What is Sri Lankan Curry Powder?
Sri Lankan curry powder is a blend of spices that is used to make curries in Sri Lankan cuisine. It is a staple ingredient in Sri Lankan kitchens and is used to add flavor, color, and aroma to a variety of dishes.
The exact composition of Sri Lankan curry powder can vary from region to region and from family to family. However, it typically includes a combination of coriander, cumin, fennel, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and black pepper. Sometimes, additional spices such as mustard seeds, fenugreek, and turmeric are also added.
The spices used in Sri Lankan curry powder are known for their health benefits. For example, coriander is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Cumin is known to aid digestion and improve immunity. Fennel is believed to have anti-cancer properties, while cinnamon may help regulate blood sugar levels.
Sri Lankan curry powder is used to make a variety of curries, including vegetable curries, meat curries, and seafood curries. It is also used to flavor rice dishes and soups. The powder is typically added towards the end of the cooking process to preserve its flavor and aroma.
In Sri Lanka, curry powder is often made fresh at home using a mortar and pestle. However, pre-made curry powders are also available in grocery stores and online. When purchasing pre-made curry powder, it is important to check the ingredients list to ensure that it does not contain any additives or preservatives.
What are the ingredients in Sri Lankan Curry Powder?
Sri Lankan Curry powder is a mixture of many ingredients (mostly whole spices) including –
- Coriander
- Cardoman
- Cumin
- Cloves
- Fengureek
- Curry leaves
- Pandan leaves
- Turmeric
Health benefits of Sri Lankan Curry Powder
Sri Lankan curry powder is a blend of spices that is widely used in Sri Lankan cuisine. It is a flavorful and aromatic spice mix that is not only delicious but also has several health benefits.
Curry powder is made from a combination of spices such as turmeric, coriander, cumin, fennel, cinnamon, and cardamom. Each of these spices has its own unique health benefits.
- Turmeric, which is a key ingredient in curry powder, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. It is also a powerful antioxidant that can help protect the body against damage from free radicals.
- Coriander is rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and may also help improve digestion.
- Cumin is another spice that is commonly used in curry powder. It is a good source of iron and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Fennel is another spice that is commonly used in curry powder. It is rich in antioxidants and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Cinnamon is a spice that is known for its sweet and warm flavor. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and may also help regulate blood sugar levels.
- Cardamom is a spice that is commonly used in Indian and Sri Lankan cuisine. It is rich in antioxidants and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.
Overall, Sri Lankan curry powder is a delicious and healthy spice blend that can help improve your health in several ways. Whether you use it to add flavor to your meals or to reap its health benefits, it is definitely a spice that is worth adding to your pantry.
How to make Authentic Sri Lankan Roasted Curry Powder from Scratch (in 20 minutes!)?
Follow the easy steps in my recipe below to make curry powder from scratch.
1-Collect your ingredients (whole spices)
2-Roast your ingredients
3-Grind your ingredients
Roasting and Grinding process to make Sri Lankan Curry Powder
The roasting and grinding process is the most crucial step in making Sri Lankan curry powder. It is what gives the powder its distinct aroma and flavor. The process involves roasting each spice separately and then grinding them together to create the perfect blend.
To start, the spices are roasted in a dry pan over low heat until they turn golden brown. The roasting process brings out the natural oils in the spices and intensifies their flavors. The spices commonly used for Sri Lankan curry powder include coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and black peppercorns.
Once the spices are roasted, they are left to cool down before being ground into a fine powder. Traditionally, a mortar and pestle were used for grinding, but nowadays, a spice grinder or food processor is more commonly used. The ground spices are then sifted through a fine mesh to remove any larger pieces.
It is important to note that the roasting and grinding process should be done carefully to avoid burning the spices. Over-roasting can lead to a bitter taste, while under-roasting can result in a lack of flavor.
In Sri Lanka, many households have their own unique blend of curry powder, with variations in the types and amounts of spices used. However, the roasting and grinding process remains the same, and it is what sets Sri Lankan curry powder apart from other curry powders around the world.
Do you need ALL these ingredients?
The ONLY essential ingredient for this recipe are corriandar seeds. If you are missing a few other ingredients in your pantry, that is totally fine.
How long can you store curry powder?
This homemade curry powder can be stored in an airtight container in a dark place for 3-6 months. After 3 months, the freshness and quality will decrease slightly, but it can still be used in cooking. It can be refrigerated to keep fresh longer, but it is not necessary.
How to Use Sri Lankan Curry Powder
Sri Lankan curry powder is a versatile spice blend that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some ways to use it:
1. As a base for curries
Sri Lankan curry powder is the foundation of many Sri Lankan curries. To make a basic curry, heat oil in a pan and add onions, garlic, and ginger. Once the onions are translucent, add a spoonful of curry powder and fry for a few seconds. Then add your choice of protein, vegetables, and coconut milk. Simmer until everything is cooked through and the sauce has thickened
Sri Lankan curries are cooked mostly using coconut milk as a base. Curries are either red (using lots of chili powder as a base), or brown (using roasted curry powder). About 1tsp of curry powder can be added to any curry dish to increase the flavor. See my blog for recipes using roasted curry powder including chicken curry and Sri Lankan Cashew Curry. Roasted Sri Lankan curry powder can be substituted by Indian garam masala for curry recipes..
2. As a seasoning for roasted vegetables
Sprinkle Sri Lankan curry powder over roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes, cauliflower, or carrots. Toss with some olive oil and roast until tender and golden brown.
3. In marinades for meat or seafood
Mix Sri Lankan curry powder with yogurt, lime juice, and salt to make a flavorful marinade for chicken, beef, or seafood. Let the meat marinate for a few hours before grilling or baking.
4. In soups and stews
Add a spoonful of Sri Lankan curry powder to soups and stews to add depth and complexity to the flavors. It pairs well with lentils, chickpeas, and potatoes.
5. As a rub for grilled meats
Mix Sri Lankan curry powder with salt, pepper, and a little bit of oil to make a rub for grilled meats like pork chops or lamb chops. Rub the mixture onto the meat and grill until cooked to your liking.
Overall, Sri Lankan curry powder is a versatile spice blend that can add flavor and depth to a variety of dishes.
Sri Lankan Curry Power Recipe (Roasted)
Ingredients
- 1 cup Coriander seeds
- 1/2 cup Moong dhal
- 1/4 cup Raw rice
- 1/4 cup Red Lentils
- 1/4 cup Cumin
- 1/4 cup Black pepper
- 10 pieces Cardoman
- 10 pieces Cloves
- 10 pieces Fengureek
- 5 pieces Dried chilies
- 2 sticks Curry leaves (about 20 leaves)
- 1 Pandan leaf (around 2 inch piece)
- 1 stick Cinnamon (around 2 inch piece)
Instructions
- Heat a non-stick pan on medium heat (DO NOT ADD OIL)
- Add coriander, rice and moong dhal first. Roast ingredients until rice becomes golden brown (around 10 minutes)
- Add the rest of ingredients and roast for 10 more minutes. Use a wooden spoon to move around ingredients and prevent them from sticking to pan
- Turn off heat and let ingredients cool down in the pan. Then grind to a fine powder, and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Use this curry powder as a seasoning for any curries and stir fries!
Notes
- DO NOT use any oil in this recipe
- DO use a non-stick pan
- DO keep moving ingredients around to prevent them sticking to pan and burning