Curry Powder



To me curry is love and after nearly an entire year of researching curry powder recipes I finally developed my own. I was so excited about this I've decided to share it with you all. It is simple to prepare, not very expensive and the ingredients are readily available in almost all supermarkets. You will need a spice grinder or a coffee grinder that is specifically designated for this purpose. Store bought curry powders will fail considerably in comparison to this recipe and I'm sure you will not ever go back to your favorite commercial brand again. Hopefully you will find this as simple to prepare as I did. Enjoy the aromas as you prepare the curry and be sure to have a full stomach because if you're a true food lover this will make you hungry desiring a delicious plate of freshly made curry chicken. Well, lets have at it then...

Ingredients:

½ cup whole coriander seeds

½ cup whole cumin seeds

¼ cup whole fennel seeds

2 tbls whole yellow mustard seeds

1 tbls whole caraway seeds

1 tbls whole black peppercorn

1 tsp whole cloves

¼ cup turmeric powder

 Directions:

Heat a large heavy duty skillet over medium high heat. When the skillet is hot add the first 7 ingredients and toast for about 3 to 5 minutes. Simply put them whole in their natural state in the dry hot skillet. Be sure to stir frequently so that none of the seasonings burn. When the oils are released from the seeds and their perfume begins to permeate the air is when you will know it is time to stop toasting. Pour the toasted seeds into a bowl to cool.  Then in small batches grind your seeds in a spice grinder, or coffee grinder designated for spices only, until all seeds have been ground into a fine powder. Then thoroughly mix in the turmeric. I grind everything a second time after I’ve mixed in the turmeric to guarantee an evenly distributed mixture. The final product will be a yellowish brown powder that will now be your best ever curry powder.

This is a mild curry powder. If you would like it hot throw in some dried chiles to add some heat (anywhere from 3 to 7 or more depending upon how hot you would like it). You may toast the chiles or add them in to the cooled toasted seeds just before grinding. Also, feel free to add in any other seasonings (seeds) you might like in small amounts such as nutmeg, cinnamon or allspice. If you add any previously ground spices add them at the same time you add the turmeric. If there is any spice you do not like feel free to remove it. Keep in mind that the coriander, fennel, cumin and turmeric are the base ingredients. Enjoy and be blessed!