Curry
A spicy sauce dish internationalised through trade and colonialism.
Curry is a dish with a spicy sauce, initially in Indian cuisine, then modified by interchange with the Portuguese, followed by the British, and eventually thoroughly internationalised. Many curries are found in the cuisines of countries in Southeast Asia and East Asia. The English word 'curry' is derived from the Dravidian language family, possibly by way of Dutch, Portuguese, or a combination, with a source in Tamil கறி kaṟi, meaning a spiced mixture with fish, meat or vegetable, eaten with boiled rice.
- field
- Culinary dish
- origin
- Indian subcontinent
- key influences
- Indian, Portuguese, British, Southeast Asian, East Asian
- primary spice base
- Varies; includes chili peppers, turmeric, ginger, garlic, cumin, coriander
Lore & Background
In medieval India, proto-curries were flavoured with mild spices such as asafoetida, cardamom, coriander, cumin, and ginger, with the limited heat of black pepper. A definite step in the development of modern curry was the arrival in India of spicy hot chili peppers, along with ingredients such as tomatoes and potatoes, part of the Columbian exchange. The Mughal Empire brought new subtly-spiced dishes, especially to the north of India. During the British Raj, Anglo-Indian cuisine developed, leading to Hannah Glasse's 18th century recipe for 'currey the India way' in England.
Reader's Guide
Curry was spread in the 19th century by indentured Indian sugar workers to the Caribbean and by British traders to Japan. Further exchanges around the world made curry a fully international dish. Many types of curry exist in different countries: in Southeast Asia, curry often contains a spice paste and coconut milk; in India, spices are fried in oil or ghee to create a paste, combined with a water-based broth or milk; in China and Korea, curries are based on a commercial curry powder. Curry restaurants outside their native countries often adapt their cuisine to suit local tastes. In Britain, curry is a popular dish with some types adopted from India and others modified or invented. The term 'curry' is not derived from the name of the curry tree, nor from the word 'cury' in The Forme of Cury.
Did You Know?
- The English word 'curry' is derived from the Dravidian language family, possibly via Dutch or Portuguese.
- Chili peppers, tomatoes, and potatoes were introduced to India from the Americas as part of the Columbian exchange.
- Curry was carried to the Caribbean by Indian indentured workers in the British sugar industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Curry?
Curry is a spiced-sauce dish that originated in the Indian subcontinent and has since become a global staple. It typically pairs a chili-pepper, turmeric, or cumin-based sauce with boiled rice, fish, meat, or vegetables.
Where did Curry originate and how did it spread?
The dish traces its roots to the Indian subcontinent, where spiced preparations were first developed. Portuguese and British traders then carried and adapted the concept, eventually spreading it across Southeast Asia, East Asia, and the wider world.
What spices go into Curry?
There is no single fixed spice blend; the base varies by region and recipe. Common ingredients include chili peppers, turmeric, ginger, garlic, cumin, and coriander.
Where does the word 'Curry' come from?
The English term likely descends from the Tamil word kaṟi (கறி), meaning a spiced mixture eaten with rice. It probably entered European languages through Dutch, Portuguese, or a combination of both trade routes.
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