19 Scrumptious Curry Varieties That Will Warm Your Soul
Curry, oh how it tantalizes our taste buds! When we think of curry, we often envision a creamy blend of coconut milk, spices, and succulent meat. But curry has evolved into a culinary category that encompasses a plethora of dishes from all corners of the globe. From fast-casual joints to upscale restaurants, the curry craze is here to stay. So, let’s embark on a spice-laden journey, exploring the origins of this beloved dish and discovering a diverse array of curry types that will inspire your next catered event.
Unraveling the Essence of Curry
Portuguese explorers kicked off the curry revolution in the 15th century when they established the first marine trade routes from Europe to India. They brought back exotic spices that would forever transform the world of cooking. In the 1700s, the British introduced “curry powder” to their culinary repertoire. Since then, curry has adapted to various regions’ ingredients and cultural preferences, resulting in a multitude of flavorful variations. While there are countless types of curry, the journey begins in India.
Indian Originals
In India, curry is an art form. The essential ingredients used in curry powder include cumin, cardamom, coriander, garam masala, and chili powder. These spices form the backbone of Indian cuisine, but each recipe and region add their own twist. Turmeric, mustard, cinnamon, black pepper, and ginger are common additions that enhance the complexity of Indian curries.
Delightful Indian Curries to Savor
1. Madras Curry
Madras curry, the most widely known Indian curry, packs a flavorful punch. Infused with cayenne, clove, and aromatic fenugreek, this curry balances its vibrant red sauce with succulent meats like chicken, beef, or seafood.
2. Korma
Korma is the epitome of indulgence. This luscious curry combines braised meat or vegetables with yogurt, garam masala, and curry powder. Creamy and rich, Korma offers a delightful balance of flavors.
3. Rogan Josh
Rogan Josh, the jewel of Kashmir, is a culinary masterpiece. Lamb is stewed to perfection with Kashmiri chilies, warm cinnamon, cloves, fragrant coriander, and cardamom. This thick, meaty curry boasts a mesmerizing red hue and a complex layer of flavors.
4. Vindaloo
Hailing from the tropical region of Goa, vindaloo has a Portuguese influence. Traditionally made with pork, this curry tantalizes taste buds with its sweet tamarind, warm spices, floral cardamom, black pepper, and a fiery fusion of chilies.
5. Saag
When you come across saag, think green! This vibrant curry combines spinach, kale, collards, or other leafy greens with chicken, yogurt, and spices. Bursting with flavors from ginger, garlic, and a unique blend of spices, saag offers a delightful balance of heat and freshness.
6. Tikka Masala
Tikka Masala is a culinary triumph that marries tender chicken with a heavenly blend of yogurt, garlic, and lime. Roasted to perfection, the chicken is then bathed in a warm orange-hued curry sauce. Served alongside soft naan bread, this creamy dish is the epitome of comfort food. No wonder it’s become the national dish of England!
7. Jalfrezi
Jalfrezi is another beloved curry from India. Marinated meat, fish, or veggies are cooked with cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Fried with onions, cabbage, tomatoes, and green chilies, this curry boasts a thick, flavorful sauce with a delightful pop of green heat.
The Allure of Thai Curry
In Thailand, curry comes in the form of a paste. Aromatic chilies, garlic, coriander root, ginger, lemongrass, kaffir lime rind, and shrimp paste create a vibrant explosion of flavors. These curry pastes are then combined with a variety of meats or vegetables. Bamboo shoots, baby eggplant, string beans, bell peppers, and fresh basil are popular additions. The Thai curry sauces strike the perfect balance between fiery heat and creamy coconut milk.
1. Red Curry
Thai red curry paste is a game-changer that has enthralled countless food enthusiasts. This exquisite paste combines multiple varieties of red chilies, galangal (a spicier ginger alternative), garlic, and turmeric root, resulting in a vibrant and tantalizing flavor profile.
