Around the World in Curry

When we think of curry, we automatically think of India and rightfully so.  India alone has a plethora of curries divided by North and South, wet or dry, among other characteristics.  In the West, curry is used as a term to describe a spice blend.  Each region, each country has it's own set of spices the comprise what we know as curry powder. 

The history of curry and how it landed itself in different parts of the world, is a complicated one.  Places like Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries have had ties to India because of trading that took places among different nations.  While Jamaica and South Africa have adopted curries into their cuisine as a result of British colonization.  Japan introduced curry into their diet via Shanghai as a way to introduce more red meat into their diet.  They held the belief that by eating more red meat, they would be taller and stronger. 

Curry has evolved in these different countries and has now become part of their culinary culture. If you are interested in curries and their unique history, I have found Curry Cuisine to be a good resource.  Here are five recipes to introduce you to the world of curry.

1. Indian Lamb Vindaloo

2. Thai Green Curry

3. Japanese Keema Curry

4. Malaysian Prawn Curry

5. Jamaican Curried Chicken