian cuisine is known for its delicious and aromatic curries, made with a variety of spices and herbs. From tangy tomato-based curries to rich and creamy ones with coconut milk, there are endless variations of the dish. However, with so many spices and blends to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make a basic Indian curry, along with recommendations for the best spices and blends to use.

Step 1: Choose Your Base

The base of your curry will determine the overall flavour and texture of the dish. Most Indian curries use a tomato-onion base, while others use coconut milk or yogurt. To make a tomato-based curry, simply sauté diced onions and garlic in oil until soft, then add chopped tomatoes and spices. For a coconut-based curry, start by heating coconut oil and adding spices, then slowly pour in coconut milk.

Step 2: Select Your Spices

The key to a delicious Indian curry is the spice blend. Here are some traditional spices to consider using in your dish:

• Turmeric: Gives the dish a vibrant yellow colour and subtle earthy flavour
• Cumin: Adds a warm and slightly sweet flavour to the curry
• Coriander: Has a fresh and citrusy taste that pairs well with cumin
• Garam Masala: A blend of spices (usually cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, cumin, and coriander) that adds depth of flavour
• Cayenne Pepper: Adds heat to the dish

Step 3: Add Vegetables and Protein

Once you have your base and spices, it’s time to add in vegetables and protein. Popular vegetable choices include potatoes, carrots, cauliflower, and peas. For protein, consider chicken, lamb, or chickpeas. Add your vegetables and protein to the curry and let them cook until tender.

Step 4: Finish with Aromatics

To finish your curry, add in some aromatics such as fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, or a squeeze of lime juice. This will give your curry a bright and fresh flavour.

Recipe: Basic Indian Curry

Here is a recipe for a basic Indian curry using the steps outlined above:

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 2 medium potatoes, chopped into cubes
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 pound chicken, diced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tsp turmeric
• 2 tsp cumin
• 2 tsp coriander
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and garlic and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add ginger and spices and stir for another minute.
4. Stir in potatoes and cook for 5 minutes.
5. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
6. Pour in diced tomatoes and chicken broth, bring to a boil and reduce heat to a simmer.
7. Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and chicken is cooked through.
8. Stir in frozen peas and cook for another 5 minutes.
9. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped cilantro, green onions, and a squeeze of lime juice.

Conclusion

Making a delicious Indian curry is all about using the right spices and creating a flavourful base. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations of spices and vegetables to create your own unique curry. With these tips and recipe, you’ll be on your way to making a mouthwatering dish in no time.