Curry spice blend - learn about its composition and usage
Curry is an original blend of spices from India. There is no specific recipe for preparing this mixture, however, ingredients such as ginger, chili, cinnamon, cardamom, salt, black pepper, coriander, nutmeg, pepper, and mustard are commonly used. Garlic, cloves, and red onion can also be added optionally. Originally, the plants were ground in a mortar to achieve the desired consistency. Curry can be yellow or red, with the red version typically being more flavorful. Curry is available in the form of very dense paste or powder and is most commonly served with rice and chicken. It is characterized by its intense aroma and also lends color to dishes.
The properties of herbs in curry
The health benefits of curry spice blends are mainly attributed to the active compounds they contain, such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, and ginger. Turmeric, particularly its component curcumin, has been extensively studied and has shown anticancer, antioxidant, choleretic, and hepatoprotective properties. Cumin can regulate digestive processes, exhibit anti-inflammatory effects, and help with rheumatic complaints. Coriander can help with joint pain and have antibacterial properties. Ginger can have antiemetic effects, relieve nausea, stimulate digestion, promote gallbladder function, and have antispasmodic and antiatherogenic properties. However, the effectiveness of these spices depends on the dosage used, i.e., the amount of herbs used in the curry spice blend.
Authentic curry recipe
Tikka masala is an Indian red curry with chicken. Ingredients: – chicken breast (500 g), – tomato purée (400 g), – 3 tablespoons of red curry paste (20 g), – a few cloves of garlic (15 g), – 1 onion (100 g), – 1 glass of unsweetened organic coconut milk (250 ml), – spices: salt, coriander, sweet and spicy paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, curry powder, ginger, – oil for frying (20 g), – basmati rice (200 g), – ⅓ cup of natural yogurt 2% (50 g). Preparation: Dice the chicken breast and marinate for at least 30 minutes in a mixture of natural yogurt and cinnamon (or other chosen spices). Heat the oil in a pan and sauté the finely chopped onion and garlic until golden. Add the chicken along with the marinade and red curry paste. Once the chicken is cooked through, pour in the tomato purée, stir well, and add the coconut milk. Season to taste and simmer covered for about 20 minutes. Serve hot with fragrant basmati rice cooked with a pinch of turmeric.
The nutritional components of the entire serving
Calories: 1785, 3 kilocalories Protein: 134, 3 grams Fats: 41, 3 grams Carbon compounds: 200, 9 grams Dietary fiber: 18, 1 gram.
Nutritional components in one serving
Energy: 446.3 kcal Protein: 33.5 g Fat: 10.3 g Carbohydrates: 50.2 g Fiber: 4.5 g.
Uses
In the event that the opportunity to spend time preparing an authentic Indian dish does not arise, one can rely on a blend of Asian spices to enhance the flavor of traditional dishes. A small amount of curry can accentuate the flavor of spinach, tofu, rice, and couscous. These spices can also be utilized in the case of meat dishes such as lamb, mutton, pork, and poultry. Curry is an excellent choice for fish dishes and dark sauces as well.