Roasted Sri Lankan curry powder

The flavour you get from roasting your own fresh spices is incomparable. And this recipe for homemade roasted Sri Lankan curry powder is no exception.

It is made with fragrant spices including:

• coriander
• cumin
• cinnamon
• cardamom
• nutmeg
• pepper, and
• chilli.

This recipe is adapted from a recipe given to me by a Sri Lankan friend of a friend.

Roasting the spices brings out the flavour

These spices are roasted first - or dry toasted in a pan - and then ground together.

Pre-roasting them in this way not only makes your curry powder taste incredible it will fill your whole house with a delicious fragrance.

Uses for Sri Lankan curry powder

This is an extremely adaptable curry powder.

It is delicious used in this okra curry and is also great used instead of dal instead of garam masala.

I've also used it in various curry concoctions of my own, none of which can claim to be authentic but all of which have been delicious. This is definitely the best homemade curry powder recipe I have ever made.

Variations

While writing this post I had a look at some of the other Sri Lankan curry powder recipes online and it was interesting to see how they varied.

Some added fennel seeds, others toasted rice.

Others still added mustard seeds or fresh curry leaves.

Chilli often, but not always, features and by all means add more dried chillies to your powder if you like your food to be hot.

The core ingredients of coriander, cumin and cinnamon generally remain the same.

Making Sri Lankan food vegan

Incidentally much Sri Lankan food contains fish or fish paste.

Despite this when we travelled to Sri Lanka in 2008 for our honeymoon I didn't have any trouble finding veggie dishes. Of course it's always worth checking that fish paste hasn't been added.

You'll also find a lot of south Indian restaurants serving veggie staples like dosa, idli, uttapam etc.

To replicate the fishy flavour try using seaweed flakes as I have in this coconut sambol.

How to make roasted Sri Lankan curry powder

If you have made this recipe and loved it please consider leaving a comment and rating below.

Roasted Sri Lankan curry powder

Cook Veggielicious

An authentic recipe for Sri Lankan curry powder that can be used in a variety of curries and dishes. Roasting the spices first creates a lovely deep flavour that you can't help but love.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine International

Servings 12

Calories 9 kcal

Ingredients

 

MetricUS customary

 

1x2x3x

• 2 tablespoons coriander seeds
• 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
• 1 small cinnamon stick
• 4 cloves
• 4 cardamom pods
• pinch nutmeg, freshly grated
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon dried chilli flakes adjust to taste

Instructions

 

• Heat a small frying pan over a low heat.
• Add all the spices and heat until fragrant and turning golden brown.
• Place in a spice grinder or blender with a small jug and grind until you have a powder. You could also do this step in a pestle and mortar but you'll need some serious arm muscles.
• Store in an airtight container.

Notes

Nutritional information is approximate and is intended as a guide only

Nutrition

Calories: 9kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 4mgPotassium: 37mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 59IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 19mgIron: 1mg

Keyword sri lankan curry powder

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