By Erin Paly
Curry powder, a vibrant and aromatic blend of spices, is a staple in many kitchens around the world.
This versatile seasoning can transform a wide array of dishes from “eh” to “wow!” with its warm, complex flavors. Whether you’re new to using curry powder or looking for new ideas to spice up your meals, this blog will guide you through some different recipes and innovative ways to use this decadent golden wonder of a spice.
Image courtesy of bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/curry-powder
Before diving into recipes, it’s important to note that curry powder isn’t a single spice, but a blend - typically including turmeric, coriander, cumin, ginger, and chili peppers, among others.
The specific blend can vary, which is what gives different curry powders unique flavor profiles.
Take, for instance, butter chicken curry. This blend’s origins lie in Indian cuisine, but it’s been adapted and embraced by various cultures worldwide.
Butter chicken curry is one of the most classic and iconic curries around!
If you’re new to the world of exotic cuisine, this is a great introductory dish. Check out our spice blend to help you create it with ease, in minimal time!
Image courtesy of cookingclassy.com/butter-chicken/
Going meatless? Curry can be concocted with a wide variety of ingredients and can easily be made vegetarian or vegan. Check out the tasty recipe below to warm your heart and your belly!
Here's our Curried Lentil Soup >>
Image courtesy of minimalistbaker.com/1-pot-golden-curry-lentil-soup/
Ingredients:
1 cup red lentils
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp curry powder
1 tsp cumin
4 cups vegetable broth
1 can diced tomatoes
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh lemon juice and cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until they start to soften.
3. Add the garlic, curry powder, and cumin, stirring for about a minute.
4. Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes, then add the lentils.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and a splash of fresh lemon juice.
7. Garnish with cilantro before serving.
Innovative Ways to Use Curry Powder
1. Curried Roasted Vegetables
Toss your favorite vegetables (like cauliflower, sweet potatoes, and carrots) in olive oil and curry powder before roasting them in the oven. This simple preparation transforms ordinary vegetables into a flavorful side dish.
2. Curry-Spiced Popcorn
For a unique and healthy snack, sprinkle curry powder over freshly popped popcorn. The savory, spicy flavors make it an addictive treat that’s perfect for movie nights.
3. Curry Yogurt Dip
Mix curry powder into plain Greek yogurt along with a bit of lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This creamy dip pairs wonderfully with fresh vegetables, pita bread, or as a spread on sandwiches.
4. Curried Egg Salad
Add a teaspoon of curry powder to your classic egg salad recipe for a delightful twist. The spices add depth and warmth, making it a perfect filling for sandwiches or as a topping for crackers.
Hopefully you know by now that curry powder is more than just a spice blend - it’s a gateway to a world of culinary creativity.
From traditional dishes like chicken curry to innovative snacks like curry-spiced popcorn, this versatile seasoning can elevate both your cooking and eating experiences.
Experiment with these ideas and recipes, and allow the rich, aromatic flavors of curry powder to inspire your next meal!
Image courtesy of marionkay.com/curry-dip/
Ready to get started but still feeling a bit intimidated by the thought of having to mix together multiple spices in the perfect amounts? That’s where our spice blends come in! Choose from 16 mouth-watering blends, dust off your pots and pans, and let your creativity run wild. Happy cooking!
xxoo
Karen’s Spice Kitchen
P.S. Fathers’ Day is just around the corner!
Celebrate the special dad (or dads) in your life by treating him to a restaurant-quality home-cooked meal that will leave his mouth watering. OR if he loves to cook – why not gift him some spice blends that he can whip up into a scrumptious feast himself?!
Check out our website Karens Spice Kitchen view our selection of spice blends, order online, or to locate a store near you. Order 4 or more blends to receive free shipping!
Comments