Curry Powder
Learn how to make your own curry powder from scratch with just a few ingredients. Homemade spice mixes are so much better than store-bought, and it only takes a few minutes to do.
What is curry powder
Curry powder is a spice blend from the UK based on classic Indian flavors like turmeric, cumin, and coriander, and is used to season curries, soups, and stews. I got the idea for this recipe when I made one of my favorite curries and needed a milder curry mix for the children. This is also why I've added my favorite variations so you can create your own signature curry spice!
Why you will love my curry powder recipe
- You can make my curry powder recipe with store-bought or fresh spices. This is great because it gives you more freedom to create the perfect spice blend.
- Curry powder is one of my favorite seasonings in my pantry. I often use the flavors as inspiration to create new recipes!
- You can use this mix to flavor both protein and veggies! You can also use it to flavor oils for salads or drizzle a little bit over your favorite grilled vegetables for a sandwich.
Ingredient notes
Turmeric: This adds an incredible yellow color to the curry powder and is used as the base for this mix. It has a mild eathy flavor, but isn't the strongest flavor in this recipe.
Pepper: I always use a combination of cayenne and black pepper. This adds heat and a ton of flavor. If you don't like the flavor of black pepper, feel free to leave it out or use white pepper instead.
Cinnamon: Adding cinnamon to your curry powder gives a mild sweet note to the blend.
Cayenne pepper: The color and heat make cayenne pepper the perfect addition to the mix. You can leave it out if you're looking for a milder recipe, but it will affect the flavor.
Variations
Fenugreek: This adds a sweet, almost nutty flavor that pairs well with chicken stew. Don't add too much, though; it can be overpowering.
Cardamom: Adds a mild citrussy flavor to the curry spice. I like to add 1 ½ teaspoons to the recipe.
Chili flakes: For a little bit of extra heat, add ½ teaspoon of chili flakes to the mix. This is especially great if you use the curry powder for salads or grilled chicken and veggies.
How to make curry powder
To make curry powder from scratch, add all the spices to a small bowl. Another option is to add everything to your spice jar and shake it. However, I've found that it doesn't mix as well as in a bowl.
Once your curry spice is fully combined, transfer it to an empty container. I use a folded piece of paper for this step to keep my curry powder from spilling all over my counter.
My tips for the best curry powder
- Use fresh spices. You can use ready-ground spices to make this spice mix, but for the best flavor, you can also roast whole spices and grind them into curry powder.
- Store your spice mix in old spice jars. Saving empty spice jars and using them to store your homemade seasonings saves a lot of money!
- Experiment with different ratios. Everyone's taste is different, and so are curry spice mixes, so feel free to experiment with different ratios to find the one that is perfect for you.
How to use curry powder
Curry powder is an incredible spice blend that adds warmth to your favorite dishes. You can use it to season your favorite curry recipes or a stove-top chicken stew, but you don't have to stop there. I love to sprinkle it over vegetables before roasting them in the oven, or use it as a seasoning for grilled chicken.
It is also a great flavor for recipes like my Dutch kerrie saus, or soups such as lentil soup.
Frequently asked questions
For me, a good curry powder includes at least turmeric, ginger, coriander, and cumin.
No, not really. Garam masala is an indian spice mix which does not contain a lot of the same spices but is more fragrant and has more pepper, while curry powder is a British mix and has more turmeric.
Storage
Homemade curry powder will keep for about a year. You can use it after that year, but the flavors will become less strong. For the best flavor, it is important that you store your spice mix in an airtight container and place it in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cupboard.
More of my favorite seasoning recipes
Curry Powder
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon ground coriander
- 2 tablespoon ground turmeric
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- ½ tablespoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder or cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Add all the spices to a small bowl and mix until combined.
- Transfer the curry powder to a spice jar. I like to make a funnel out of a piece of paper to make this easier.
Notes
- When you use whole spices, grind them to a fine powder.
- Use empty old spice jars. This saves you extra money and is better for the environment.
- Feel free to add more pepper or chili if you like your curry powder to have a little more heat.