Before diving into the recipe for this spice mix I thought it worth talking a little about one of the main ingredients – turmeric. Turmeric has been used for thousands of years for its medicinal properties. Perhaps that’s why it’s often called the ‘king of spices’ and is said to have ‘healing powers’. But what makes it so special?
The health benefit most often linked to turmeric is its natural anti-inflammatory powers – powers that come thanks to curcumin, an active compound within turmeric. Given that chronic inflammation is contributing to modern day diseases these anti-inflammatory powers are reason enough to spice up your cooking with turmeric. Add to this other benefits of turmeric – from preventing Alzheimer’s, to helping liver detoxification and even improving skin conditions – and it seems turmeric really is a super spice.
For these reasons whenever a recipe calls for turmeric I typically double the recommended quantity. I also sneak turmeric into items that are usually turmeric free – like soups and even sauerkraut. Here I’m sharing a conventional use for turmeric with a recipe for homemade curry powder. This curry powder comes in handy for everything from curries, to grilled vegetables and can even be used for marinating meat and fish.
Homemade Curry Powder
Curry powder is a spice blend that, unlike garam masala, most spice fans would be familiar with. Probably because it features in supermarket spice sections, usually alongside the cumin. But I imagine most shoppers who pick up ‘ready-made’ curry powder don’t realise how simple it is to whip up a batch of this simple spice mix at home.
It seems there are a few must include spices in curry powder, including cumin, coriander and of course turmeric. It’s a heavy hit of turmeric that gives curry powder its yellow or golden colour. From what I’ve gathered beyond these base spices you can experiment to make a blend you can call your own. Here I’m sharing the results of my research with a basic recipe and a list of spices that can be used to take your curry powder to the next level.
Basic Curry Powder
- 1 tbsp cumin powder
- 1 tbsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/4 tsp yellow mustard seeds (ground)
Advanced – add 1/4 tsp each of 2 or 3 of the following:
- Ground cloves (for a sweeter flavour)
- Dried ginger
- Cinnamon powder (for a sweeter flavour)
- Paprika
- Black pepper
- Ground cardamom (for a sweeter flavour)
As far as home made spice blends go it doesn’t get much easier than curry powder – all you need to do is mix the spices and then add the mix to an airtight jar – where it will keep for months. If you’re like me then once you’ve made your own curry powder there’s no going back to the ready-made variety….
Laura
Nice to make curry powder at home, it makes really a big difference !
Totally agree Megala – please share your secrets to great curry powder!
Yes, we use same ingredients but with varied measurements, I will post one after checking with my mother ! 🙂
Sounds good – I’ll be keeping my eyes peeled for it!
I haven’t made curry powder in years. I just tend to use the individual spices, but i really should have a home made mixture around. Thanks!
It’s handy to have Chef Mimi – saves getting out all of the individual spices each time!
Hi Laura, great post and I love the idea of making my own. I think black pepper actually activates the increases the effectiveness of turmeric.
This would probably make a great hostess gift for the holidays.
Thanks Liz and good tip on the black pepper – I haven’t heard about that so very handy to know!
I have lot of turmeric in the fields . We make Masala at our own . Thanks for Sharing
Lucky you to have turmeric to hand!
We’ve already dined at Altitude, The Gantry, and Quay. Incredible meals. Thank you for your help!
Lucky you Chef Mimi – three fantastic spots! I hope you enjoyed Monday’s baking hot weather?
Definitely !
Fortunately we were on a boat! Beautiful country. We’re off seeing more of it now.
What a great post! Thanks for sharing. I’ll be definitely trying my hand at this 🙂
Thanks so much – good to hear it will come in useful for you 😄
Reblogged this on nz.
It is great to make curry powder at home! Thank you so much for sharing the recipe!
Thank you for stopping by! Sounds like you’re also a fan of homemade spice mixes.
I really am and enjoy both making and using them! I look forward for your next recipes!
How wonderful to share this… store-bought never comes close!
Totally agree Annika – I’ll definitely be making it again!
Wow! It is very impressive you made your own curry powder. I love curry, but have only tried one store-bought powder. I tend to stay away from other brands. Thanks for sharing, Laura!
Thanks Jhuls – the store bought one that comes to mind for me is the one in a small tin – I haven’t tried it and don’t think I’ll need to now!
Laura, Homemade curry powder is the best for sure. Just like you, I sneak in turmeric in so many of my dishes too.
Thanks Sandhya – I’d love to know your recipe as I’m sure it’s very authentic!
Thanks Laura. I do make different curry powders according to the dish I am making. Will be happy to share with you.
Thanks Sandhya