Kerala Curry - Discovery of the South

What is curry?

Curry is a mixture of spices that differs according to the culinary traditions of its region of origin. Kerala is a region in the south of India, the curry from this region is made with different spices including coriander, fenugreek, fennel, salt and cumin, chilli pepper... The curry leaf resembles the bay leaf. It is used in the composition of several varieties of massala.

Did you know that? The term massala (or masala) means "mixture" in the Tamil language.

The harvest of the curry leaves

The caloupilé (Murraya Koeningii) is a plant of the rutaceae family. It comes from the south of India and more particularly from the region of Kerala. It is found a lot in the tropical forests of the south of the peninsula.

This tree can reach 4 to 5 meters and has the particularity of being in bloom all year round. Some smaller varieties are grown in pots and do not exceed 100 cm in height. Its evergreen foliage regenerates quickly. The leaves of the caloupilé are thin and deep green.

In cooking, curry leaves are used either by putting them fresh in the pot or by drying them to obtain curry powder.

Did you know that? A caloupilé (curry tree) can produce up to 100 kilos of leaves per year!

The preparation of curry

The main ingredient in curry is chilli pepper. The combination of spices depends on the gastronomic culture of the region where it is consumed, but also on the culinary habits of each family.

To create your own curry, you have to roast the seeds of mustard, pepper, cumin, coriander, fennel, clove, fenugreek before adding turmeric, dried curry leaves and dried red chili peppers.

David Vanille's choice: I have chosen to offer you a high quality Kerala curry blend for the flavour it brings to rice and other unique dishes. Its composition takes up the spices and herbs traditionally present in curry: coriander, turmeric, fennel, cumin, fenugreek, chilli pepper. It also contains traces of mustard and gluten.

The different varieties

There are dozens of curry varieties and hundreds, even thousands of "homemade" curry recipes.

Discover the compositions of the most famous curries:

• Ceylon curry: a Sri Lankan curry based on cardamom, cinnamon, cumin, coriander, fenugreek, fennel..
• The curry of the seven seas: an Indonesian curry recipe with a mixture of cinnamon, hot pepper, celery salt, cumin, coriander..
• Tandoori masala: a blend of Indian spices based on cinnamon, fennel, paprika, chilli, black pepper, turmeric, cumin..
• Garam masala: a curry from India or Reunion Island made from the main curry ingredients: mustard seeds, cumin, clove, cinnamon, coriander, fenugreek, black pepper or white poppy seeds.
• Madras curry: a blend of Indian spices based on red chili peppers, cumin, black pepper, caloupilé leaves, ginger and turmeric.

Curry, massaged, carry... what's the difference?

Curry comes in the form of curry powder or curry paste. In the West, the powder is more commonly used, while the red or green paste is more often used in oriental cuisine.

Curry and massalé are both spice blends, however, the "Massalé" blend includes caloupilé leaves, an ingredient not found in curry. Carry is a dish named after the spice blend that gives it its full flavour.

Did you know that? : Some curries can contain up to 36 different spices.

The origins of curry

Curry has been consumed in India for thousands of years. There, it is called "Massala" which means "mixture", because of its composition based on several spices.

However, the first written traces of curry can be found in a recipe book dating back to the 5th century BC. In this book, curry recipes were dishes that priests gave as offerings to the gods.

The massala was brought back from India by the English in the 18th century. In Europe, it is called curry, in reference to the name of the sauce dishes called "Kari" in the Tamil language. Kari are sauce dishes with fish, meat or vegetables spiced with a mixture of spices.

Curry nowadays

Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, Arab countries, Jamaica, Guadeloupe, Reunion... there are as many recipes for curry as there are countries and even regions.

Other uses of curry

Curry has certain medicinal virtues, it is consumed as an infusion to treat colic.

Each part of the curry tree has virtues:

• The curry peel: it helps digestion and is a gastric fortifier. It relieves kidney pain and even delays the appearance of white hair!
• Curry leaves: they are used to heal skin rashes. Crushed, they would be an anti-venom. Fresh, they stop diarrhoea and in infusion, stop vomiting. Their juice is good for your eyesight.
• Roots: like bark, they are useful for healing rashes
  
  

How to use Kerala curry in cooking?

Kerala curry brings a touch of exoticism to your dishes. It is ideal for flavouring recipes based on rice or vegetables. It goes perfectly with coconut milk.

Our recipe ideas with Kerala curry

Want to test my Kerala curry? Here's a menu that showcases this blend of spices.

The starter: Chicken Samossas with curry sauce

In this recipe, the curry powder perfumes the chicken needles that have been previously cooked in oil. Add a shallot, coriander and Kerala curry. Garnish your leaves and put in the oven. To be eaten hot, accompanied by rice or raw vegetables.

The dish : Curry with shrimps and coconut milk

This unique dish with Creole flavours is a must and is also very simple to make. Slice an onion, two peppers and tomatoes. Sauté the onion with a teaspoon of curry, then add the vegetables and the 40 cl of coconut milk. Simmer for 15 minutes before adding the prawns. Add the final touch by sprinkling with coriander. Serve with rice.

Dessert: Kerala curry banana chutney

A fruity and gourmet dessert that goes wonderfully with doughnuts or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Cut the bananas into pieces. Bring 4 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar to the boil and plunge the bananas into it. Sweeten to your liking. Leave to reduce. Once the bananas are stewed, add a pinch of curry and cinnamon.

How do I store curry?

We advise you to keep your Kerala curry in an airtight container and away from light. Preserved in good conditions, curry retains its gustative qualities and its aromas for several months.