By Barbara Pleasant
October 23, 2021
If you’re looking to elevate your homegrown vegetables, look no further than the rich, aromatic world of curry. Curry is more than just a blend of spices – it’s a flavorful journey that can transform ordinary vegetables into something extraordinary. I, like many Americans, didn’t grow up with Indian food, but once I discovered curry, I couldn’t get enough of its complex flavors, from ginger and turmeric to cumin and coriander. It’s a taste experience I now embrace regularly, whether in a creamy curried pumpkin soup or a simple buttermilk curry to pair with rice.
Vegetarian dishes, especially those rooted in Indian culture, often feature curry as the cornerstone. The combination of spices in curry creates sauces that perfectly complement vegetables, turning them into a satisfying meal. You don’t even need to make a sauce – you can rub robust vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, or potatoes with dry curry spices before roasting them in a hot oven. Once you start experimenting with curry, you’ll want to use it to prepare vegetables more often.
The Origins of Curry
The word “curry” originates from the Tamil word kari, meaning sauce, which reflects the integral role of sauce in many South Asian dishes. Curry is a broad term that encompasses a vast array of sauces, all with distinct flavor profiles, often paired with rice. Historically, European colonizers in the 1500s used the term “curry” to describe the sauce-based dishes they encountered in India. Over time, the British popularized a commercial spice blend known as “curry powder,” which today is a common pantry item. However, the reality of curry is far more nuanced than the simplified, store-bought powder.
Curry powder can contain a wide range of spices, including turmeric, coriander, cumin, cayenne, and other ingredients like fenugreek, mustard, paprika, and cinnamon. Each region and culture has its own version, and the use of spices can vary widely.
Composing a Flavorful Curry
While store-bought curry powder is convenient, creating your own curry from scratch allows for deeper, more complex flavors. A good curry starts with roasting whole spices in a dry pan, which releases a fragrant aroma. Onions, garlic, and ginger are often simmered in neutral oil until soft, followed by the addition of spices, which are cooked briefly to release their full flavor.
Depending on the style of curry, the sauce might use coconut milk for a creamy texture (as in Thai curries), or tomatoes, yogurt, or plant-based milk for a milder masala. For added richness, cornstarch or rice flour can be used as a thickener. The possibilities are endless when it comes to pairing curry with vegetables.
Creative Curry Recipes
Curry lends itself to a world of creativity. Almost any vegetable can be paired with curry, whether in a hearty dish or a lighter option. For example, a peanut-spiked sweet potato curry offers a satisfying mix of flavors, while Brussels sprouts masala is a great way to elevate this often-underappreciated vegetable. Green beans with red curry, or a chickpea and eggplant curry with mint chutney, can turn simple ingredients into a bold meal.
And don’t forget about curry cookies! I love making them by adding curry powder to a simple sugar cookie dough, creating a unique treat that blends sweet and savory notes.
Conclusion
Curry is an incredibly versatile addition to your culinary repertoire, especially when you have a garden full of fresh vegetables. It’s not just about using pre-made spice blends – it’s about experimenting with spices to create deep, flavorful dishes that bring out the best in your harvest. So, if you’re looking for ways to enjoy your homegrown vegetables, start adding curry to your cooking. You’ll find that the warm, complex flavors will make you fall in love with your vegetables all over again.