If you're looking for a substitute for curry powder, you're in the right place! In this guide, I'll introduce you to some fantastic alternatives that will keep your dishes flavorful, from an easy DIY curry powder and spice blends to convenient store-bought options.
What is Curry Powder?
Originating from British colonial India in the late 1700s, curry powder is a versatile and aromatic spice blend that brings a warm, earthy, and slightly sweet flavor to a variety of dishes. It was designed to mimic the complex flavors of Indian cuisine (source).
Most curry powders typically include a mix of turmeric, cumin, coriander, ginger, ground black pepper, mustard seeds, fenugreek, and red pepper flakes, which together create the signature taste we associate with curry. However, the proportions can vary, and additional spices may be added depending on the blend.
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Best Curry Powder Substitutes
When you need a substitute for curry powder, there are several options that can deliver the warm, complex flavors you're looking for. Here is my list of some of the best curry powder substitutes:
1. Homemade Curry Powder
Making my own curry powder is my favorite substitute. In some ways, I think it is even better than store-bought, which can lose its potency over time. Plus, you can control the intensity and balance of flavors.
How to Use It: Use my homemade curry powder recipe as a 1:1 substitute.
2. Garam Masala
Known for its warm and slightly sweet flavor, garam masala is a staple in Indian cuisine. It’s made with a mix of spices like cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, cumin, coriander, and black pepper, which together create a rich, aromatic blend that’s a little sweeter and more fragrant than curry powder.
Because of its intricate combination of spices, garam masala will bring an authentic Indian flavor to dishes, making it a fantastic alternative when you’re out of curry powder.
How to Use It: Use it as a 1:1 substitute but keep in mind that garam masala can be more intense.
3. Turmeric, Cumin, and Coriander Mix
For a simpler option that mimics the essence of curry powder, a blend of turmeric, cumin, and coriander can get you close to the same flavor profile. While this mix doesn’t offer the full complexity of traditional curry powder, this option works especially well if you’re looking for a quick substitute using spices you likely already have in your pantry.
How to Use It: Mix equal parts turmeric, cumin, and coriander and use as a 1:1 substitute.
4. Curry Paste
Curry paste is a bold and flavorful alternative to curry powder, especially popular in Thai cuisine. Unlike curry powder, it's made from a blend of fresh herbs and aromatics such as lemongrass, galangal, garlic, chilies, and ginger, which creates a concentrated flavor that adds both heat and depth to dishes.
Curry pastes come in various types—red, green, and yellow—with each one bringing its own unique blend of spices and heat levels. Red curry paste tends to be spicier due to its use of red chilies, while yellow curry paste is milder and more similar to traditional Indian curry powder in its earthy flavor.
How to Use It: Because curry paste is more concentrated, start by using about half the amount compared to what the recipe calls for in curry powder, then adjust to taste.
Curry paste is best suited for dishes like soups, stews, or curries that involve a liquid base. Also, be mindful that curry paste can bring more heat so if you are sensitive to spice start off with less.
5. Cumin and Coriander Mix
Though this mix lacks the complexity and layers that come with curry powder, a blend of cumin and coriander is a simple yet effective option when you don't have much in your pantry. These two spices are foundational elements in curry powder, contributing to its warmth and earthiness.
How to Use It: Mix equal parts cumin and coriander and use as a 1:1 substitute.
6. Chaat Masala
Chaat Masala is a unique and flavorful Indian spice blend that includes spices like dried mango powder (amchur), cumin, coriander, black salt, and sometimes asafoetida. It's known for its tangy, salty, and slightly spicy notes.
While it's not an exact match for curry powder, chaat masala offers a complex, zesty flavor that can add a whole new dimension to your dishes.
How to Use It: Due to its intense flavor, you’ll want to use chaat masala sparingly. Start with about half the amount of what’s called for in curry powder and adjust to taste.
It’s an excellent choice for spicing up roasted vegetables, potato dishes, or even fruit salads. Chaat masala is best used in recipes where a bit of zest is welcome.
7. Berbere
Berbere is a bold and flavorful Ethiopian spice blend that makes a fantastic substitute for curry powder. Known for its spiciness and layers of earthiness, berbere typically includes a blend of chili peppers, garlic, ginger, fenugreek, allspice, coriander, cumin, and sometimes cinnamon and cloves.
It's perfect for when you're craving something with a deeper, more intense spicy flavor as it's much hotter than curry powder.
How to Use It: You can use berbere as a 1:1 substitute, but due to its heat level, it’s a good idea to start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste. A little goes a long way.
8. Sambar Powder
While it’s traditionally used in South Indian cooking, sambar powder makes a flavorful substitute due to its similar warm, earthy, and slightly spicy flavor profile. It's made from a combination of coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, dried red chilies, and sometimes turmeric and mustard seeds.
Sambar powder differs from a curry powder blend in that it is more sour, thanks to the use of fenugreek, which adds a touch of bitterness, and the dried red chilies that provide heat.
How to Use It: Use sambar powder as a 1:1 substitute, particularly in soups, stews, and lentil dishes.
9. Ras El Hanout
Ras El Hanout is a traditional North African spice blend, particularly from Morocco, that’s often used in tagines, stews, and grilled meats. The blend typically includes a mix of both sweet and savory spices, such as cinnamon, cloves, allspice, cumin, coriander, paprika, ginger, and turmeric.
It's similar to a curry powder taste in its complexity but leans more toward sweetness and warm spices. While it’s not exactly the same as curry powder, ras el haout provides a complex, rich flavor.
