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Home » Recipe Index » Spice Blends

Best Curry Spice Recipe

Published: Sep 6, 2024 · Modified: Jan 22, 2025 by Kim Grimmett · This post may contain affiliate links. This blog generates income via ads. Please read the Affiliate Disclosure and Privacy Policy.

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Skip store-bought and make my homemade curry spice recipe instead! Made with very basic ingredients, it's fresh, aromatic, and bursting with authentic flavor. Whether you're making a comforting Indian curry or want to add a kick to roasted veggies, this DIY curry powder is perfect.

homemade curry spice mix
Jump to:
  • What is Curry Seasoning?
  • What Is In Curry Powder?
  • How To Make Curry Spice
  • Expert Tips
  • FAQs
  • How To Use Curry Powder
  • Best Curry Spice Recipe

What is Curry Seasoning?

Curry seasoning is a versatile and aromatic spice blend that adds warmth, depth, and complexity to many dishes. It's a staple in several cuisines, especially Indian, Thai, and Caribbean.

Each cuisine has its own version of curry powder, but the base tends to be very similar and typically includes a blend of turmeric, cumin, coriander, and fenugreek seeds. These primary curry spices are often complemented by other spices like ground ginger, garlic powder, cinnamon, and cloves.

Curry powders can range from mild to spicy, depending on the combination and proportions of the spices used. Part of the beauty of making a homemade curry powder recipe is that you can cater it to your taste.

What Is In Curry Powder?

When learning how to make curry seasoning, you may notice that spice blends vary, but most have the same core ingredients. This likeness is what makes curry dishes so familiar.

Spices in bags.

Ground Coriander and Cumin: These two spices form the backbone of many curry blends. Ground coriander provides a subtle, citrusy sweetness and ground cumin adds a deep, earthy richness.

Turmeric: Known for its bright yellow color, turmeric adds a warm, earthy flavor with a slight bitterness.

Sweet Paprika: Adds a mild, sweet pepper flavor with a touch of fruitiness. It helps to balance the heat of the cayenne pepper.

Cardamom: Brings a sweet, floral aroma with hints of citrus and mint. It has a unique, complex flavor that can be both sweet and savory.

Ground Ginger: Provides a warm, spicy flavor with a hint of sweetness and a mild peppery bite.

Mustard Powder: It adds depth and complexity to the spice blend by adding a tangy slightly bitter flavor.

Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Cloves: These warm spices infuse the curry powder with a sweet, aromatic flavor that adds depth.

Black Pepper and Cayenne Pepper: Black pepper adds a sharp touch of heat, while cayenne pepper offers a more intense heat.

How To Make Curry Spice

Homemade spice blends are one of my favorite things! They are easy to make and I find them to be so much better.

  1. First, I measure out all the curry powder ingredients and then use a whisk to mix them together until combined well.
  2. When done, I put the curry spice in an airtight container and store it in the pantry for up to 3 months.
homemade curry spice mix

Expert Tips

  • Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder curry, reduce the amount of cayenne red pepper or omit it entirely. If you love spice like me, add more.
  • Use Fresh Spices: Spices lose their potency over time, so check expiration dates and replace any that are old. Consider buying whole spices and grinding them yourself for an even fresher taste.
  • Customize the Blend: Feel free to tweak my curry spice blend to suit your taste buds. For example, if you love a sweeter curry, add a bit more cinnamon and nutmeg.
  • Make a Big Batch: If you use curry powder often, make a larger batch. I always do this, so I have some on hand when needed.

FAQs

Where did curry originate?

Curry has its roots in India, dating back thousands of years. It was popularized in Britain during the 18th century through British colonization. Curry has since evolved resulting in different regional variations such as Indian, Thai, Japanese, and Caribbean curries.

What's the difference between curry powder and curry paste?

Curry powder is a dry blend of ground spices. It's convenient for adding flavor to dishes quickly and is typically used in dry or liquid-based recipes like soups, stews, and rubs. On the other hand, curry paste is a wet blend of fresh and dried ingredients, including spices, herbs, and aromatics like garlic, ginger, and chili peppers. Curry paste is commonly used in Thai and Southeast Asian cuisines.

Does all curry have turmeric?

While turmeric is one of the most common ingredients of curry powder, it's not present in all recipes. The presence of turmeric depends on the specific type of curry being prepared and the culinary tradition it belongs to.

homemade curry spice mix

How To Use Curry Powder

Curry powder is not just for stewed curry. It's an incredibly versatile spice blend that can add depth to a wide variety of dishes. Here are some creative and delicious reasons to make my homemade curry spice recipe.

  1. Seasoning: Sprinkle it on roasted vegetables, popcorn, sweet potato fries, or even corn on the cob. It adds a unique, aromatic flavor.
  2. Sauces and Dressings: Mix curry spice into sauces and dressings like my vegan ranch or vegan mayo. I use homemade curry mayo to make my curried couscous salad. You could also mix it into my vegan chickpea tuna salad.
  3. Soups and Stews: Curry powder is a fantastic addition to soups and stews. It's wonderful in my vegan tomato soup and carrot ginger soup with coconut milk.
  4. Marinades: Create flavorful marinades for tofu, tempeh, or vegetables by mixing curry powder with olive oil, lemon juice, and a bit of soy sauce or tamari. Let your ingredients marinate for at least an hour to absorb the flavors before cooking.
  5. Rice and Grain Dishes: Stir my curry powder mix into rice, gluten free quinoa, or other grains while they cook. It's a simple way to turn plain rice or grains into a delicious side dish. Curry-flavored rice pairs well with my red lentil dal.
  6. Curry: This curry powder spice can be used to make any type of curry. Whether you're into Indian cooking and making a vegan chicken curry or making Japanese curry this spice mix will work.

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homemade curry spice mix

Best Curry Spice Recipe

My curry spice recipe is better than anything store-bought. Made with just a few simple ingredients, it's fresh, aromatic, and full of authentic flavor. Whether you're making a comforting Indian curry or adding a kick to your roasted veggies, my homemade curry powder recipe is a game changer.
Author: Kim Grimmett
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Prep Time 5 minutes minutes
Total Time 5 minutes minutes
Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients
 

  • 2 tablespoons ground coriander
  • 2 tablespoons ground cumin
  • 1 ½ tablespoons ground turmeric
  • 1 tablespoon ground cardamom
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions

  • Combine all the ingredients and mix well.
  • Put the spice blend in an airtight container and store in a dark, cool place.
  • For optimal flavor, use within 3 months. This recipe makes about ½ cup.

Notes

  • If you want to make a mild curry powder reduce the amount of cayenne or leave it out entirely.
  • Make sure to use fresh spices as they lose their flavor over time.
Keyword curry powder, curry spice recipe
Tried this recipe?Mention me on Instagram @dances_with_knives and add the hashtag #danceswithknives! Would love to see your yummy creations!

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I'm a professional chef with a culinary degree in my back pocket along with training from all over the world. Dances With Knives is where I share my passion for vegan food and healthy delicious recipes for everyone to enjoy. More about me >


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