Ingredient: Curry powder

Curry Powder is a condiment made from a mixture of ground spices such as turmeric, ground ginger, ground cumin, ground coriander, chili powder, and cayenne pepper. It is used in the making of the dish it is named after, which is curry.

Curry powder is characterized by a color that ranges between dark yellow and bright orange and a pungent flavor that varies in degrees of heat from mild to hot depending on the amount of pepper used, with hints of sweetness thanks to the sweet spices included, such as cinnamon and clove.

There are about 19 varieties of curry powder, from which the most recognizable are:
Garam masala, which is hot, includes mainly coriander, cumin, cardamom, black pepper, and nutmeg. It works well with seafood and savory curries.
Vadouvan, which is savory, includes mainly garlic, shallots, and mustard seeds. It works well with popcorn, vegetables, and chickpeas.
Chaat masala, which is tangy, includes mainly dried mango powder and black salt). It works well with chutneys, naan, or deep-fried food.
Madras, which is sweet-hot, includes mainly ginger and cinnamon. It works well with coconut-based soups.

Curry powder is good for heart health and blood sugar levels and can be added to a wide array of dishes besides curry, thanks to its different ingredients and many flavors. It lasts for 18 months to 2 whole years in the pantry, making it a very practical and versatile ingredient.