Curry is a complex melange of ingredients that vary by geographical region.
My husband and I are soon heading to Singapore and
Malaysia prior to joining our group of Wine-Knows in Vietnam for a two week
tour. We’re going a week early to take
cooking classes on Penang Island. But,
not just any cooking class. This one
comes very highly recommended by one of our clients who has returned twice. I am told that this curry class is the bomb.
Curry is a complex combination of several spices and
herbs that vary from country to country. Archaeological evidence, dating back
to 2600 BC, indicates that it probably originated in India. Nonetheless, curry has spread to all neighboring
countries of India (e.g. Pakistan, Nepal) and is now a traditional dish of all the Southeast Asia nations. Even China utilizes curry, as does the Philippines. Trade routes also took curry to Africa where it
still plays a huge role in many African nation’s cuisines.
All curries are known for their special aromatic
qualities. Most of them contain coriander,
cumin and turmeric as base ingredients.
Depending on the country (and even the geographical region within the same
country), the following are examples of possibilities that can appear in
varying proportions and combinations:
ginger, star anise, fenugreek, garlic, lemon grass, galangal (a cousin
of ginger), kaffir lime, mustard, fennel, cinnamon, tamarind, pepper, and chiles.
Curry seasonings are used to flavor a variety of dishes. Often used in meat dishes, curry can also be used with poultry, fish and even vegetable dishes. It can appear in appetizers, as well as the entree, side dishes, and even on occasion, in desserts.
Curry seasonings are used to flavor a variety of dishes. Often used in meat dishes, curry can also be used with poultry, fish and even vegetable dishes. It can appear in appetizers, as well as the entree, side dishes, and even on occasion, in desserts.
Curry was so loved by the British Colonial government
in India during the 18th century, that Indian merchants decided to
make it commercially for sale. A
powdered form of this mélange of enticing spices and herbs was very popular
with Brits who took buckets of it with them when they returned to England. Curry powder is now probably available in
every large supermarket throughout the world.
Stay tuned for recipes from our cooking class in
Malaysia and best wines for pairing with curry dishes.
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