Homemade Mild Curry Powder
In short: A golden, fragrant curry powder made by toasting and grinding coriander, cumin, fenugreek and warm spices with turmeric. Mild and well rounded. It takes about 15 min in total and makes 24 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 5 min
- Total
- 15 min
- Servings
- 24
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 10 kcal
Curry powder is a spice blend rather than a single spice, and a freshly ground one smells and tastes far more alive than a jar that has sat on a shelf for months. This mild version is built on coriander and cumin, with turmeric for color, fenugreek and mustard for depth, and a little cardamom and clove for warmth. Toast the whole spices briefly, grind them fine and use the powder in soups, stews, rice, roasted vegetables and curry sauces.
Instructions
- Heat a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Add the coriander, cumin, fenugreek, peppercorns, mustard seeds, cardamom pods, cloves and cinnamon.
- Toast for 2 to 3 minutes, shaking the pan constantly, until the spices smell fragrant and the cumin turns a shade darker. Do not let them smoke or burn.
- Tip the spices onto a plate and spread them out. Let them cool for 5 minutes.
- Split the cardamom pods and take out the black seeds. Discard the green husks.
- Grind the toasted spices to a fine powder in a spice grinder or a clean coffee grinder, in two batches if needed. Shake the grinder to check for large pieces.
- Stir in the turmeric, ground ginger and cayenne. Sift if you want a very fine powder, and store in a small jar away from light.
Tips
- Cook the powder in a little oil or butter for 30 to 60 seconds at the start of cooking, before adding liquid, so the flavors bloom. Use 1 to 2 teaspoons for a pot serving 4.
- For a hotter blend, double the cayenne or add 1 teaspoon of crushed dried chilies. For a sweeter one, add 1 teaspoon of ground fennel.
Questions and answers
How long does homemade curry powder keep?
In a sealed jar away from light and heat it stays fragrant for 4 to 6 months. Ground spices fade over time, so make small batches.
What is the difference between curry powder and garam masala?
Curry powder is a turmeric-based blend used early in cooking for color and body. Garam masala is a warm, sweeter blend with no turmeric, usually added near the end.
Can I make curry powder without a grinder?
Yes, use ground spices: mix 3 tablespoons each of coriander and turmeric, 2 tablespoons of cumin, 1 tablespoon of ginger and 1 teaspoon each of fenugreek, mustard and pepper. Toast the blend in a dry pan for 30 seconds.
How long does it take to make Homemade Mild Curry Powder?
About 15 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 5 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Homemade Mild Curry Powder?
About 10 kcal per serving, with 0 g of protein, 2 g of carbohydrates and 0 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 10 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 2 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Sodium | 2 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
