Indian moms in the USA are culinary masters, who captivate taste buds with their delicious creations. They also keep the essence of Indian food alive in their new homes. The aromatic and rich Indian curries are a symbol of her culinary skills. We embark on an aromatic journey to discover the secrets behind making a simple Indian Curry. Learn how the Indian mother’s art of cooking this dish is a favorite.
How to make a simple Indian curry:
Step 1: Gather your ingredients
Gathering the ingredients is essential to creating a simple Indian Curry. You will need to:
2 tablespoons cooking oil (such a vegetable or canola oils)
1 onion, finely sliced
2 cloves of minced garlic
1 inch piece of grated fresh ginger
2 tomatoes, finely chopped or pureed
Cumin ground to 1 teaspoon
One teaspoon of ground coriander
Half a teaspoon of turmeric powder
Add more chili powder to your taste.
Garam masala is a mixture of Indian spices.
Salt is a taste.
Choose 1 cup of vegetables (e.g., potatoes, chickpeas or chicken) or a protein of your choosing
Use fresh coriander leaves as garnish
Step 2: Prepare Curry Base
Over medium heat, heat the cooking oil in an oven-safe pan or deep skillet. Add the onions and cook until golden brown. Add the grated ginger and minced garlic, and stir continuously for a further minute.
Step 3: Add Spices & Tomatoes
Add the turmeric powder, chili powder, cumin powder and ground coriander to the pan. This will infuse your curry with aromas. Stir well and cook the spices for one minute to release oils.
Now, it’s time to introduce the star ingredient–tomatoes. Pour the finely chopped or pureed tomatoes into the pot and stir everything together. Stir the mixture for a couple of minutes, until the tomatoes are softened and the spices blend together.
Step 4: Add Vegetables and Protein
After the base of the curry is cooked, you can add any vegetables or proteins that you like. If you choose to cook potatoes, cauliflowers, chickpeas or chickens, make sure they are all cut into small pieces. Add the potatoes to the pan and gently stir to coat the curry base with them.
Step 5: Simmer the dish and garnish
Reduce the heat and cover the pan. Let the curry simmer for as long as the vegetables or proteins are fully cooked. The cooking time will depend on the type of ingredients you use. Stir frequently to avoid sticking and add water as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
Sprinkle the garam masala over the curry and adjust the salt to your taste. Add fresh coriander to the curry for a vibrant and fresh aroma.
Step 6: Enjoy and Serve
Now your simple Indian curry can be enjoyed. To complete your meal, serve it with hot steamed rice or roti, naan, or naan bread. This harmonious combination of spices and flavors will transport you to the exotic world of Indian food.