Curry powder was developed by British manufacturers in a bid to create a ready-made equivalent of the popular Indian kari podi (podi meaning “powder”), which colonists had taken a certain liking to while they were at Southern India.
Curry powder is made of a host of ingredients, each having a a unique set of medicinal properties. Once you gather all the ingredients, you can prepare curry powder within 10 minutes in the comfort of your kitchen!
The spice can be mixed with rice, stews, curries, and soups to enhance their tastes and nutrition.
Health Benefits
Like most legumes, Bengal gram comprises astounding amounts of protein. Coriander is a wonder spice because of the various health benefits it possesses. These benefits include:
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Digestive power
- Laxative properties
Chilis contain capsaicin, another compound that boosts immunity and increases metabolic activity of your body.
Ingredients
bengal gram: 1 tsp
Coriander seeds: ¾ cup
dry red chilies: 10
gingelly oil: 6 tsp
How To Make Curry Powder
- Heat a pan over low-medium flame, and add 2 tsp oil. Roast Bengal gram until slightly brown and set aside to let cool.
- Add 2 tsp oil and roast coriander seeds till the aroma gives out and set aside to cool.
- Add another 2 tsp oil and roast red chilis until the aroma gives out and set aside to cool.
- Blend roasted ingredients into a coarse powder and store in airtight jar
Trivia
The word 'curry' comes from 'Kari', a Tamil word for 'spiced sauce', and it is interesting to note that the spice was first made in Mesopotamia as far back as 1700BC.