Indian Masala Curry Powder with Red Chillies Recipe
Indian Masala Curry Powder with Red Chillies is a fragrant, homemade spice blend made from a variety of roasted fresh spices, perfect for enhancing the flavor of your favorite Indian dishes. The spice mix brings together aromatic dry red chillies, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, garlic, turmeric powder, and fenugreek seeds, all roasted to perfection to unlock their full flavor potential. This versatile curry powder can be used as an accompaniment with plain steamed rice, tempered rice, or raita. You can also incorporate it into curries, pickles, fries, and even toss it over idlis with a bit of ghee for a flavorful treat, commonly known as podi idlis. Apart from its culinary uses, this spice powder can also help soothe a sore throat when combined with freshly made ghee and served over rice.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dry Red Chillies | 1/4 cup |
| Coriander (Dhania) Seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Mustard Seeds (Rai/ Kadugu) | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic | 10 cloves (leave the skin on) |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1 pinch |
| Methi Seeds (Fenugreek Seeds) | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time
| Prep Time |
|---|
| 5 minutes |
Cooking Time
| Cook Time |
|---|
| 10 minutes |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Dry Red Chillies
Start by removing the stems from the dry red chillies. In a wide pan, dry roast the red chillies on low heat for about 3 minutes or until they crisp up. Once roasted, remove them from the pan and transfer to a plate to cool. -
-
Roast Other Spices
In the same pan, add the coriander, cumin, and mustard seeds. Also, add the garlic cloves (keeping the skins on to preserve their flavor). Roast the spices for about 5 minutes, stirring continuously, until the spices release their aromatic fragrance. Keep the heat low to avoid burning the spices. -
Roast the Fenugreek Seeds
After the other spices have roasted, add the methi (fenugreek) seeds to the pan. Roast these for a couple of minutes, just until they become fragrant. Turn off the heat and allow the spices to cool. -
Grind the Spices
Once all the spices have cooled, transfer them to a blender. Add a pinch of turmeric powder and a little salt. Blend everything into a fine powder. -
Store and Use
After blending, spread the masala powder on a plate to cool for a few minutes. Once cooled, transfer the powder to an airtight container for storage. The masala curry powder is now ready to be used whenever needed to enhance the flavor of your dishes.
Tips for Use:
- Podi Idlis: Toss the masala curry powder with idlis and a bit of ghee for a delicious and aromatic snack.
- Soothing Remedy: For a comforting remedy for a sore throat, mix the masala powder with freshly made ghee and serve over rice.
- Versatility: This curry powder is not just for idlis! Sprinkle it over plain steamed rice, use it to flavor curries, pickles, or even fries.
This homemade Indian Masala Curry Powder with Red Chillies adds depth and complexity to a wide range of dishes. Whether you’re preparing a simple meal or experimenting with new recipes, this spice blend is sure to be a flavorful companion in your kitchen.
