Curry powder is a store cupboard staple that we use to add flavour to curries and other spiced dishes. But what if a recipe calls for curry powder and you haven’t got any? These easy substitutes for curry powder make great alternatives.
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I use curry powder a lot! In curry, but also things like curried soups, or as an easy way to spice up a bland dish.
It’s great to have in, and I buy it in big bags like this (affiliate link), instead of little jars.
But sometimes, we’re caught out. If you don’t have any curry powder, or your supplies are running low, and a recipe calls for it, you might feel a little stuck.
But the good news is because curry powder is a spice blend made up of different things, it’s quite easy to make your own homemade curry powder or to use a simple curry powder substitute.
What is Curry Powder Made Of?
Curry powder ingredients vary, depending on the brand, but also on whether you buy mild or hot. Most contain a mix of turmeric, cumin or fenugreek, ginger, coriander, and black pepper (affiliate links).
Other common ingredients in curry powder include fennel seeds, chilli, cinnamon, mustard seeds, and garlic. (affiliate links)
The Origins of Curry Powder
We often assume that curry powder is a staple in Indian cooking.
But authentic Indian cooks would use their own blend of spices to create flavours. Curry powder was actually invented by the British in the 1700s, inspired by Indian cuisine, and in an attempt to recreate fabulous curry flavours without needing all of the different spices.
You can learn more about the history of curry powder here.
What Does Curry Powder Taste Like?
Exactly what curry powder tastes like will depend on the particular blend of spices used, how hot it is, and even what brand you are using.
But generally, curry powder has a slightly sweet, warming flavour. It’s quite earthy and rich. Some people find it a little bitter, but I never have.
I always think curry powder tastes exactly as you’d expect it to based on the smell.
Curry powder changes the taste of a variety of dishes, but the other ingredients also give them plenty of flavours. If you are looking to make a super simple curry dish, you can use curry power without adding any extra spices.
What Makes Curry Powder Yellow?
Curry powder usually has an orange/yellow colour, which we often associate with curry. This usually comes from turmeric.
If you don’t add turmeric to your DIY curry powder, you shouldn’t expect it to have that same yellow colour.
Substitutes for Curry Powder You Could Try
If a recipe calls for curry powder and you don’t have any, these are some alternatives that you can try.
Garam Masala
Can I substitute garam masala (affiliate link) for curry powder? Yes absolutely!
Garam Masala is another blend of spices that we use in curries and other spicy dishes.
While it’s not the same as curry powder, it’s close enough that you could make a straight switch if you needed to.
Garam masala generally has a milder more delicate flavour and is one of the ideal substitutes for curry powder if you are making a milder dish. If you are using a garam masala substitute curry powder use the same quantities.
Turmeric
Can I substitute turmeric for curry powder? You might assume that because curry powder gets its colour from turmeric, that’s also where it gets its taste.
But while turmeric is a big ingredient in curry powder, the taste comes from the other elements just as much.
Swapping curry powder for turmeric will give your dish that lovely curried colour.
I’d also add a little ground coriander and allspice to give it a more authentic flavour. Start with 1 tablespoon of turmeric, 1 teaspoon of coriander and just a pinch of allspice (affiliate link). This is an ideal yellow curry powder substitute.
Add chilli powder too if you want a spicier curry.
Cumin
Can I use cumin instead of curry powder? Yes, cumin is used in a lot of curried dishes and Indian cuisine.
Ground cumin has the same earthy, and spicy flavour and can make a great alternative to curry powder. I’d add 1 tablespoon of cumin, a pinch of ground black pepper and a pinch of chilli flakes if you want more heat.
Cumin is a great substitute for curry powder in soup and is often used in spiced soup recipes.
Cumin and Allspice
On its own, Cumin might not have the depth or sweetness of curry powder. Adding a pinch of allspice can give it more of these flavours.
Chaat Masala
Like garam masala and curry powder, chaat masala is a blend of spices put together to create a warm spicy flavour.
Chaat masala (affiliate link) doesn’t have the sweetness of curry powder. It’s tangier and more aromatic. It’s hot but the flavour can be overwhelming, so if you are trying this as a substitute for curry powder, start with much less than the recipe asks for, and add more to taste.
Sambar Powder
Another blend of spices, sambar powder might be something that you’ve got if you cook Indian or spicy food a lot. It gets its red colour and spicy flavour from cayenne pepper or red chilli powder and is a great substitute for curry powder if you are making a spicier dish. Start with half what the recipe asks for, as it can be spicier, and add more to taste.
Sambar powder is a great substitute for madras curry powder.
Paprika
Can I use paprika instead of curry powder? To be honest, I wouldn’t.
Paprika is spicy and used in lots of spicy food. I love smoked paprika and use it a lot. But it doesn’t taste like curry powder.
If you’ve got a recipe which includes cayenne pepper, you can use paprika in its place, and if you are using a homemade curry powder recipe that includes cayenne pepper, you can use paprika here, but I wouldn’t recommend it in place of curry powder.
A Homemade Curry Powder Recipe
If you cook Indian food, and other spicy food regularly, you’ve probably got a pretty well-stocked spice shelf.
In fact, if you’ve got lots of the spices in this post you might be better making your own curry powder and keeping it in a sealed jar in your cupboard. It will last for as long as your other ground spices and taste better than any other substitutes for curry powder.
Get my homemade curry powder recipe below.
Homemade Curry Powder
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Ground Turmeric
- 3 Tablespoons Ground Coriander
- 4 Tablespoons Ground Cumin
- 1 Teaspoon Chilli Powder
- 2 Teaspoon Ginger
- Good Pinch Ground Black Pepper
Instructions
- Mix the spices together thoroughly.
- Use what you need straight away, and keep any leftovers in an airtight container in a cool dry place.
Notes
- You can increase this recipe if you want more, or halve it for a small batch of homemade curry powder.
- I try to keep old spice bottles or jars to store homemade spice mixes in.
- If you like a spicier dish, add extra chilli or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Any nutritional information is given as a general guide only and may not be accurate. The information is provided using an online calculator and is specific to my ingredients. Please make your own calculations if you want precise information.
