Curry Powder – April Featured Ingredient

What is Curry Powder? How is Curry Powder – April Featured Ingredient used? This fragrant and flavorful blend of various spices hailed from South Asia long before Europeans arrived from India. When you think of Curry our minds think India. So not true. As a result, it is used in a variety of cuisines today including Thai food and widely used in North America not to mention globally. Curry means sauce as it’s mixed with all kinds of ingredients allowing flavors to range from mild to hot.

As I mentioned previously, Curry Powder is a mixture of various spices combined with an array of flavors such as ginger, garlic, chili powder, cinnamon, turmeric, nutmeg, cardamom, clove, fennel, cumin, caraway seeds among others. One tablespoon of Curry Powder has around 20 calories and three grams of carbs. The calorie count increases based on what is used to make sauces and rubs in your recipes. Since this spice blend is low in calories, let’s talk health benefits. The spices included in Curry makes all the difference.

Curry Powder – April Featured Ingredient

The health benefits of this popular spice blend are valuable to say the least. Curry Powder is believed to aid in the prevention of cancer, protection against heart disease, ease pain and inflammation, boost bone health, bacterial infections along with increasing liver function to remove toxins. Depending on the region, this can change slightly because of how the powder is derived. Have digestive issues? Cook with curry. However, experts recommend talking to your doctor if you suffer from gallstones or are taking blood thinners. Curry powder is known as an anti-coagulant causing excessive bleeding. Already have gallbladder issues? Note that Curry may increase and cause more frequent contractions in the gallbladder and bile ducts which is extremely painful. Let your doctor know how often and how much you plan to cook with Curry.

Curry Powder – April Featured Ingredient

So on to the good stuff…Since we’ve discussed benefits, let’s eat. Many flavor profiles exist with Curry Powder as I had to try several brands before finding some I really liked. Your favorite recipe creations will be elevated to the next level. Don’t be afraid to experiment with snacks like Sweet Curry Spiced Nuts. How about Curry Rice, Lime Curry Chicken Thighs or Curry Beef? I’m telling you the possibilities are endless. What a fabulous way to add exotic twists to already family favorites.

I mentioned finding a favorite blend like my favorites from Spices@Penzeys. Try Sweet Curry for making chicken because it’s not too spicy. Another is their Penzeys Curry (The Now Curry) for everything you’re making and believe me, it is wonderful. An opposite flavor is Hot Curry which combines more red pepper and ginger. It is delicious with a kick. Maharajah Curry is their highest quality powder. Sweet and rich, not hot but full of Spanish saffron which in addition is perfect for rice, poultry and seafood dishes.

Curry Powder – April Featured Ingredient

I highly recommend Penzeys for Curry Powder. Penzeys is my go-to for all spices because of freshness and quality. You can purchase small amounts when trying for the first time. So if you’re looking to add some exotic flavors to family favorites or try something new, checkout Penzeys Curry Powders. You’ll be glad you did.