Staple Corner: How to Make Your Own Curry Powder

Serious cooks who are smitten with Indian cooking should always have a fresh made spice blend of curry powder on hand. While you can get excellent pre-prepared blends at your local Indian grocery store, you can perfect your own version to add extra flare to your dishes. It will keep for several months in a tightly-sealed jar.

Toor dal, curry leaves, fenugreek leaves, asafoetida, and all the ingredients found in this recipe are easily available at any Indian grocer.

Homemade Curry Powder

Recipe by Lisa Turner Cuisine: Indian Published on January 7, 2012 Fresh homemade spice blends have a vibrant taste that store-bought varieties just can't match — try this easy-to-make curry powder for a fresh burst of Indian flavor in your dishes Print this recipe Ingredients: 2 tablespoons cumin seeds 2 tablespoons black mustard seeds 1 1/2 tablespoons fenugreek seeds 1 teaspoon fennel seeds 1/2 tablespoon toor dal, rinsed and dried 5 - 7 whole dried red chilies 1 teaspoon whole cloves 1 teaspoon black peppercorns generous handful of dried curry leaves 4 tablespoons dried fenugreek leaves 1/3 cup ground coriander 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom pinch of saffron 1/2 teaspoon asafoetida 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder 2 tablespoons turmeric pinch of cayenne Instructions: Heat a teaspoon of oil in a heavy-bottomed frying pan over medium-low heat. When hot, add the cumin seeds, black mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, fennel seeds, toor dal, red chilies, cloves and peppercorns. Stir and fry for about 10 minutes or until the seeds turn a golden brown. Now, toss in the curry leaves, fenugreek leaves, ground coriander, ground cardamom, saffron, asafoetida, mustard powder, turmeric and cayenne. Stir and fry for another few minutes. Remove from heat and grind into a smooth powder in a spice or coffee grinder. Stored in a glass jar with a tight seal, this mixture will last for up to 4 months or more. Makes 1 cup

Other spice blends you will likely enjoy from Lisa's Vegetarian Kitchen:
Chat Masala
Sambar Masala
Garam Masala
Chana Masala Powder