How to Use It: Use it as a 1:1 curry powder substitute, but be aware that it will impart a slightly sweeter, more exotic flavor to your dish.
10. Chili Powder
While traditionally associated with Mexican and Southwestern cuisines, chili powder can be a surprisingly effective substitute for curry powder. With a base of ground chili peppers, combined with spices like ground cumin, garlic powder, oregano, and sometimes paprika, it doesn’t have the exact flavor complexity of curry powder, but it brings a pleasant mix of heat, smokiness, and earthiness.
One important distinction is that chili powder, depending on the brand and blend, can have a much stronger heat element due to the chili peppers
How to Use It: Use it as a 1:1 substitute, but be mindful of the heat level. If you're not looking for too much spice, start with a smaller amount and gradually increase to taste.
11. Pickling Spice
Pickling spice is an unconventional but surprisingly effective substitute in some dishes. It's a blend of spices typically used in pickling but includes many components found in curry powder, like black mustard seeds, coriander seeds, allspice, bay leaves, and sometimes cloves and cinnamon.
Its versatility makes it a handy option when you're in a pinch and need a quick curry powder alternative.
How to Use It: You can use pickling spice as a 1:1 substitute for curry powder, but you might want to grind it first to achieve a smoother texture. You can also adjust the blend by adding a bit of cayenne or paprika to introduce some heat if desired.
12. Allspice and Turmeric
For a simple yet effective substitution, a blend of allspice and turmeric can mimic some of the warm, earthy notes of curry powder. While this mix won’t have the same complexity, it brings together two key elements: the warmth and sweetness of allspice with the earthy bitterness and vibrant color of turmeric.
This combination works best in dishes where you're looking for a mild, flavorful substitute without overwhelming the other ingredients.
How to Use It: Mix equal parts of allspice and turmeric and use as a 1:1 substitute.
Tips for Using Curry Powder Substitutes
- Balance Flavors:
- If using a substitute with a strong flavor, like garam masala or berbere, balance it with milder ingredients like coconut milk or yogurt.
- Adjust the salt and sugar in your recipe to complement the new spice blend.
- Adjust Other Ingredients:
- If your substitute is spicier than curry powder, reduce the amount of additional spices like cayenne pepper.
- If using a tangier substitute, such as chaat masala, you may want to reduce acidic ingredients like tomatoes or lemon juice.
- Enhance Aromatics:
- Toast your spices before using them to enhance their flavor.
- Add fresh herbs like cilantro or mint to brighten the dish.
- Experiment:
- Don’t be afraid to try different combinations and amounts to find the perfect flavor for your dish.
- Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
FAQs
While curry paste is an excellent substitute for curry powder in soups, stews, and curries, it might not work as well in dry dishes like stir-fries or rubs, as it requires liquid to disperse its concentrated flavors. If you do want to use curry paste in a dry dish, try dissolving a small amount in a bit of oil or broth to create a paste, then mix it thoroughly with your ingredients.
If your substitute, makes the dish too spicy, there are a few ways to mellow out the heat. Adding dairy (like yogurt or coconut milk), a sweetener (like agave or sugar), or a bit of acid (like lemon juice or apple cider vinegar) can help balance the spice. You can also dilute the dish by adding more of the other main ingredients, like broth or vegetables, to even out the flavors.
If your dish tastes flat after using a curry powder substitute, try adding a few complementary spices to enhance the depth of flavor. Spices like cumin, ground coriander, cinnamon, ginger, and paprika can boost the complexity of the dish. Additionally, consider adding a splash of acid, like lemon juice or vinegar, or a small amount of sweetener to balance the flavors and bring everything together.
Conclusion
When you need a substitute for curry powder, there are plenty of options to choose from. From homemade blends to store-bought spice mixes, each substitute offers a unique flavor profile that can elevate your dishes.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with these substitutes to find the perfect match for your recipes.
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Substitute For Curry Powder
Ingredients
Overall Best Substitute for Curry Powder
- Homemade Curry Spice Blend
Instructions
- Use the homemade curry spice just like store-bought curry powder.
Notes
- Garam Masala: Use in a 1:1 ratio. For a closer match, add a bit of turmeric for color and balance the intensity with a smaller initial amount, adjusting to taste.
- Turmeric, Cumin, and Coriander Mix: Use in a 1:1 ratio. This simple blend mimics the earthiness of curry powder.
- Curry Paste: Use in a smaller amount—start with half the required amount of curry powder and adjust. Best for liquid-based dishes like soups and stews.
- Cumin and Coriander Mix: Use in a 1:1 ratio. Ideal for a more subtle, earthy flavor.
- Chaat Masala: Use half the amount. Its tangy, salty profile works well in salads, roasted vegetables, and snacks.
- Berbere: Use in a 1:1 ratio. Be cautious with the heat—start with a small amount and adjust for spicier dishes.
- Sambar Powder: Use in a 1:1 ratio. Great for lentil-based soups and stews, with a tangy, slightly spicy kick.
- Ras El Hanout: Use in a 1:1 ratio. Adds a sweet, aromatic warmth, ideal for slow-cooked dishes.
- Chili Powder: Use in a 1:1 ratio. Adjust based on the spice level as chili powder can be much hotter.
- Pickling Spice: Use in a 1:1 ratio. For a smoother texture, grind before using. Adds tangy complexity to stews and broths.
- Allspice and Turmeric: Use in a 1:1 ratio. This combination provides a warm, slightly sweet flavor, ideal for soups and mild curries.
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