Curry Masala is an Indian spice mix used to thicken and flavour curries. It is a very handy mix made by roasting and grinding aromatic spices, turmeric and red chillies. Curry Masala is a useful ingredient to make gravies, curries and side dishes. Curry Masala Powder is a must have ingredient at home. Recipe included with step by step pictures and video.
Curry Masala is a handy spice mix used in Indian cooking. I love homemade powders the best as they are very flavourful and freshly made, also without preservatives. I always have a batch of homemade spice powders at home for making everyday curries. Do try and let me know how you like it.
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About Curry Powder
Curry Powder also known as Curry Masala Powder is a popular Indian spice mix used to spice and flavour curries. It can be used to thicken curries, gravies or any other side dishes. This is one of the most essential spice mix in Indian homes.
Many do not like garam masala powder in their everyday cooking as it is very strong so this is just right for them. This curry powder is mild not too overpowering but still flavoruful. This is also popularly called Madras Curry Powder.
Curry Powder is a quite essential ingredient in Indian homes especially South Indian. It is used in everyday curries, stir fries, gravies, tamarind based gravies etc. You can find many variations using lentils and mix of other ingredients.
Each household may have their own recipe and this is from my grandmother passed on to my mother and now to me. I have been following a ritual of making homemade masalas since years so it is a big no to me when it comes to store bought spice mix.
Curry Powder Ingredients
- Fennel Seeds - Adds a mild sweetness and aroma to the masala.
- Cloves - Strong, aromatic spice with a warm spice flavor that enhances the depth of the masala powder.
- Cinnamon - A fragrant spice that gives the masala a warm, slightly sweet and woody taste.
- Black Pepper, Red Chillies - Pepper adds heat and Dried chillies gives vibrant color and required spice, heat.
- Turmeric Sticks - Dried turmeric sticks provides colour and flavour.
- Cumin Seeds - This adds earthy warm aroma which is quite essential for every day curries.
- Coriander Seeds - Adds freshness, aroma and flavour to the powder.
Similar Recipes
Curry Powder Video
How to make Curry Powder Step by Step
- Crush 4 turmeric sticks roughly using a mortar and pestle. So we need around 2 tablespoon crushed turmeric.
2.To a pan add around 20 red chillies. Dry roast it until crisp. Remove and set aside.
3. To the same pan ½ cup coriander seeds, four 1 inch cinnamon sticks, 1 tablespoon cloves, 1 teaspoon pepper, 2 tablespoon turmeric crushed(virali manjal), 1 tablespoon cumin seeds and 2 tablespoon fennel seeds. Dry roast until golden and aromatic, it will start to smoke at this stage switch off.
4.Add roasted red chillies and crushed turmeric, give a quick saute and remove the pan.
5.Cool down completely and transfer to a dry mixer jar.
6.Grind it slightly coarse and spread it on a plate. Cool down then store.
Store in a clean dry airtight container.
Expert Tips
- Use Fresh Spices - Always use fresh spices for making homemade masala as we are going to store it for long without preservatives.
- Clean the Spices - Check the spices for dust, stones, or impurities before using them.
- Roasting the spices - Roast the spices on low heat until they release a pleasant aroma. This enhances the flavor and removes moisture.
- Cool before grinding - Allow the roasted spices to cool completely before grinding. Grinding hot spices can affect the texture and flavour.
- Texture - Grind the spices into a slightly coarse mixture.
- Storing - Store the curry powder in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Proper storage keeps the spice fresh for longer.
- Usage - Add curry powder in the right quantity while cooking to balance the flavour without overpowering the dish.
Serving and Storage
Use it for curries, pulao, gravies and enjoy the best flavor. Curry Masala Powder keeps well for about 2 months in room temperature itself. If you want to store beyond that refrigerate it and it will keep well for up to a year.
FAQS
1.What is the difference between garam masala powder and curry powder?
Garam Masala Powder is more strong with more masala flavor perfect for biryani. While curry powder is mild that can be used for everyday gravies and curries.
2. When should I add curry powder while cooking?
It is usually added while sautéing onions and vegetables. For gravies you can add it along with other spice powders after sautéing onion, tomato.
3.What is this curry powder used for?
You can add curry masala powder for curries, gravies, stir fries etc.
4.Can I replace curry powder with sambar powder?
No curry powder is different from sambar powder, so this powder should not be used for sambar.
5.Can I use this for non-veg dishes?
Yes absolutely you can use it for non veg gravies and curries. You can use it for non veg dishes like mutton, chicken, prawn and fish.
If you have any more questions about this Curry Powder Recipe do mail me at sharmispassions@gmail.com. In addition, follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest ,Youtube and Twitter .
Tried this Curry Powder Recipe? Do let me know how you liked it. Also tag us on Instagram @sharmispassions and hash tag it on #sharmispassions.
📖 Recipe Card
Curry Powder Recipe (Curry Masala Powder)
Ingredients
- 20 dried red chillies
- ½ cup coriander seeds
- 4 one inch sticks cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon cloves
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 4 turmeric sticks
- 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
- 2 tablespoon fennel seeds
Instructions
- Crush 4 turmeric sticks roughly using a mortar and pestle. So we need around 2 tablespoon crushed turmeric.
- To a pan add around 20 red chillies. Dry roast it until crisp. Remove and set aside.
- To the same pan ½ cup coriander seeds, four 1 inch cinnamon sticks, 1 tablespoon cloves, 1 teaspoon pepper, 2 tablespoon turmeric crushed(virali manjal), 1 tablespoon cumin seeds and 2 tablespoon fennel seeds. Dry roast until golden and aromatic, it will start to smoke at this stage switch off.
- Add roasted red chillies and crushed turmeric, give a quick saute and remove the pan.
- Cool down completely and transfer to a dry mixer jar.
- Grind it slightly coarse and spread it on a plate. Cool down then store.
- Store in a clean dry airtight container.
Video
Notes
- Use Fresh Spices - Always use fresh spices for making homemade masala as we are going to store it for long without preservatives.
- Clean the spices - Check the spices for dust, stones, or impurities before using them.
- Roasting the spices - Roast the spices on low heat until they release a pleasant aroma. This enhances the flavour and removes moisture.
- Cool before grinding - Allow the roasted spices to cool completely before grinding. Grinding hot spices can affect the texture and flavour.
- Texture - Grind the spices into a slightly coarse mixture.
- Storing - Store the curry powder in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Proper storage keeps the spice fresh for longer.
- Usage - Add curry powder in the right quantity while cooking to balance the flavour without overpowering the dish.
Divya Patel
Is that dry turmeric?
Thank you
Sharmilee J
yes dry turmeric
J.Helen Sathya
What is the difference between curry masala and garam masala?
Sharmilee J
Curry is mainly for curries and gravies esp for nonveg dishes, but garam masala can be used for everything that needs to be flavoured even like pulalo,biryani etc.
Priya
Tried this today... Very flavourful powder