A highly anticipated highlight of our Indian food tour in London is the chance to savor authentic Indian curries. To cater to the enthusiasm of our food explorers, we’ve decided to offer a glimpse into the culinary delights that make Indian curries a staple at our tour. This blog post will unveil a selection of iconic curry recipes, each celebrated for its unique flavors and deep-rooted history within Indian cuisine. By sharing these recipes, we aim to extend the sensory experiences of our tours to your kitchen, enabling you to recreate and relish these dishes wherever you are.
We understand that making curry can seem daunting due to the complex flavors and techniques involved. However, these recipes are tailored to guide you through each step of the cooking process, ensuring that you can easily follow along and achieve great results. These recipes will enhance your cooking repertoire and give you a taste of what makes our food tours an unforgettable experience.
Before We Dive In, Just a Bit of Background on Indian Curries
Indian curry encompasses a wide range of dishes, each with its own unique blend of spices and ingredients. The concept of ‘curry’ as known today has evolved over centuries, influenced by various cultural and historical developments. Historians suggest that the use of spices in Indian cooking dates back over 4,000 years to the Indus Valley civilization. The term ‘curry’ itself is derived from the Tamil word ‘kari’, meaning sauce or relish for rice. This culinary tradition was later popularized in the West by the British during the colonial era, who adapted these flavors to suit their palates.
The diversity of Indian curries is vast, reflecting the varied geography and cultural practices of the regions where they originated. In the northern parts of India, you’ll find curries with creamy bases and a milder spice palette, using ingredients like yogurt and cream. In contrast, Southern India is known for its hotter, more intense flavors, often featuring a generous use of tamarind and coconut. Eastern India offers curries that are generally sweeter, incorporating fruits and local sweeteners, whereas the Western coast is famed for its use of seafood and kokum, a sour fruit.
6 Indian Curries Recipes
1) Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)
Created in Delhi by chefs looking to utilize leftover tandoori chicken, they simmered the pieces in a creamy tomato sauce enriched with butter and cream. This culinary innovation has since become a global phenomenon, embodying the rich, comforting flavors that many associate with Indian cuisine. The mild spices and velvety sauce make Butter Chicken a beloved dish among Indian food lovers. It is particularly favored during festive occasions or as a luxurious meal that brings a touch of indulgence to the dining table.
The preparation of Butter Chicken starts with marinating the chicken overnight in a mixture of yogurt and spices, which tenderizes the meat and infuses it with flavor. After roasting the chicken to achieve a slight char, it is then cooked slowly in a sauce of tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a special blend of spices including fenugreek, garam masala, and chili powder. The final addition of cream and a dollop of butter adds a smooth texture and richness that balances the spices. This dish is often served with naan or rice, which helps to soak up the delicious sauce.
2) Rogan Josh
Rogan Josh is a celebrated dish from the beautiful region of Kashmir, known for its deep red color and aromatic gravy. The dish’s history dates back to the influence of Persian immigrants who brought with them the techniques of slow-cooking meats infused with rich spices. Rogan Josh consists of tender lamb that has been braised slowly with a blend of spices including cloves, bay leaves, cardamom, and cinnamon, which not only impart a vibrant flavor but also a characteristic red hue derived naturally from Kashmiri chilies. This dish exemplifies the harmonious blend of spices that Kashmiri cuisine is renowned for, offering a flavor that is both robust and subtle.
The method of preparing Rogan Josh involves cooking the lamb until it is perfectly tender, allowing the flavors of the spices to penetrate deeply. The use of yogurt in the marinade and cooking process helps to tenderize the meat and adds a creamy texture to the sauce. The balance of spice and tenderness makes Rogan Josh a perfect dish for special occasions, serving as a warming and satisfying meal during the chilly winter months. It is typically enjoyed with rice or naan, which complements the rich and flavorful sauce.
3) Chole (Chickpea Curry)
Chole, a robust and flavorful chickpea curry, is a staple in North Indian cuisine, particularly cherished in the region of Punjab. This vegetarian dish is celebrated for its bold blend of spices, including cumin, coriander, garam masala, and amchur (dry mango powder), which provide a complex flavor profile that is both tangy and spicy. The chickpeas are simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce with onions, garlic, and chilies, which allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Chole is a source of rich flavors and also of nutritional value, making it a popular choice for family meals and festive gatherings.
