Table of Contents
- What is Curry?
- Is curry a single dish?
- History of the word curry
- Quick Video about Curry
- More about Curry
- Top 10 things to know about ‘curry’
- What were the British doing in India?
What is Curry?
A common question that many from India and that part of the world, (and several other regions associated with Indian culture – like parts of Asia and elsewhere) will surely be asked – Do you eat curry? Is curry a single dish?
Curry at the top: Photo by Sanket Shah on Unsplash
Is curry a single dish?
Generally – the idea seems to be that it’s a dish and can have some slight variations – like pizza – with different toppings (probably not too good of an example – but just to give an idea).
What is curry – by definition?
It can be a very different based on where that curry is from, how and what is cooked and who is cooking it…
History of the word curry
First, we need to understand where the origin of the current usage of the word curry came from – at least into the English language.
Quick Video about Curry
Below is just one take on it. Feel free to share your thoughts below.
That’s alright, but what is CURRY POWDER?
More about Curry
Learn more here https://www.britannica.com/topic/curry
Curry is a staple dish in many countries around the world, but where did this beloved cuisine originate? The answer may surprise you.
Though curry has become widely popular across India and Asia, it actually originated in South India over 4,000 years ago!
These dishes from time immemorial were made using local spices including turmeric and pepper to create a flavorful blend that could be used with rice or millets or indian flat breads.
Curry can be made with a variety of meats, including chicken, goat, lamb, pork, shrimp, and fish. Vegetarian and vegan curries are also popular.
The heat level can vary widely, from mild to extremely spicy, depending on the type and amount of chili peppers or traditionally in the south – black pepper (which originated in India was the only spice use to give that heat before chili peppers) used in the recipe.
Curry leaves are an essential ingredient in many Indian and Sri Lankan curries, and coconut milk is a common ingredient in Thai curries, while yogurt or cream is often used in Indian curries to create a creamy texture.
As time went on, these spices were brought to other parts of the world by traders who had visited South Indian ports.
The word “curry” actually comes from the Tamil word “kari” meaning sauce. It was the British who popularized the word to describe all the spice-based dishes they encountered in India.
Top 10 things to know about ‘curry’
1. Debunking the Curry Myth: Curry isn’t a single dish, but a term for a dazzling array of spiced stews from India, Thailand, and beyond. The word “curry” itself comes from the Tamil word “kari” meaning “sauce” (interesting “origin & etymology,” right?).
2. Spice Up Your Life: Forget the pre-made stuff! In India, fresh spices are blended for each dish, creating unique flavor profiles there are key spices used in different curries! This is in contrast to the “Western-style curries” that often rely on pre-made “curry powder” (a Western invention!).
3. Mild or Wild? You Decide: Curry heat levels are all over the map! From gentle to fiery, it depends on the type and amount of chili peppers used so a lot of differences between Thai, or Japanese (tend to be milder) and Indian curries.
4. Curry Leaves: A Fragrant Friend: Curry leaves, native to India and Sri Lanka, add a unique depth of flavor to many curries there .
5. Protein Powerhouse: Curry can be a protein party! Chicken, goat, lamb, or seafood are all common choices. Vegetarian and vegan options abound too!
6. Creamy or Coconut-ty? The Choice is Yours: Coconut milk is a staple in Thai curries, while most Indian curries often use yogurt or cream or peanut, sesame or cashew nut for a richer texture . They do use coconut milk extensively in some south Indian states.
7. Japanese Comfort Curry: Across the sea, Japan has embraced curry as a beloved comfort food, typically served with rice or noodles. Japanese curry is often thicker and sweeter than its Indian or Thai counterparts.
8. Global Fusion Fun: Did you know some curries are culinary mashups? The British dish “chicken tikka masala” is a delightful example of “hybrid dishes” combining elements from different cuisines.
9. Curry: A Spicy Superfood?: The spices in curry may offer health benefits! Turmeric, a common ingredient, contains curcumin, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This powerful compound has been a mainstay of Indian cuisine for centuries!
10. Fun Fact: The curry powder in western stores is the remnant of the British Colonial settlers who just needed a simple blend to spice up their bland food once they went back home!
What were the British doing in India?
Traders – British East India Company
The British arrived in India in the 17th century as traders and eventually gained control over many parts of the country through the British East India Company.
Rulers – British East India Company
The British East India Company transformed from a trading company to a ruling power in India through a series of strategies.
They used military conquest, forming alliances with Indian rulers, gaining economic control, and exerting cultural influence. Military campaigns involved violence and brutality, exploiting existing conflicts between Indian states. The company established alliances often through corruption and coercion, while controlling Indian markets and imposing tariffs and simultaneously destroying indigenous industries beyond repair.
The British Raj – British Crown takes over
During the 19th century, British rule became more formalized, leading to the establishment of the British Raj. British rule brought economic, political, and social changes to India, including the introduction of new technologies, infrastructure, and governance systems for which they charged exorbitant rates of taxation to the Indian taxpayers.
And by design these developments allowed them to loot the country very efficiently, by extracting as much raw materials as they could, making profits at every step of the way.
Overall effect of British presence in India
The draconian British laws and policies caused several preventable famines in India which was self sufficient for centuries, thus leading to the starving death of dozens of millions during the British rule into India.
Thus, the British rule involved exploitation, discrimination, and violence, which had a significant impact on Indian society and culture. They promoted the English language, education, and Christianity, eroding traditional Indian culture and education systems. These strategies had long term detrimental effects on Indian society, industrial, agricultural, economic development and culture.
Indian nationalists and reformers started advocating for independence in the early 20th century. After years of struggle and resistance, India achieved independence in 1947, but alas, only after losing most of it’s fertile landmass, and countless lives again to separatist violence – thanks to the parting British gift of divide and rule.
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Curry | Curry Powder | Garam Masala | Spices