Curry powder (homemade spice mix)

Curry powder is a warm and fragrant blend of ground spices which can be used in a variety of dishes and can be prepared in minutes.

Not only is it useful for making your favourite curry dishes it can be used to season dishes such as soups and vegetables. Try it in this recipe for cauliflower and chick pea curry or these vegetable samosas. Or you could use as a substitute for cajun seasoning in this quick and easy spicy cauliflower bite recipes.

It is easy to prepare and can be stored alongside your other spices and herbs ready for when you want to use it.

The good thing about preparing your own spice mixture is that you can easily adjust the balance of flavours to suit your taste. Turn up the heat by adding more cayenne pepper or a few chilli flakes. Or make it more fragrant by adding extra cinnamon, cloves or ginger.

This recipe uses ground spices. If you are using any whole spices simply grind to a fine powder before mixing.

Why not top up your spice cupboard and prepare a batch of chilli seasoning ready to make your next batch of veggie chilli, mix some pilau rice seasoning to season basmati rice or prepare some British mixed spice to use in your next baking session.

Curry powder ingredients

• Turmeric - for an earthy flavour with a distinctive yellow hue
• Coriander - this adds a slight citrussy flavour to the curry blend
• Cumin - cumin also adds an earthy flavour
• Ginger - ginger adds warmth and sweetness to your curry powder
• Cardamon - if you have whole cardamon pods, discard the husks and then grind and use the seeds
• Cloves - cloves add a warm, aromatic fragrance to your spice blend
• Cinnamon - this adds warmth and sweetness
• Cayenne pepper - this is the spice which will add heat to your curry powder mix
• Fennel - fennel adds an aromatic fragrance to your spice blend
• Garam masala - this is a mixture of spices commonly used in Indian inspired recipes
• Black pepper - also to add warmth

How to prepare

1. Measure the spices into a bowl and mix.
2. Transfer to a clean, dry jar with an airtight lid.

To store

Store in a glass jar with a well fitting lid alongside your other spices and herbs. Your homemade spice mix will keep for several months or more.

How to use curry powder

• Use to season your favourite curry dish either on its own or alongside whole or fresh spices.
• Season soups such as mulligatawny using your homemade curry powder.
• Use some when making homemade vegetable samosas.
• Use in place of cajun seasoning when making spicy roast cauliflower bites.

Other recipes for homemade herb and spice blends