1. What is Curry? What is Curry? "Curry" can mean several different things. It can refer to that classic British invention, a spice blend called 'curry powder', or to the 'curry' dish, referring to a number of saucy dishes flavored with curry powder or curry paste. The word "curry" was invented by British colonialists in the 18th century. Most likely a take on the Indian word "kari", meaning sauce. Before Columbus came to India, curry was not the intensely spicy dish we...
  2. How to Make Curry Sauce & Pastes - Easy, Homemade Indian Curry Recipes What is Curry, Anyways? Curry, that intensely satisfying, warming dish, is primarily a sauce mixed into rice or used to coat tender meat. It is also what happened when the Brits invented the term and introduced it to the rest of the world. It was first used to refer to a meat or vegetable dish cooked in a spiced gravy and served with rice. As a result of trade this dish was introduced to the rest of the world and each country that adopted it made it their own. To be fair, the word "curr...
  3. Cooking Hacks: Best Curry Leaf Substitute? One of the ingredients that play a major role in many Southeast Asian recipes is the curry leaf. This ingredient has a distinct flavor that makes dishes have truly authentic flavors. Many countries use this ingredient, such as India, Thailand, and Malaysia -- so if you’re a fan of these cuisines, curry leaves would be something that you need to have on hand at all times. Curry leaves are a difficult find in many supermarkets or grocery stores, so substitution might be needed when you don’t ha...
  4. Chicken Tikka Masala Curry A classic Indian coconut curry chicken tikka with British roots, adapted for an easy. healthy and weeknight ready meal with an instant pot. Freshly ground Indian spices, garlic, onions and creamy coconut milk in a rich, buttery sauce. Use rice or naan to soak up the juices and enjoy! Ingredients 2 cups plain yogurt1 tbsp RawSpiceBar's Tandoori Masala1 tbsp RawSpiceBar's Garam Masala1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken2 onions6 garlic cloves1 inch piece of ginger24 oz canned whole ...
  5. Chickpea Cauliflower Curry Bowls Ingredients 1 tbsp RawSpiceBar's Madras Curry Powder2 tbsp vegetable oil1 onion, diced1 inch ginger, minced2 cloves garlic, minced28 oz can whole tomatoes, pureed15 oz can chickpeasKosher salt, to taste4 cups any mix of veggies - carrots, green beans, broccoli, cauliflower1 lime, juiceBunch fresh coriander, chopped, optional1 16 ounce can light coconut milkRice, cauliflower rice, and/or naan for serving Directions1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add on...
  6. Eggplant & Sweet Potato Curry There are no rules here. Round up veggies you have on hand- we've chosen eggplant, sweet potatoes and chickpeas - add in freshly ground madras curry powder or other Indian spices (or individual spices) & your fresh ginger, garlic & turmeric and you've got a protein packed, healthy, flavorful one pot sweet potato curry to warm up any easy weekend or weeknight dinner. Ingredients 3 tbsp RawSpiceBar's Madras Curry Powder2 inch fresh turmeric, minced (or 2 tbsp turmeric powde...
  7. Spice Hacks: Best Coriander Substitute? Coriander seeds have been treasured from India and China to the Middle East since early history. Coriander seeds have even been found in old Sanskrit writings and early Egyptian tombs. Coriander seeds have a mild flavor, so don't hesitate to use these liberally. They blend beautifully with garlic and chili and pair well with lamb, sausages and other pork dishes, curries, and vegetables. The seeds are used whole for pickling and in drinks, ground coriander for baking and soups and add a f...
  8. The Ultimate List of Spices & Herbs Not sure the difference between cloves and nutmeg spices? Want to know which spices are in garam masala? We've put together the ultimate reference guide filled with a global list of spices, from the basics to the hard-to-find. Ready to get cooking? Check out our organic bulk spices for freshly ground spices, seasonings and herbs or build your own spice set, just $5 each and shipped in eco-friendly paper pouches. Click on any spice from the list below for recipe ideas, cooking tips, techni...
