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28 December 2020

Indian Curry Powder

a fine blend of some whole spices which make a simple curry from good to finger-licking delicious one and has a yellow hue.

Nothing beats the fragrance of freshly prepared homemade spice powders. India is known to use a no. of spice powders to the maximum level in many curries, gravies, and meat dishes too. Every Indian household has an authentic way of making spice powders and storing it in an airtight container for use. Due to the wide cultural spread in India, every cuisine uses a particular freshly ground spice powder in the respective cooking. These spice powders add the extra touch to any dish which surely elevates the overall flavor. I often make most of our spice powders from scratch using whole spices.

Well, today I am going to share a homemade spice powder - Indian Curry Powder. A few spoons of this spice powder make a simple curry from good to finger-licking delicious one.

Do check some spice powder recipes from this blog -

Thandai Masala Powder (without Sugar)

Biryani Masala Powder (in Microwave)

Achari Masala Powder | Pickling Spice Blend

Homemade Chaat Masala Powder

So what is curry powder?

Name: Indian Curry Powder
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: Coriander seed 1/2 cup; Cumin seed 1/4 cup; Turmeric powder 3 tbsp; Red chili powder 2 tbsp; Black peppercorns 1 tbsp

It is a fine blend of some whole spices which is added by Britishers into various dishes to create amazing Indian flavors. So this spice powder is not commonly used in traditional Indian cooking, but rather an invention of the British to evoke the flavors of Indian cuisine. (source)

The right heat is obtained in this spice powder from the red chili powder, whole black peppercorns, and the color, bright yellow is obtained from the turmeric powder. The whole cumin seeds add a smokiness whereas the coriander seeds add subtle flavor.

Curry Powder Uses -

Although curry powder is not meant for traditional Indian dishes, still it has a unique place in the Indian pantry as it can add a unique taste to a variety of recipes. Curry powder can be used to season roasted vegetables, hummus, stir-fries, etc. It surely gives a touch of warmth and depth to an ordinary dish.

One can make this curry powder mild or strong depending upon personal choice. For strong flavor, simply add less turmeric and more chili along with black peppercorns. And for mild, add more turmeric as compared to the amount of chili.

Dietary note :

✔ Vegan

✔ homemade spice mix

✔ Vegetarian

✔ gluten-free

The event-related to this post :

Monday is here again and the Foodie Monday Blog Hop team has decided on the 278th theme as 'Spice Mix Secrets' which is suggested by Aruna blogs at 'Vasu's Veg Kitchen'. I love her south Indian recipe collections, do check her Peanut Podi. Well for the theme, she wanted to prepare some homemade masala powder by us, so here I have come up with this Indian Curry Powder.

And, yes !!!

If you like the recipe shared here and give it a try at your place then do share in INSTAGRAM by tagging #firsttimercook. I would be so happy to see and surely share in my INSTA stories 😊😊

Now let’s go through how to make this "Indian Curry Powder" at home 👇

: Recipe Card :

Author

Sasmita

Prep time

5 Min

Cook time

5 Min

Total time

10 Min

Indian Curry Powder

a fine blend of some whole spices which make a simple curry from good to finger-licking delicious one and has a yellow hue.

Ingredients

Coriander seed 1/2 cup
Cumin seed 1/4 cup
Turmeric powder 3 tbsp
Red chili powder 2 tbsp
Black peppercorns 1 tbsp

Instructions

In a pan first dry roast coriander seeds, cumin seeds, and black peppercorns over low-medium heat.
When the whole spices well toasted and released a nice aroma, turn off the heat.
Transfer to a plate and allow to cool a bit.
In a grinder jar take all the whole spices along with turmeric powder and red chili powder.
Grind to a very smooth powder.
Store the masala powder in an air-tight jar for later uses.

Notes:

This recipe can be halved or doubled as per the need.

Always store in an airtight jar to seal the flavor well.

https://www.firsttimercook.com/2020/12/indian-curry-powder.html

masala powder, coriander seed, cumin seed, black peppercorns, vegetarian, spice powder, turmeric, red chili powder

spice mix, homemade, vegan, gluten-free

Indian

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21 December 2020

One Pot Pasta in Indian Masala (VEGAN)

unlike the traditional method, preparing pasta in one pot along with vegetables in Indian flavor

If you are a pasta lover like me, you understand that enjoying pasta never gets old 😏. Seriously after having pasta for lunch, I can also opt for it in the dinner spread. Although it is a traditional Italian dish, still people are making it in many different ways, and loved around the world. There is an array of pasta dishes depending upon the shape and preparation method.

Here I have come up with a One-Pot Pasta recipe that too in Indian Masala.

What does One-pot cooking mean?

This is a simple cooking method that easily combines all the ingredients in one pot to make the final dish. In this method, the clean-up is kept to a minimum. When there is no mood to prepare three different dishes - a starch, protein, and vegetable; then the one-pot meal comes to the rescue. While each dish may not be perfectly balanced, still it allows for diversity, while keeping things simple. One-pot meals are ideal dishes for bachelors, campers, college students, and even for those times when there is no mood of any elaborate meal preparation.

Pasta in One Pot Meal here !!

yes, the One Pot Pasta in Indian Masala is falling in the above category. Usually, pasta is cooked separately and then added to the rest of other ingredients. But here Pasta is cooked along with all the ingredients.

And by this method, it takes less time as compared to cooking pasta with the traditional method. Also making pasta in one pan seems to an easy method too.

Ingredients here to make this -

Pasta - I have used Macaroni pasta here. Spaghetti can opt too. Usually, pick those varieties of pasta that take less time to cook.
Vegetables - These are actually variable, used as per choice. I have picked bell pepper, sweet corn, carrot, green pea.
Masala base - I have used garlic clove, onion, and tomato.
Masala powder - For Indian flavor, I have used turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala powder.
Tomato sauce - This is optional, it adds a saucy look to the pasta.
Mixed herbs (optional)
Oil - Any vegetable oil can be used.
Salt - Add as per taste.
Water - 1.5-2 cups is perfect for 1 cup macaroni pasta to cook along with veggies. For a soupy texture, 2.5 cup water can be added.

What are the steps to make this one-pot pasta?

First in a pan/wok oil is heated and chopped garlic is sauteed for few seconds. Next, finely chopped onions are added and sauteed till turn translucent. After that, finely chopped tomatoes are added and sauteed till mushy. Then turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala are added and mixed well. The masala is sauteed for 1 minute or till the spices get cooked. Next, all the chopped veggies are added along with the pasta and salt. Everything is mixed and 1.5-2 cup water is poured.

The whole mixture is allowed to give a boil. After that, the heat is lowered and the pan is covered with a lid. Over low-medium heat, it is allowed to cook till pasta is well done, stirring in between to avoid the sticking of pasta to the bottom of the pan. If there is some water still left, then the water is allowed to evaporate without covering the pan. Next tomato sauce and chopped coriander leaves are added and mixed well. The One Pot Pasta in Indian Masala is ready to serve now!