To preparate Chole, you have to start by soaking the chickpeas overnight to ensure they cook to a perfect softness. Once prepared, the dish is often garnished with fresh cilantro and served with a side of fried bread called bhature. The dish’s vibrant color and enticing aroma make it a favorite at any dining table, inviting diners to experience a traditional yet accessible taste of India. Chole is particularly favored during large gatherings and is a testament to the simplicity and depth of Indian vegetarian cooking.
4) Palak Paneer (Spinach and Cottage Cheese)
Palak Paneer is a beloved vegetarian dish from North India, where it is prized for its smooth, creamy texture and nutritious profile. This dish combines palak (spinach) and paneer (cottage cheese) in a rich, mildly spiced sauce that is both comforting and satisfying. The spinach provides a vibrant green hue and is packed with vitamins, while the paneer offers a delicate, soft texture that absorbs the flavors of the sauce. The spices used, such as turmeric, cumin, and garam masala, are subtle yet essential, contributing depth and warmth without overpowering the primary ingredients.
The process of making Palak Paneer involves blanching spinach and then pureeing it to form the base of the curry. Paneer is either fried lightly or added raw to preserve its softness, depending on personal preference. The spinach puree is seasoned with finely chopped onions, garlic, and a variety of spices, then simmered until it thickens. The paneer is added towards the end of cooking, allowing it to heat through and absorb the flavorful sauce, and then served with flatbreads like roti or naan, or even over steamed rice.
5) Goan Fish Curry
Goan Fish Curry is a standout dish from the coastal state of Goa, renowned for its vibrant flavor profile that combines sour, spicy, and sweet elements. This curry is crafted using fresh fish, typically kingfish or pomfret, which is marinated and then simmered in a sauce made with coconut milk, tamarind, and a blend of spices including turmeric, coriander, and red chili. The use of coconut milk not only imparts a creamy texture but also moderates the heat of the chilies, creating a beautifully balanced dish. The inclusion of tamarind adds a distinctive tangy undertone, making this curry a refreshing departure from the heavier, cream-based curries of northern India.
To prepare Goan Fish Curry, start with marinating the fish in a mixture of lemon juice, salt, and turmeric, which enhances its natural flavors and adds a slight acidity that is characteristic of Goan cuisine. After marinating, the fish is gently cooked in the coconut-tamarind spice mixture until it is tender and infused with the sauce’s flavors. This curry is traditionally served with rice, which complements its rich and tangy sauce perfectly.
6) Vindaloo
Vindaloo represents the fusion of Goan and Portuguese traditions, renowned for its bold flavors and striking heat. This intensely spicy dish is typically made with pork, although variations include beef or chicken, marinated in a mixture of garlic, vinegar, and a potent blend of spices including cumin, mustard seeds, and copious amounts of chili peppers. The use of vinegar not only tenderizes the meat but also adds a distinctive sharpness that sets Vindaloo apart from other Indian curries, echoing the preservation techniques introduced by Portuguese colonists.
To cook Vindaloo the first step is to simmer the marinated meat in a spicy sauce until it is tender and infused with flavor. This dish is characterized by its fiery red color, a result of the chili peppers, and its complex, piquant sauce. Often served with rice or bread, Vindaloo is celebrated during festive occasions and is a favorite among those who appreciate a high degree of spice in their food.
Indian Curries in London
Now that we’ve journeyed through the diverse and rich flavors of Indian curries, we invite you to bring this culinary adventure to life by joining our Indian Food Tour in London. Our tours are crafted to offer more than just a meal; they provide a gateway to experiencing the true essence of Indian culinary heritage right in the heart of London. By participating, you’ll gain not only a taste but an in-depth understanding of the cultural and historical contexts that shape these dishes.
Don’t just read about these mouth watering indian curries; come and experience them for yourself. Each tour is an opportunity to engage with the vibrant Indian community in London and learn from the experts who spend their days perfecting these recipes. Book your tour today and prepare to be delighted by the aromatic spices and vibrant flavors of authentic Indian cuisine.
