Hot Madras Curry Powder Recipe

With its origins in the southern region of India (the city of Madras), Madras curry powder is a versatile spice blend that adds depth and heat to any Indian food recipe.

Traditionally used in dal recipes and Indian curry dishes, this hot curry powder has gained popularity worldwide for its intense flavor profile.

this recipe

I am sharing this great recipe that dates back to colonial times of the 18th century Great Britain, so you can prepare your own homemade spice blend and ace your indian recipes!

This is even better than what you would find in Indian restaurants because you would use fresh, earthy spices dry-roasted for the most authentic flavor.

While store-bought options are readily available, creating your own curry powder allows for a personalized touch and control over the ingredients used.

This homemade Madras curry powder recipe is simple and can be adjusted to suit individual preferences.

A combination of toasted spices like coriander, cumin, cloves, fenugreek, turmeric, and various others are typically used to create this unique blend.

The quantities of each spice can be adjusted to cater to personal taste preferences, making it a customizable option.

Try this today and prepare your own spicy curry over and over again! 

Jump to:

• Why you'll love this
• Health benefits of using curry powder
• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Storing 
• Using Madras curry powder
• Recipe FAQ
• Top tips
• Related recipes
• 📖 Recipe
• Comments

Why you'll love this

• Control over ingredient quantities.
• Customizable to personal preferences
• Intense and vibrant flavors
• Versatile in various dishes and forms the foundation of Indian dishes.
• Easy to prepare at home.
• Simple ingredients that you will find in any Indian grocery store.

Health benefits of using curry powder

Homemade curry powder is not just a flavor enhancer but also packs a punch when it comes to health benefits.

Its remarkable blend of ground spices holds various medicinal properties, contributing positively to overall health.

For example, ground turmeric in the blend is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, while coriander is packed with fiber, magnesium, and multiple vitamins.

Cumin aids digestion and boosts the immune system, and fenugreek has been linked to lower blood sugar.

With this homemade Madras curry powder in your dishes, you're enhancing the taste and nourishing your body with essential nutrients.

Ingredients

• Coriander seeds
• Cumin seeds
• Fennel seeds
• Cloves, cardamom, cinnamon
• Black gram/ urad dal
• Red chilies- I used Kashmiri red chilies.
• Ginger and turmeric powder

Instructions

Place a pan or dry skillet over medium heat and dry roast the ingredients: coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, black gram/urad dal, cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon.

Make sure not to burn them; they should release their aroma and lightly change in color.

Set it aside and let it cool.

Add one teaspoon of oil and red chilies to the pan over medium-low heat and toast for a minute or until they crisp up. Switch off the heat.

Grind all roasted spices in a coffee grinder or a mortar and pestle until they form a fine powder.

Mix with ginger and turmeric powder. This process intensifies the flavors and creates a more vibrant color.

Give a nice stir and let it cool completely. Store in an air-tight container. 

Storing 

Properly storing your homemade Madras curry powder is crucial to maintain its freshness, potency, and flavor.

1. Airtight Container: Always store your curry powder in an air-tight container to prevent moisture from seeping in, which can lead to clumping or mold.
2. Dark and Cool Place: Keep the container in a dark, cool place such as a pantry or a cupboard. Direct sunlight or heat can degrade the quality of the spices.
3. Avoid Cross-contamination: Use a clean, dry spoon each time you take curry powder from the container. This will prevent any cross-contamination and keep the powder fresh.
4. Bulk Preparation: Although making a large batch of curry powder is convenient, spices lose their flavor over time. It's better to make it in small batches that you can use within 1-2 months.
5. Label the Container: Don't forget to label your container with the date of preparation. This will help you keep track of its freshness.

Using Madras curry powder

Homemade Madras curry powder's versatility makes it a staple in many kitchens. It lends an earthy, spicy heat to various dishes, retaining its distinctive characteristics while blending harmoniously with other ingredients.

1. Curries and Dals: Madras curry powder is traditionally used in various Indian curries and dals. It provides a depth of flavor and a spicy kick, enhancing the overall taste of these dishes.
2. Rice Dishes: A dash of curry powder can turn a simple rice dish into an aromatic and flavorful treat. It pairs well with biryanis, pilafs, and even fried rice.
3. Marinades: Use the curry powder in marinades for tofu and veggies. The strong flavors penetrate the proteins, rendering them juicy and flavorful.
4. Soups and Stews: Adding a spoonful of Madras curry powder instead of chilli powder to your soups or stews can instantly elevate their flavor profile.
5. Salad Dressings: Mix some curry powder into your salad dressings for an unexpected, exotic twist.

Recipe FAQ

Top tips

• Use fresh, high-quality spices for the best flavor.
• Dry roast the whole spices before grinding to enhance their flavors.
• Use a spice grinder to get a fine consistency.
• Customize the blend to your taste preferences by adjusting the quantity of chillis.
• Store in an air-tight container in a cool, dark place to maintain its freshness and potency.
• Add roasted curry leaves to the blend for an extra layer of flavor.

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