  9. Cumin vs Turmeric Both cumin and turmeric are widely used in curry recipes but, they are very different from each other, contrary to what people might think. What is Cumin? Cumin is a plant which is native to the Mediterranean region and its seeds are used in cooking stews, curries, and other dishes. This spice has a distinctive flavor that is earthy and sweet. Traditionally, Cumin is used to prevent muscle spasms and it is a preventative for gas. It also aids in digestion. What is Turmeric? Turmeric is a...
  10. The Best Caraway Seed Substitute If there was a spice that really packed a punch flavor-wise, it would be caraway. Caraway makes its appearance in many Asian, European and African specialties, and its complex flavor adds a lot of depth in savory and sweet dishes. A prime ingredient in different rye bread recipes, it is also a requirement in making polish sausages, Tunisian harissa and sauerkraut (among others) in order to make it authentic. But when caraway seeds are out of stock at your local grocer or spice shop, there are...
  11. Spice Hacks: The Best Garam Masala Substitute? Need a garam masala replacement in a hurry? This spice hack for a garam masala substitute of coriander, cumin, cinnamon & black peppercorns will do the trick. Garam masala is a warming blend of spices like coriander, cumin, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, cardamom and nutmeg. First, whole spices are toasted in a dry pan for a minute to release flavor oils, then freshly ground. It is the core flavor base of many South Asian dishes and varies regionally as well as from one cook to another. Be wa...
  12. What does Saffron Taste Like? The Magical Allure What does Saffron Taste Like? Saffron has a subtly earthy & grassy flavor & aroma, yet sweet, similar to floral & honey. No spice is more special than saffron. With an unmistakable scent and flavor, saffron straddles sweet and savory effortlessly, and it bestows a striking golden hue on every dish it graces. A few strands of saffron will transform a long list of dishes, adding a mysterious allure to everything from risottos and milk puddings to rich curries and fish stews. Our f...
  13. Grilled Vadouvan Shrimp Chris at The BBQ Buddha http://0.gravatar.com/avatar/986fe9e1475b4fd3765693a929c628fe?s=125&d=mm&r=g Vadouvan This recipe for Grilled Vadouvan Curry Shrimp is easy and packed with a powerful curry flavor. A great way to combine your grilled shrimp with a curry dish. GRILLED VADOUVAN SHRIMP We’ve sourced and freshly ground the spices to make our Grilled Vadouvan Shrimp. Simply follow our recipe, adding locally sourced, fresh ingredients, to cook this delicious Grilled Vadouvan Shrimp...
  14. Best Kaffir Lime Leaves Substitute Kaffir lime is a member of the citrus family which is mostly found in Southeast Asia and its neighbors. Both its fruit and leaves are sold dried or frozen in specialty Asian markets if you are located in the west. It’s a bit difficult to acquire especially if your area doesn’t have a lot of Asian grocers. Kaffir lime leaves have a strong citrusy flavor with a hint of pungency. These leaves also have bitter notes which people find difficult to eat raw. There are many ways to use this, but it i...
  15. Easy Chana Dal Easy, healthy yellow dal, spiced with RawSpiceBar's salt free garam masala. Ready in under 15 minutes in an instant pot. Ingredients 1 cup split chickpeas (chana dal)1 tbsp RawSpiceBar's curry powder1 bay leaf, preferably Indian1 teaspoon salt2 tablespoons vegetable oil6 whole cloves4 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced3 tablespoons freshly chopped cilantro Stove Top Directions 1. In large skillet, add oil, garlic, salt and spices and saute, 4-5 minutes. Add dal and saute, another 4-...
  16. Spice Hacks: Best Carom Seed Substitute? Carom Seed, also known as Ajwain and Bishop’s Weed is a spice that is limited to India -- particularly the state of Gujarat. It’s used as a seasoning for vegetarian dishes, bread, and pastries such as paratha and roti. It’s delicious in fried potatoes and is even included in some curry blends. This can be bought online or at an authentic Indian grocery. If you aren’t able to find carom seeds, there are substitutes that you can use. Carom Seed Substitutes Dried Thyme Thyme has a striking simil...