Madras Curry Powder, Hot, 50g

Madras Curry Powder, Hot, 50g

Hot Madras curry powder is a spicy and flavourful Indian-style curry powder that originates from the Madras region (now Chennai) in southern India. It is typically used to create a bold, hot, and aromatic curry base for various dishes. Madras curry powder is known for its piquancy, which comes from the inclusion of chili peppers alongside a blend of other warm spices. While curry powders in India can vary widely in flavour, Hot Madras curry powder is specifically designed to be spicier than other curry powders, making it ideal for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their food.

Flavour Profile:

• Spicy & Hot: The most prominent characteristic of Madras curry powder is its heat, which comes from the inclusion of dried red chilies or chili powder.
• Aromatic & Earthy: It also contains a mix of earthy, warm spices such as turmeric, coriander, cumin, and mustard seeds, creating a complex flavour profile with layers of citrusy and earthy notes.
• Slightly Bitter: Some varieties of Madras curry powder also include fenugreek and curry leaves, adding a slightly bitter and herbal undertone to the spice mix.

Common Uses for Hot Madras Curry Powder:

1. Curries & Stews:

• Curry Base: The most common use of Madras curry powder is as a base for Indian curries. It can be added to vegetables, meat, or poultry to create a rich, spicy curry sauce. Add it to the oil or ghee in the pan before other ingredients to allow the spices to toast and release their aromas.
• Lentil or Chickpea Curry: Madras curry powder pairs beautifully with lentils or chickpeas. You can use it in dal or chickpea curries to add depth and heat.
• Meat Curries: It is often used in chicken, lamb, or beef curries to provide a hot, flavorful kick. It’s especially popular in dishes like Chicken Madras and Lamb Madras.

2. Vegetable Dishes:

• Vegetarian Curries: Use Hot Madras curry powder in vegetarian curries featuring vegetables like potatoes, cauliflower, spinach, or peas. The spices complement the natural sweetness of the vegetables and enhance their flavours.
• Stir-fries and Roasted Vegetables: Madras curry powder can be sprinkled on vegetables before roasting or stir-frying to infuse them with flavour. Try it with root vegetables or sweet potatoes for a spiced dish.

3. Rice & Grain Dishes:

• Curried Rice: Madras curry powder can be added to rice or quinoa to create a fragrant, spiced side dish. Sauté the curry powder in oil and then stir through the rice to coat the grains with flavour.
• Biryani: Though not a traditional ingredient, Madras curry powder can be used to spice up a biryani, giving the dish an extra layer of heat and depth.

4. Marinades and Sauces:

• Meat Marinades: Hot Madras curry powder can be used to create a marinade for meats like chicken or lamb. Combine it with yogurt, garlic, ginger, and a little lemon juice to tenderise and flavour the meat.
• Curries & Gravy Sauces: Add the powder to gravy or sauces to create a spicy, aromatic flavour base, particularly for dishes like chicken tikka masala or chana masala (chickpea curry).

5. Soups and Stews:

• Spicy Broths: Madras curry powder is great for spicy soups or stews, where you can infuse the broth with the heat of the curry powder. Use it in tomato-based soups, lentil soups, or even a spicy chicken soup.
• Vegetable Stews: It’s perfect for spicing up a simple vegetable stew, especially those with a tomato or coconut milk base.

6. Snack Foods:

• Popcorn or Nuts: For a spicy snack, sprinkle Madras curry powder over popcorn, roasted nuts, or seeds for a zesty, flavourful treat.
• Crisps or Chips: You can season crisps or chips with the powder for a unique twist on traditional snacks.

Health Benefits of Hot Madras Curry Powder:

1. Anti-inflammatory: Many of the spices in Madras curry powder, such as turmeric and coriander, have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body.
2. Digestive Aid: Ingredients like cumin, fenugreek, and ginger help improve digestion and can relieve symptoms of bloating, gas, and indigestion.
3. Boosts Metabolism: The cayenne pepper and chili in Madras curry powder can help boost metabolism and may aid in weight loss by promoting thermogenesis (the process of heat production in the body).
4. Rich in Antioxidants: Cinnamon, cardamom, and turmeric are high in antioxidants, which help protect the body from free radicals and oxidative stress.
5. Rich in Minerals & Vitamins: The spices in Madras curry powder are rich in vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, iron, and magnesium, which are essential for overall health.