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Cooking Inspiration
02 March 2021
With a few simple tricks, you can whip up a deliciously satisfying dish—better than anything the local takeout or grocery store can offer.
While some of us might be tempted to reach for the store-bought pastes and sauces, making your own perfect curry from scratch couldn’t be easier. With a few simple tricks, you can whip up a deliciously satisfying dish—better than anything the local takeout or grocery store can offer.
Sizzle your spice:
Kick off your curry by heating whole spices in hot oil to unleash their flavor. Choose from cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and seeds for the perfect base to your dish. Fresh spices are the best choice and will keep for longer in the freezer.
Wholesome choices:
It’s a common misconception that curries have to be unhealthy. For a more wholesome curry, simply soak almonds in water for an hour and blend to create an almond paste or choose tomato as an alternative to coconut milk. Spices such as chili and ginger are packed with benefits like antioxidants, which help fight viruses and can boost circulation.
Take your time:
A good curry doesn’t have to take hours but it’s important to allow ingredients such as onions to cook properly, to get the most flavor out of them. Another trick is to save powered spices like garam masala until last. The cooking process reduces the flavor of dried spices, so it’s best to wait until you’re almost finished with the heat before adding to your mix.
Season to taste:
Tomato-based curries can benefit from a little sugar to take away the acidity and a pinch of salt can also balance the dish. If you accidentally go a little overboard with the seasoning, a twist of lemon juice will neutralize the excess.
Garnish:
Transform your curry with a simple topping! Toasted sesame seeds, shredded coconut, or a sprinkle of fresh pomegranate will add another layer of depth to your creation.
Leftovers:
Make curries go further by adding pulses like chickpeas and yellow split peas. Not only will it bulk out the meal, but pulses are great sources of protein and fiber, so this will give your dish a nutritional boost. As long as the rice is cooled quickly (i.e. run under cold water after cooking) and stored in the fridge, it’s safe to reheat the next day—or you can grab a pack of our handy Steamed Basmati Rice which takes just two minutes in the microwave!
For the ultimate curry recipe, why not check out ourPerfect Chicken Curry?
As an enthusiast in the culinary realm, particularly in the domain of curries, I've delved into the intricate art of crafting aromatic, flavorful dishes that tantalize the taste buds. My expertise has been honed through years of exploring various regional cuisines, mastering traditional techniques, and experimenting with innovative twists. Here's a breakdown of the concepts intertwined in the article about perfecting curry:
1. Spice Preparation and Flavor Enhancement: The article emphasizes the method of sizzling whole spices in hot oil as the foundation of flavor for a curry. This technique, known as tempering or tadka, involves releasing the aromatic oils and compounds from spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and seeds by heating them in oil. The use of fresh spices is highlighted for superior taste, and it's noted that storing them in the freezer can help preserve their freshness for longer periods.
2. Health-Conscious Approaches to Ingredients: The article advocates for healthier alternatives in curries. It suggests soaking almonds to create a paste instead of using coconut milk, presenting a creamier texture without the higher fat content. Additionally, it mentions the option of using tomatoes as a base, showcasing a lighter alternative that adds acidity without the richness of coconut milk. Furthermore, the incorporation of spices like chili and ginger is highlighted for their health benefits, citing their antioxidant properties that aid in combating viruses and promoting circulation.
3. Cooking Techniques and Timing: Emphasizing the importance of patience in cooking, the article stresses allowing ingredients like onions to properly cook to extract their maximum flavor. Moreover, it advises adding powdered spices like garam masala towards the end of the cooking process to preserve their potency, as extended cooking diminishes the flavors of dried spices.
4. Balancing Flavors: The piece touches upon the art of balancing flavors in a curry. For instance, it recommends adding a pinch of sugar to tomato-based curries to counteract acidity and balancing seasoning with salt. Additionally, it provides a quick fix for excessive seasoning, suggesting a twist of lemon juice to neutralize the excess.
5. Garnishing and Utilizing Leftovers: The article concludes by highlighting the significance of garnishing to elevate the visual appeal and taste of a curry. It suggests various toppings like toasted sesame seeds, shredded coconut, or fresh pomegranate to add depth to the dish. Moreover, it proposes extending the meal's nutritional value by incorporating pulses like chickpeas and yellow split peas into leftovers, enhancing protein and fiber content.
Each of these elements contributes to the comprehensive understanding and execution of a delectable and well-balanced curry, offering a blend of flavors, textures, and health-conscious choices that cater to various preferences and dietary needs. If you're seeking the ultimate curry recipe, the article suggests exploring their "Perfect Chicken Curry" for a culinary adventure that captures the essence of these tips and tricks.
