Mild curry masala
Gentle, coriander-based curry powder. Makes 2 cups
An everyday curry powder that's built on coriander seeds, so it's fragrant rather than fiery. Fennel, star anise and bay give it a sweet warmth, with just two red chillies for heat. Season curries with it when you want flavour without much heat.
- Total time
- 10 min
- Difficulty
- easy
- Serves
- 1
Ingredients
Method
0/4 doneStep 1: Heat ¼ tsp oil in a heavy pan over a low heat.
Step 2: Add 3 ½ oz coriander seeds, 2 tbsp aniseeds, 15 green cardamom pods, 2 bay leaves, 1 tbsp black peppercorns, 2 tbsp cumin seeds, 10 cloves, 2 star anise and 2 dried red chillies. Roast, stirring all the time, until fragrant.
5 minStep 3: Tip onto a plate and let the spices cool completely.
15 minStep 4: Grind to a powder. Store in an airtight jar, away from light and heat, and use within 3 months for the best flavour.
KrazyBadal
Good to know
- How long does mild curry masala take?
- About 10 minutes in total: 5 minutes to prepare and 5 minutes to cook.
- How many people does it serve?
- 1 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
- Is it vegan?
- Yes. It has no meat, fish, dairy or eggs.
- Is it gluten free?
- Yes, as written. Check the labels on stock, sauces and spice mixes, which sometimes contain gluten.
- Can I make it ahead?
- Yes. It keeps well, so you can cook it earlier in the day or the day before and reheat it.
- What can I use instead of coriander seeds?
- Ground coriander, same amount (add it later in the cooking; it burns faster).
- What can I use instead of aniseeds?
- Fennel seeds, same amount (milder).
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to cook it.
Rate this recipe
Sign in to rate and review this recipe.
You might also like
Vegetable brown stock
A hearty stock that's simmered for 2 hours, then blended and strained, so the potato gives it body. Its deeper flavour suits thick soups, gravies and stews. Freeze it in portions so it's ready when you need it.
Bean sprouts
Sprouting whole green grams makes them crunchier, quicker to cook and more nutritious. All you need is muslin, water and a warm spot, and they're ready in 3–4 days. Use them in salads, bhel, usal and stir-fries. Any other whole pulse sprouts the same way.
Chaat masala
Chaat masala is the tangy, salty, slightly sulphurous sprinkle that makes chaat taste like chaat. Dried mango (amchur) gives the sourness and black salt the distinctive savoury edge. Sprinkle it over fruit, salads, raita, chips and street-food snacks.




