What is actually curry? Is it a sauce? A dish? Or maybe a mix of spices? Well, it’s all of them. Every region has its own definition or version: In India, it is arguably the essence of its gastronomy and joy. Basically, a stew made of vegetables, meat or fish cooked with a creamy sauce and paired with rice. In Europe, it is more considered a combination of various spices used to condiment or season their meals. And finally, in Southeast Asia, curry is a dish that uses coconut milk and is eaten on top of rice, although it can include fish, meat and poultry.
The enjoyment of curry in Indian culture has given it worldwide popularity and found its way into the tables of families all around. For this reason, including it on your menu is a must for food enthusiasts.
If you consider yourself adventurous when cooking, you might be familiar with no less than one recipe with this ingredient, whether the mix of spices or the whole dish, everyone needs to try curry at least once.
Curry is good for you and your family
Having such a variety of spices in its composition, many of them contain wonderful medicinal benefits. Turmeric, a major part of curry, is known due to its anti-inflammatory effects that help dealing with pain and inflammation. Cardamom and basil support reduce arterial pressure, therefore helping to avoid cardiovascular problems.
Eating foods rich in antioxidants like curry benefits the prevention of cellular damage, usually linked to cardiac diseases, cancer and mental detriment.
How can you include curry in your meals?
There are numerous delightful options to prepare and include curry in your menu. The spark of the different essences makes wonders to any ingredient you pair it with: Fish, meat or rice, they all create a blend of rich flavors and aromas once prepared around curry. When cooked as gravy, it will always be heavily tasteful and depending on your preference, mild or hot, after all, that’s what spices are for, right?
Foods that go great with curry include rice (as it was originally prepared with this ingredient), salads, bread, vegetables and meat, just to name a few. However, depending on where in the world it’s prepared, possibilities are never-ending and new recipes always surface. Anyway, do not stress, curry is what you make it to be!
If you want to enter the charming world of curry, try this chicken and curry recipe to spur up your taste buds and share with your family.
Here is what you need:
- 1 tbsp. of olive oil.
- 900 g (2 lb) of chicken thighs (cut in small chunks).
- 3 tbsp. of curry powder.
- 1 diced purple onion.
- 3 ground garlic cloves.
- 2 tbsp. of tomato paste.
- 2 tbsp. of sugar.
- 400 g (0.9 lb) of coconut cream.
- 2 cups of cooked white rice.
How to: Chicken and curry recipe
- In a pan, pour the oil and cook the chicken in medium heat until it gets a golden color.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and add the garlic and onion, sauté until the onion softens.
- Add the curry powder and cook for 1 more minute.
- Add the sugar, tomato paste and coconut cream. Mix all together for a moment until you get a consistent cream.
- Put the chicken back in the pan and leave to cook over low heat until chicken is well done.
- Serve while still hot with the rice.
You are done! Easy peasy. I can guarantee once your family tries this simple but loaded with savor recipe, they will be asking for another curry night as soon as possible.
If you are feeling up to a challenge, try this curry risotto next to step up your comfort foods big time: https://riceselect.com/recipe/curry-risotto-baked-salmon.Curry is a global sensation that has proudly traveled from Indian cuisine to the United Kingdom and beyond. No matter if you are using curry powder or the pre-made paste from your local market, you really can’t go wrong when you include this mixture of spices in your recipes, but be mindful of the amounts you use, otherwise you might end up with a dish too hot to handle in your hands.
