
Madras Curry Powder, Mild, 50g
Mild Madras curry powder is a less spicy version of the traditional Hot Madras curry powder, designed for those who prefer a milder heat but still want to enjoy the bold, aromatic flavours typical of Madras curries. The key difference between mild and hot versions lies in the amount of chilli or cayenne pepper included in the blend. While Hot Madras curry powder is packed with spicy ingredients like dried chillies, Mild Madras curry powder reduces or eliminates these spicy elements, making it more gentle on the palate but still full of flavour.
Flavour Profile:
- Mild Heat: While still having a bit of spiciness, Mild Madras curry powder has a much lower heat level compared to the Hot variety.
- Aromatic & Earthy: Like Hot Madras curry powder, it features warm, earthy flavours from spices like coriander, cumin, and turmeric, but with less emphasis on spiciness.
- Sweet & Savoury: The sweet and savoury flavours from ingredients like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves still shine through, creating a balanced and complex flavour without overwhelming heat.
Common Uses for Mild Madras Curry Powder:
1. Curries & Stews:
- Milder Curries: Mild Madras curry powder is perfect for those who want a rich curry flavour without the intense heat. It can be used in both vegetable and meat-based curries like chicken, lamb, or beef.
- Vegetarian & Vegan Curries: Use Mild Madras curry powder in dal, chickpea curries, or vegetable stews for a fragrant, aromatic flavour without too much heat.
- Lentil or Chickpea Dishes: It's particularly great in lentil soups or chana masala (chickpea curry), where the spices enhance the dish without overwhelming the natural flavours of the legumes.
2. Rice & Grain Dishes:
- Curried Rice: Add a teaspoon of Mild Madras curry powder to your rice or quinoa to infuse it with a delicate, mild curry flavour.
- Pilafs & Biryanis: Sprinkle Mild Madras curry powder into pilafs or biryani dishes for an aromatic, subtle curry flavour.
3. Sauces & Marinades:
- Curry Sauces: Use Mild Madras curry powder to create a delicate curry sauce for meats or vegetables. Combine with tomato, yoghurt, or coconut milk for a creamy base.
- Meat Marinades: Mix Mild Madras curry powder with yoghurt, garlic, ginger, and lemon to create a fragrant, mildly spiced marinade for meats like chicken or lamb.
4. Roasted Vegetables & Stir-fries:
- Roast Vegetables: Add Mild Madras curry powder to roasted root vegetables, potatoes, or cauliflower for an earthy, warm flavour.
- Stir-fries & Sautéed Veggies: Sprinkle a small amount of Mild Madras curry powder into your stir-fried vegetables for a bit of flavour and aromatic warmth.
5. Soups & Stews:
- Mild Spiced Soups: Add Mild Madras curry powder to vegetable soups, lentil soups, or even chicken soups for a gentle warmth and aromatics.
- Chickpea & Tomato Stews: Mild Madras curry powder can be added to a chickpea tomato stew, providing a savoury, earthy, and flavourful base.
6. Snack Seasoning:
- Spiced Nuts: You can also use it to season roasted nuts, such as cashews or almonds, for a tasty snack with a hint of warmth and flavour.
- Popcorn: Sprinkle Mild Madras curry powder on popcorn for a savory and mildly spiced snack.
Health Benefits of Mild Madras Curry Powder:
Even with its milder heat, Mild Madras curry powder retains many of the health benefits of its hotter counterpart:
- Anti-inflammatory: The turmeric in Mild Madras curry powder contains curcumin, which has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation and pain in the body.
- Supports Digestion: Spices like cumin and coriander aid digestion, reduce bloating, and improve gut health.
- Rich in Antioxidants: The combination of cinnamon, cardamom, and turmeric provides a wealth of antioxidants, which can help fight oxidative stress in the body.
- Supports Metabolism: The presence of cayenne pepper (or a mild substitute) in the powder can help boost metabolism and support fat burning.
- Rich in Essential Minerals: Spices like coriander, cumin, and fenugreek are high in iron, calcium, and magnesium, supporting overall health.