2. Green Curry
Swap red chilies for green, and you enter the realm of green curry. This aromatic creation blends sweet basil, green eggplant, and kaffir lime leaves. The result is a visually stunning bright green curry that pairs deliciously with chicken and shrimp.
3. Yellow Curry
Turmeric takes center stage in yellow curry. With supporting roles from coriander, lemongrass, galangal, garlic, cumin, and dried red chilies, this curry offers a mild and slightly sweet flavor profile.
4. Massaman Curry
Massaman curry, influenced by Persian cuisine, is the mildest curry on the Thai menu. Its allure lies in the combination of palm sugar, star anise, cloves, cinnamon, and fresh galangal. Vegetables, peanuts, and potatoes lend a playful twist to this delightful curry.
Curry Adventures in Japan
Japan adds its own unique flair to the world of curry. Aromatic spices such as black peppercorns, garam masala, madras curry, and turmeric blend together harmoniously with a thickening paste of butter and flour. Sauteed beef, carrots, and potatoes create a soul-warming curry that is poured over a bed of white rice and topped with a perfectly fried egg. To make it even more delicious, add a breaded fried pork cutlet (pork katsu) to the mix.
Tempting Curries from Around the World
1. Ceylon Curry
Ceylon curry, hailing from modern-day Sri Lanka, boasts a unique cooking technique that enhances its flavors. The curry spices are roasted until they reach the brink of burnt, resulting in a distinct smoky flavor. Combined with coconut milk and lime, Ceylon curry transforms meat and seafood dishes into irresistible temptations. Cashews and tropical fruits often make surprise appearances, taking this curry to the next level.
2. Jamaican Curry
Jamaican curry embraces the heat of the Caribbean, with Scotch bonnet peppers taking the spotlight. Blended with cumin, anise, and whole mustard seeds, this curry is known for its fiery kick. A touch of vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce adds a tantalizing sourness to the dish, making it increasingly addictive.
3. Trinidadian Chicken Potato Curry
Cilantro, ginger, garlic, and hot Scotch bonnet peppers elevate this Caribbean curry to extraordinary heights. With water and oil as its base, this coconut-free sauce slowly braises marinated dark-meat chicken. The result is a vibrant and spicy creation that can be enjoyed with rice or roti.
4. Afghan Chicken Korma
Afghan korma shares similarities with its Indian counterpart but brings its own distinct flavors to the table. Turmeric, ginger, garlic, long red chilies, and sour plums infuse this curry with warmth and a slight sourness. Chana dal, a small Indian lentil, adds texture to this delightful dish.
5. Indonesian/Malaysian Rendang
Originating from Indonesia and revered in Malaysia, Rendang is a slow-cooked beef curry. The coconut milk is reduced until it thickens and clings to the tender chunks of meat. This dry curry boasts an exquisite blend of sweet, sour, spicy, and savory flavors that will leave you craving more.
6. African Vegetable Curry
Africa offers a plethora of regional curry varieties, each with its own unique twist. Scotch bonnet peppers, fresh ginger, and a hint of lemon form the foundation of many African curries. These dishes showcase the abundance of local vegetables, making them a perfect choice for vegans and vegetarians.
7. Portuguese/Macanese Curry
The Portuguese-Macanese curry is a delightful fusion of Chinese and Portuguese cuisines. This curry combines dark chicken, Madras curry powder, coconut, and potatoes as its base. Brined olives, sweet tomatoes, spiced dried pork, fresh parsley, and a final hit of lemon add a touch of flare to this captivating dish.
Master the Art of Curry
Why not add a touch of curry to your next team adventure? Instead of simply incorporating a dish or two into your Indian spread, create a curry buffet that allows your guests to sample the diverse flavors and textures of this beloved dish. Don’t forget to serve plenty of rice and naan bread to savor every drop of the delectable sauces.
Now that you’re armed with knowledge about the world of curry, it’s time to embark on your own curry adventure. Let the fragrant aromas and enticing flavors transport you to distant lands, where curry is more than just a dish—it’s an experience.
