This Easy Homemade Curry Powder is a blend of 8 common spices that will add tons of flavor to lots of dishes, including your favorite curries and Indian-inspired recipes!
And since we're using pre-ground spices, you can mix up a batch in just a few quick minutes...no toasting or grinding of whole spices needed!
So check out your spice cabinet before you make a trip to the store for another bottle of curry powder. You may already have everything you need.
If not, pick up what you don't have, because these are popular spices that can be used in so many other recipes.
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Fun Fact: Although most often associated with Indian cuisine, curry powder is actually a British invention that was developed to capture the flavors that travelers enjoyed during visits to India.
There is no one specific recipe for curry powder; there are probably as many different recipes as cooks who make it!
The main spices are usually turmeric, coriander and cumin, and the additional ingredients can vary based on the region and the preferences of the person making it. It can be mild or hot.
My recipe has all easy-to-find spices, has a mild level of heat, and the flavor is exactly what you would expect from curry powder.
Plus, it's versatile. You can adjust any of the spices to suit your own personal tastes.
If you're a fan of curry powder and its unique warm fragrance and flavor, I dare say that you might just like this homemade version better than store-bought blends.
I know I do...because my recipes have been tasting even better ever since I started using it!
Ingredients You Need
Note: Ingredient amounts are in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Turmeric
- Coriander
- Cumin
- Cardamom
- Mustard
- Ginger
- Black pepper
- Cayenne pepper
All of the above spices are the dried and ground versions.
How to Make Homemade Curry Powder
Note: This is just a brief overview of the steps. For the full printable recipe with ingredient amounts and detailed instructions, go to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
1: Measure out the spices.
2: Stir the spices together in a small bowl until well-combined.
3: Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry and dark place.
Recipe Tips & Tidbits
- For the best flavor, make sure the spices you use are fresh.
- This recipe makes a small batch of curry powder, about ¼ cup. I prefer making smaller batches more often so they are always fresh. But you can easily scale up the recipe to make a bigger batch.
- As written, this recipe makes a curry powder with a mildly spicy heat. Adjust the cayenne pepper to make it as mild or as hot as you'd like.
Substitutions & Variations
This curry powder recipe is just a starting point. It's got all the main ingredients, and I think it's perfect as is, but you can change it up to suit your own personal tastes.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of any of the spices.
- Add more cayenne pepper for more heat; reduce or omit it for less or no heat).
- Fenugreek is a spice often found in curry powder. It's difficult to find where I live, so I leave it out (and the curry powder tastes awesome without it). But if you can get it, try adding some in.
- Other spices that can be added to curry powder are cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, bay leaves, paprika, chili powder, and garlic powder. Experiment with adding any of these if you'd like!
Storage
Store your homemade curry powder (and all of your herbs and spices) in an airtight container in a cool, dark and dry place to keep it fresh for as long as possible. Heat, humidity, air, and light can all have a negative effect on shelf life.
Avoid warm places in your kitchen, such as next to the stove or anywhere they would be in the sunlight. Don't put spices in the refrigerator or freezer because it can expose them to moisture, causing them to spoil.
How long your spice mix lasts will depend on the freshness of the spices used and how you store it (it could last for many months or even a year or more).
To test it for freshness, just smell it and taste it. If the fragrance and flavor has weakened, it's time to make up a new batch.
How to Use It
Use your homemade curry powder in all of your favorite recipes that call for it, just as you would a store-bought curry powder. Since every blend can be a little different, use the amount called for in the recipe as a guide and adjust it, as needed, to suit your own tastes.
And remember that curry powder isn't just for curries. Try using it to add a new and different flavor to roasted veggies and potatoes, soups, stews, salads, sauces, marinades, and more.
If you'd like to try some of my favorite recipes using curry powder, check out my Coconut Chickpea Curry With Spinach, Curry Chicken Salad and Quick and Easy Country Captain Chicken.
And stay tuned, because I'll be using it to make a fabulous Mulligatawny Soup. That's coming up next!
I hope you try this Easy Homemade Curry Powder recipe and love it as much as I do. Thanks for visiting today!
More Homemade Spice Mix Recipes To Try
If you try this recipe, I'd love to know how it went. Please leave a star rating and comment below. Thanks!
📋Recipe
Easy Homemade Curry Powder
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl and stir until well-combined.
- Transfer to an airtight container and store in a cool, dry and dark place.
Notes
- As written, this recipe will give you a mildly spicy curry powder. Add more or less cayenne pepper to adjust it to the heat level you desire.
- Estimated calories shown are for 1 tablespoon.
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