Spicy up your cooking this National Curry Week

It’s that delicious time of year again – National Curry Week! From the 7th to the 14th of October, curry lovers and kitchen enthusiasts alike can celebrate one of the most beloved, flavourful, and diverse dishes around the world. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook eager to expand your repertoire, there's no better time to explore the vibrant world of curry.

At the heart of every curry is a blend of spices that creates its unique, mouth-watering depth of flavour. While ingredients vary, certain spices are central to many curry recipes. Let's take a closer look at a few of the essential spices for creating that perfect curry base.

Spice things up with these flavourful curry essentials:

• Cumin, Coriander, and Turmeric: The dream team of curry spices! Cumin brings a cozy warmth, coriander adds a zesty freshness, and turmeric not only paints your dish a golden yellow but also offers a mild, slightly bitter taste.
• Garam Masala: A must-have in Indian curries! "Garam" means hot, and "masala" means a spice mix. This blend of cloves, cinnamon, black cardamom, and nutmeg adds layers of heat and warmth that’ll keep you coming back for more.
• Dried Red Chillies: Love some heat? Dried red chillies bring a fiery punch that gets hotter the longer they cook. Add them whole for a gentle warmth or crush them if you're ready for a spicy thrill.
• Cinnamon: This sweet spice plays a balancing act in curries, adding warmth and subtle sweetness to mellow out hotter ingredients.
• Cayenne Pepper: Turn up the temperature with cayenne! Its smoky heat deepens the flavour profile of any curry.
• Cardamom: Whether you go green or black, cardamom brings an aromatic, fragrant flair to both curries and rice dishes. It’s like a breath of fresh air in your spice mix!
• Turmeric: More than just a pretty colour, turmeric adds a gentle warmth and earthy flavour. It's a curry staple, making your dishes as vibrant in taste as they are in colour!

1. Start Simple: When cooking curry, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the choice of spices. Start with the essentials and gradually build your confidence. You can always add more spice, but it's tricky to take it away!
2. Curry Pastes: If you're short on time, curry pastes like Rendang or Thai Red Curry are excellent. These pastes can be made in advance, frozen in ice cube trays, and ready for use whenever you need a quick and flavourful meal.

Must-Try Curry Recipes

Ready to celebrate National Curry Week with some amazing dishes? Here are a few recipes to inspire you:

1. Tofu & Chickpea Curry – A delicious vegetarian curry that’s high in protein and full of flavour, ready in under an hour.
2. Beef Rendang – A traditional Malaysian dish featuring tender beef, coconut milk, and aromatic spices. It's perfect for a weekend treat with rice and flatbreads.
3. Caribbean Chicken Curry – Bursting with tropical flavours, this quick and easy curry is ideal for a mid-week dinner, especially when paired with steamed greens.
4. Coconut, Prawn & Mango Curry – A tropical twist with sweet mango and creamy coconut. Perfect for seafood lovers!

To master your curry game, it's essential to have the right equipment. A Cuisinart Cook in Multi-Cooker makes it easy to prepare slow-cooked curries, while a Electric Spice grinder is invaluable for creating your own fresh spice blends and curry pastes.

Whether you’re whipping up a fiery Madras, a fragrant Korma, or trying your hand at a new curry dish, National Curry Week is the perfect excuse to experiment with spices and enjoy a comforting, flavourful meal.