What is Curry?

[aronnax]

As an Indian-American, I seriously don't understand this.

By the Simpsons, the 'white man's' or the American definition, what in god's name is curry? Apparently, they sell 'curry sauce' in stores, but those are only supermarkets, not actual Indian stores (which exist). I've always wondered: do you guys mean spices, a specific blend of spices, a vegetable dish, the smell of Indian food? Or do you refer to South Indian curas, North Indian biryanis?

Enlighten me, then, oh wise ones of Civilization Fanatics Center, what is 'curry'?

I have identified two types of Curry, one is more spicy such as Indian or Thai, which is more watery. Then there is the type that is more on taste and is usually a bit more runny like Chinese, Korean or Japanese curry.

 

[Grisu]

being the ignorant that I am, I usually mean the spice mixture when I'm talking about curry...

 

[dutchfire]

 

[Brighteye]

The best thing mankind has ever invented. If you do not like it then you are untrustworthy.

This is true.

 

[Chukchi Husky]

The best thing mankind has ever invented. If you do not like it then you are untrustworthy.

I don't like curry.

 

[theskald]

I don't like curry.

You are untrustworthy.

 

[Civfan333]

There's different types of curry, but the one most people identify the word "curry" with is the Indian curry (and even saying Indian curry is a generalization)

The main types that I can say off the top of my head are: Indian, typically the spiciest. Thai Curry, the most watery. Japanese Curry, nearly a stew.

 

[Dubai Vol]

Yeah, kind of funny, that all Indian food has been generalised into "curry" in western countries. In American supermarkets you can buy "curry powder!"

I make lots of Indian dishes, but none of them are called "curry." Even the one I make most, "chicken tikka masala" is not Indian at all, but an English invention much like "chow mein" is American. Mrs Dubai laughs at me when I call it "chicken tikka masala" as that is a joke name, for those who know anything about Indian cooking.

Pretty sure I have never seen anything called "curry" on any of the Indian restaurant menus, either. Sorry, kids, you want proper food, order from a proper Indian restaurant. Good stuff!

Also try proper Cajun food. Holy Trinity FTW!

 

[theskald]

Yeah, kind of funny, that all Indian food has been generalised into "curry" in western countries. In American supermarkets you can buy "curry powder!"

I make lots of Indian dishes, but none of them are called "curry." Even the one I make most, "chicken tikka masala" is not Indian at all, but an English invention much like "chow mein" is American. Mrs Dubai laughs at me when I call it "chicken tikka masala" as that is a joke name, for those who know anything about Indian cooking.

Pretty sure I have never seen anything called "curry" on any of the Indian restaurant menus, either. Sorry, kids, you want proper food, order from a proper Indian restaurant. Good stuff!

Also try proper Cajun food. Holy Trinity FTW!

See, it's interesting that you mention Cajun food, because when people say "Cajun food" they speak of a certain distinct style of spicing. That's what people are often talking about when they say "curry." It's not "Indian food," at least not to me; Indian food includes what I would call curries along with chutneys and a variety of grains and lentils, loooots of lentils.

When I say curry, I speak of a distinctive style of spicing found in Indian, Thai, Vietnamese, and Japanese cooking. I consider it the best flavoring in the world and I have never been disappointed. Second is anything with olive oil

 

[Dubai Vol]

See, it's interesting that you mention Cajun food, because when people say "Cajun food" they speak of a certain distinct style of spicing. That's what people are often talking about when they say "curry." It's not "Indian food," at least not to me; Indian food includes what I would call curries along with chutneys and a variety of grains and lentils, loooots of lentils.

When I say curry, I speak of a distinctive style of spicing found in Indian, Thai, Vietnamese, and Japanese cooking. I consider it the best flavoring in the world and I have never been disappointed. Second is anything with olive oil

One of the joys of Dubai is its position as a nexus on the spice route. The last true part of Dubai left is the spice souk, and the prices i pay for spices are just silly cheap. Not to mention that a huge bunch of fresh herbs in the supermarket costs a quarter. It's culinary heaven!

And of course extra virgin first cold pressing Italian olive oil, and unsalted Danish butter, and, and and....

Learn to cook, people! It is SO worth it! Not only is it delicious, but it's SO MUCH CHEAPER! And no it's not hard.

A little olive oil in a skillet, over a low heat, with chopped onions and garlic, then add whatever meat you like, and season it with oregano or basil or whatever, black, white, red pepper, paprika, veggies, serve it all over rice or pasta, and you're a genius!

 

[Furiey]

I had an American friend come over and stay for a while and he wanted to try a curry. I got out the menu from the local Indian restuarant/take away and let him have a look to decide what he wanted to try. He read down the menu and sat studying it looking puzzled. Eventually he asked, "which ones are curry?"

 

[Narz]

Butter chicken.

Butter chicken is very, very good. It is the best form of chicken.

 

[theskald]

One of the joys of Dubai is its position as a nexus on the spice route. The last true part of Dubai left is the spice souk, and the prices i pay for spices are just silly cheap. Not to mention that a huge bunch of fresh herbs in the supermarket costs a quarter. It's culinary heaven!

And of course extra virgin first cold pressing Italian olive oil, and unsalted Danish butter, and, and and....

Learn to cook, people! It is SO worth it! Not only is it delicious, but it's SO MUCH CHEAPER! And no it's not hard.

A little olive oil in a skillet, over a low heat, with chopped onions and garlic, then add whatever meat you like, and season it with oregano or basil or whatever, black, white, red pepper, paprika, veggies, serve it all over rice or pasta, and you're a genius!

Your post made me hungry and made me wish I had any sense for cooking

 

[ParadigmShifter]

Exactly. If you can cook, women want you, men want to be you.

 

[Mise]

Not his best angle.

 

[Masquerouge]

To me, curry is both a type of Indian dish and a spice, often used in said dish..

 

[ParadigmShifter]

It's also a leaf...

 

[Civfan333]

which is from a plant....

 

[holy king]

Yeah, kind of funny, that all Indian food has been generalised into "curry" in western countries. In American supermarkets you can buy "curry powder!"

guess it's an anglo american thing. in german for example "curry" refers to the spice mix only.

 

[Narz]

To me curry means something with curry powder or leaves in it. Pretty simple.