What is a curry?

It’s a simple question without a simple answer. Curry can mean many different things, from the blend of spices to the name of a plant that produces the curry leaf to a finished dish. Most often we think of the saucy, spiced dish of meat or vegetables as a curry, yet there are dry curries as well with no sauce at all. There are different styles of curries from all over the world with seasonings that vary from very mild to highly spiced and fiery hot. Traditionally, individual spices and seasonings are added in combination (and the combinations are as unique to the cook as their own fingerprints) to achieve the desired taste. Fortunately, we’ve got an array of shortcuts available in the form of curry pastes, powders or masala blends that are a boon to anyone venturing into cooking curries with limited experience or a limited spice cabinet. However you define it, flavour is paramount and it’s easy to achieve a delicious curry dinner with a little know-how and some key ingredients.