Curry masala is an Indian spice mixture used to thicken and flavor curries. It is a very useful mixture made by roasting and grinding aromatic spices, turmeric and red chilli. Curry masala is a useful ingredient for making gravies, curries and side dishes. Curry masala powder is an essential ingredient at home. Recipe included with step-by-step pictures and videos.
Curry masala is a useful spice mixture used in Indian cooking. I like homemade powders best because they are very tasty and freshly made, also without any preservatives. I always have a batch of homemade spice powders at home for making everyday curries. Try it and let me know how you like it.
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About curry powder
Curry powder also known as curry masala powder is a popular Indian spice mixture used to add spice and flavor to curries. It can be used to thicken curries, gravies or any other side dish. It is one of the most essential spice blends in Indian homes.
Many people do not like garam masala powder in everyday cooking as it is too strong so this is perfect for them. This curry powder is mild, not too overpowering but still delicious. It is also known as Madras curry powder in common language.
Curry powder is a very essential ingredient in Indian homes, especially South Indian homes. It is used in everyday curries, stir fries, gravies, tamarind based gravies etc. You can find many variations using a mixture of lentils and other ingredients.
Every household may have its own recipe and it has been passed down from my grandmother to my mother and now to me. I have been following the tradition of making masala at home for years, so it’s not a big deal for me when it comes to store-bought spice mixes.

curry powder ingredients
- fennel seeds – Adds mild sweetness and aroma to spices.
- clove – Strong, aromatic spice with a warm spice flavor that adds depth to the spice powder.
- cinnamon – An aromatic spice that gives spices a warm, slightly sweet and woody flavor.
- black pepper, red chilli – Black pepper adds heat and dried chillies give vibrant color and the essential spice, heat.
- turmeric sticks -Dried turmeric sticks provide color and flavor.
- Cumin – It gives off a warm earthy aroma which is essential for every day curries.
- coriander seeds – Adds freshness, aroma and flavor to the powder.

similar recipe
curry powder video
How to make curry powder step by step
- Coarsely crush 4 turmeric sticks with the help of a mortar and pestle. So we need about 2 tablespoons of ground turmeric.

2. Add about 20 red chillies in a pan. – Dry roast it until it becomes crisp. Take out and keep aside.

3. In the same pan add ½ cup coriander seeds, four 1 inch cinnamon sticks, 1 tbsp cloves, 1 tsp black pepper, 2 tbsp ground turmeric (virali manjal), 1 tbsp cumin and 2 tbsp fennel seeds. Dry roast until golden and aromatic, at this stage it will start smoking and turn it off.

4. Add roasted red chillies and crushed turmeric, fry quickly and remove the pan.

5. Cool completely and pour into a dry mixer jar.

6.Grind it lightly and spread it in a plate. Cool then store.

Store in clean dry airtight containers.
Expert Tips
- use fresh spices – Always use fresh spices to make homemade masala as we will store it for a long time without any preservatives.
- Clear spices – Before using the spices, check that there is no dust, stones or impurities in them.
- Roasting spices – Roast the spices on low flame until a nice aroma starts coming out. This enhances the taste and removes moisture.
- cool before grinding – Let the roasted spices cool completely before grinding them. Grinding hot spices can affect the texture and flavor.
- texture – Grind the spices slightly coarsely.
- Storage – Store curry powder in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Proper storage keeps the spices fresh for a longer period.
- Use – Add the right amount of curry powder while cooking to balance the flavor without overpowering the dish.
serving and storage
Use it for curries, pulao, gravies and enjoy the best taste. Curry spice powder remains good for about 2 months at room temperature. If you want to store more than that, refrigerate it and it will be good for up to a year.
general questions and answers
1.What is the difference between garam masala powder and curry powder?
Garam masala powder is stronger with more spice flavor which is suitable for biryani. Whereas curry powder is mild which can be used for everyday gravies and curries.
2. When should I add curry powder while cooking?
It is usually added while frying onions and vegetables. For gravy, you can mix it with other spice powders after frying onion and tomato.
3.What is this curry powder used for?
You can add curry spice powder to curries, gravies, stir fries etc.
4.Can I replace curry powder with sambar powder?
Any curry powder is no different from sambar powder, hence this powder should not be used for sambar.
5.Can I use it for non-veg dishes?
Yes, of course you can use it for non-veg gravy and curry. You can use it for non veg dishes like mutton, chicken, prawn and fish.

If you have any further questions about this curry powder recipe Mail me at sharmispassions@gmail.com. Also, follow me Instagram, Facebook, pinterest ,youtube And Twitter .
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📖 Recipe Card
Curry Powder Recipe (Curry Masala Powder)
Curry masala is an Indian spice mixture used to thicken and flavor curries. It is a very useful mixture made by roasting and grinding aromatic spices, turmeric and red chilli. Curry masala is a useful ingredient for making gravies, curries and side dishes. Curry masala powder is an essential ingredient at home. Recipe included with step-by-step pictures and videos.
Material
- 20 dried red chilli
- half and half cup coriander seeds
- 4 one inch cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon clove
- 1 small spoon black pepper
- 4 turmeric sticks
- 1 tablespoon Cumin
- 2 tablespoon fennel seeds
Instruction
-
Coarsely crush 4 turmeric sticks with the help of a mortar and pestle. So we need about 2 tablespoons of ground turmeric.
-
Add about 20 red chillies in a pan. – Dry roast it until it becomes crisp. Take out and keep aside.
-
In the same pan add ½ cup coriander seeds, four 1 inch cinnamon sticks, 1 tablespoon cloves, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 2 tablespoons ground turmeric (virali manjal), 1 tablespoon cumin and 2 tablespoons fennel seeds. Dry roast until golden and aromatic, at this stage it will start smoking and turn it off.
-
Add roasted red chillies and crushed turmeric, fry quickly and remove the pan.
-
Cool completely and transfer to a dry mixer jar.
-
– Grind it lightly and spread it in a plate. Cool then store.
-
Store in clean dry airtight containers.
Video
notes
- use fresh spices – Always use fresh spices to make homemade masala as we will store it for a long time without any preservatives.
- clean the spices Before using, check the spices to see if there is any dust, stones or impurities in them.
- roasting spices – Roast the spices on low flame until a nice aroma starts coming out. This enhances the taste and removes moisture.
- cool before grinding – Let the roasted spices cool completely before grinding them. Grinding hot spices can affect the texture and flavor.
- texture – Grind the spices slightly coarsely.
- storage – Store curry powder in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Proper storage keeps the spices fresh for a longer period.
- Use – Add the right amount of curry powder while cooking to balance the flavor without overpowering the dish.
nutrition Facts
Curry Powder Recipe (Curry Masala Powder)
Quantity per serving (40 grams)
calories 566
Calories from fat 135
% daily value*
thick 15g23%
saturated fat 1 g6%
Trans Fat 0.01 grams
Polyunsaturated Fat 3g
Monounsaturated Fat 8 grams
sodium 125 mg5%
potassium 3790 mg108%
carbohydrates 117 grams39%
Fiber 39g163%
sugar 48 grams53%
protein 25 grams50%
Vitamin A 8688iu174%
vitamin C 1305 mg1582%
calcium 677 mg68%
Iron 23 mg128%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
