I’m writing this blog post because there seems to be some confusion about the difference between curry, curry powder, and curry leaves. I often get asked whether you can substitute curry powder for curry leaves (the answer is no), so I wanted to write a post to explain the difference.
Curry is a complicated word with a complicated past. For those unfamiliar with Indian cuisine, the word “curry” has become a catch-all term for all Indian dishes, which can be offensive (more so when people claim not to like “curry” 🙄) considering how diverse Indian cuisine is. At the same time, many people, Indians included, use the word “curry” to describe a dish with gravy (e.g., my mom’s chicken curry). Personally, I think that as long as you’re not ignorant about it, it’s fine to use the word curry.
It’s important to know the difference between curry powder and curry leaves – so, thanks for reading and being curious enough to learn more about this subject.
Here are the questions I’m going to answer for you today:
- Are curry leaves the same as curry powder? (No).
- What are curry leaves, and where can I find them?
- What is curry powder?
Are curry leaves and curry powder the same?
No, not at all.
You cannot substitute curry powder for curry leaves. Curry leaves have a distinct flavor that’s unlike any other herb or spice.
What are curry leaves & where can I find them?
Curry leaves come from the curry tree and are used as a seasoning in South Asian cooking. They have a distinct smoky, citrus-like flavor and aroma. If you search the internet, I’m sure there are people who will compare the aroma and flavor of curry leaves to some herb or another, but I’ve honestly never smelled anything that resembles a curry leaf other than a curry leaf itself.
You can find curry leaves at almost any local Indian grocery store – they’re very cheap, usually only a dollar per pack. If you don’t live near an Indian store, then you can order them on Amazon though they will be more expensive.
How to store curry leaves:
I suggest putting them in a ziplock bag and storing them in your freezer (I do this all the time). Take them out and use them as needed!
Here are a few of my favorite recipes on the blog that call for curry leaves:
What is curry powder?
Funny story, when I first started cooking (many years ago), I was helping my mom in her kitchen and I asked her where she kept the curry powder. She looked at me like I was crazy. My mom, who grew up in India, had no idea what “curry powder” was.
That’s because curry powder is a British invention.
Curry powder isn’t Indian. It’s a pre-made spice mix that includes Indian spices like coriander, turmeric, cumin, cayenne, etc. Curry powder does not contain curry leaves.
When it comes to authentic Indian recipes, you won’t find “curry powder” in a list of ingredients – and if you do, search for another recipe. For example, authentic Murgh Makhani (Butter Chicken), Navratan Korma, and Goat Curry, will NOT have curry powder listed as an ingredient.
The truth is, I like curry powder. I used to feel a bit conflicted about this, but the fact is, it’s a tasty blend of spices. It’s nice to use when making quick meals or sides. It’s a great spice mix for creating Indian-fusion or Indian-inspired recipes – just don’t call it an authentic Indian dish because it won’t be. You can add this spice mix to eggs (deviled eggs!), veggies, fish, chicken salad, and have a well-seasoned dish in a short amount of time.
Here are a few Indian-inspired recipes on my blog that use curry powder:
- Coconut Chicken Curry
- Chickpea Cauliflower Coconut Curry
- Mulligatawny Soup
- Indian Roasted Butternut Squash
- Curried Egg Frittata
- Curried Butternut Squash Soup
Justin says
Okay, but please explain why authentic indian food tastes like it has curry powder in it. Are there normally the seasonings made to make curry powder in it or what?
Ashley - My Heart Beets says
Hey Justin, so curry powder is made up of a few commonly used Indian seasonings so perhaps you taste similarity, but curry powder has a very distinct flavor unlike other Indian dishes. Indian food can vary so much in flavor, especially based on the region. North Indian food tastes so different from South Indian food but because both dishes may include spices like turmeric or coriander, you’d notice some similarity. The more you eat Indian cuisine and the more you vary the dishes, the more you’ll taste the difference and one day you’ll taste the answer to your question. Hope that helps!
Shnobia Ghazel says
For me curry is more than food, it my life. I want to eat curry everyday, but curry powder give you shits.
Lets go curry leaves!!
Ted MacLeod says
Hi Ashley,
I am a semi retired landscaper embarking on growing herbs etc. I am researching different cuisine to try to appeal to people who want fresh herbs and spices to cook with. I came across your blog, your story is wonderful. I am pretty new to Indian cuisine. I am presently going through a local restaurants menu…I love it. Looking forward to trying your recipes. Thank you for clarifying ‘curry”. Cheers! Ted MacLeod
Ashley - My Heart Beets says
Hi Ted! I wish you lived in Pittsburgh as I’m searching for a landscaper now, haha. Curry leaves are so tricky to grow but I hope you give them a try!