The 6 Ingredients Behind A Good Curry
Each of the spices that make up curry brings its healthy properties to this mixture. Discover the basic recipe and its health benefits.
Curry is a mixture of spices native to India that not only enhances the flavor and aroma of your dishes. It is also very healthy for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
Although it is native to India , it has spread to places as different as Great Britain, Arabia or the Caribbean countries. In fact, we can travel through curry, because in each region it is given a special touch. In Sri Lanka, for example, it is made very spicy by adding more mustard. In addition, each person can make their own variants of the recipe.
When it comes to varying the basic recipe and making your own homemade curry, one possibility is to change the amount of some ingredients in the curry, to suit personal tastes. Another option is to add other elements such as cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, garlic, fenugreek or anise.
6 curry ingredients, essential in all versions
Although we can affirm that there are as many versions of curry as there are people, there are 6 ingredients that are common to all the variants of this mixture of spices. These are also the secret of its being so healthy.
1. Turmeric, an anti-inflammatory medicine
Turmeric is a curry staple. Add it to give your mix color and, above all, to give it a great anti-inflammatory and purifying power, thanks to its stimulating effect on the liver.
Studies indicate that a very small amount is enough to benefit from its properties, but consumption should be regular. Prevents cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
- How much turmeric to use: 3 tablespoons
2. Black mustard, good friend of your heart
Of the black ( Brassica nigra ), white ( Brassica alba ) and brown ( Brassica juncea ) mustards , the former is the one with the spiciest flavor.
All mustards are rich in selenium, a mineral with antioxidant properties, and in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, in magnesium and in vitamin B 1 , which is involved in energy production.
- How much black mustard to use: Add a tablespoon of ground mustard to your mix. Toast the seeds a little, as the roasting helps release the aromas (the same happens with other seeds, such as coriander and cumin).
3. The chilli pepper is itchy, but calms the discomfort
The chilli pepper is a flavor and health bomb. Provides vitamin E (one tablespoon provides 7% of the daily need), provitamin A, vitamin B 6 and iron.
The capsaicin, responsible for the spiciness, has multiple properties, including its anti – inflammatory and anti – infective action.
There are chillies of different intensity and qualities. Choose the one you like because it will give the curry your personality. What if you use a chilli that you plant yourself?
- How much chilli to use: add a teaspoon.
4. Black pepper, the great companion of turmeric
The body needs very little manganese, but this antioxidant mineral is essential for bones and skin. Black pepper provides it and is essential in any mixture that includes turmeric, as it multiplies its absorption several times.
- How much black pepper to use: Add half a teaspoon of freshly ground peppercorns to your curry mixture . You can use an electric coffee grinder to grind all the ingredients that need it.
5. Cilantro, digest without difficulty
Coriander seeds give the curry notes of citrus and sage.
In addition, its medicinal effects are highly valued . In Europe it is attributed properties to control blood sugar and cholesterol. In Asia it is considered digestive and useful against fever, lack of appetite and inflammation.
It has dodecenal, a compound with anti-infective properties.
- How much coriander to use: add 2 tablespoons of dried coriander.
6. Cumin to avoid flatulence
Cumin seeds are small but add a great healthy addition to curries.
Their digestive action stands out , as they stimulate the secretion of pancreatic enzymes. That is why they are recommended as an ingredient in dishes with legumes that can cause gas.
For this it is very useful to make an infusion : leave a tablespoon of seeds in boiling water for 8-10 minutes. It is recommended for people with poor appetite.
- How much cumin to use: put a tablespoon and a half in your curry mix.
