Curry
A spicy sauce dish globalized through trade and colonialism.
Curry is a dish with a spicy sauce, initially developed in Indian cuisine, then modified through interchange with the Portuguese and the British, and eventually thoroughly internationalized. Many curries are found in the cuisines of countries in Southeast Asia and East Asia, and the term itself is derived from the Dravidian language family, possibly via Dutch or Portuguese.
- origin
- Indian subcontinent
- key ingredients
- spices, chili peppers, coconut milk, oil or ghee
- related cuisines
- Indian, Southeast Asian, East Asian, Anglo-Indian, Caribbean
- etymology
- from Tamil கறி (kaṟi), meaning a spiced mixture with fish, meat or vegetable, eaten with boiled rice
Lore & Background
In medieval India, proto-curries were flavored 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.
Reader's Guide
Curry's significance lies in its transformation from a diverse set of Indian stews into a global dish, shaped by Portuguese introduction of chili peppers and British colonial influence. During the British Raj, Anglo-Indian cuisine developed, leading to Hannah Glasse's 18th century recipe for 'currey the India way' in England. Curry was then 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, adapting to local tastes, such as Southeast Asian curries with coconut milk, Indian curries with fried spice pastes, and Chinese or Korean curries based on commercial curry powder. The term 'curry' is not derived from 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 dish built around a spicy sauce that originated in Indian cuisine. It has since been adapted and reinterpreted across Southeast Asian, East Asian, Anglo-Indian, and Caribbean cooking traditions.
Where did Curry originate?
Curry traces its roots to the Indian subcontinent, where it was first developed as a spiced preparation. Portuguese and British culinary exchanges later reshaped it before it became a truly global dish.
What are the key ingredients in Curry?
Core components typically include a blend of spices, chili peppers, coconut milk, and a fat base such as oil or ghee. The exact combination shifts widely depending on the regional tradition.
What does the word "Curry" actually mean?
The term derives from the Tamil word kaṟi, which refers to a spiced mixture of fish, meat, or vegetables served with boiled rice. It likely entered European languages through Dutch or Portuguese intermediaries.
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