How to Heat Curry Powder

Heating curry powder before using it in a recipe will refresh the flavor of this blend of spices. The essential oils contained in this mix of ground spices is what gives curry powder its flavor. Applying hot oil or dry heat to curry powder revives these oils and intensifies the curry flavor. Add the pungent flavor of heat-activated curry powder to your next recipe.

Things You'll Need

• Medium nonstick saucepan or skillet
• 1 tsp vegetable oil or ghee (optional)
• 1 Tbsp curry powder
• Wood or silicone spatula
• Bowl

Instructions

1. Place a medium nonstick saucepan or skillet on the stove over medium-low heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil or ghee to the pan if your curry dish calls for oil. If not, leave the pan dry.

2. Sprinkle the curry powder evenly over the surface of the hot pan and use a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to move the spice around the pan.

3. Continue stirring the curry powder in the pan for 45 seconds if it is dry, or up to three minutes if you have added oil.

4. Remove the pan from the heat and move the toasted curry powder to a medium bowl to cool to room temperature before using it in a recipe.

Tips & Warnings

• Spicy curry powders become even spicier when heated. Using more oil during the toasting process will make the powder less intense and spicy.

References

• Curried Chicken Salad: A Versatile Lunch by Danielle Neal
• IChef: Fast With Five: Curried Chicken Legs Recipe
• Yum Recipes: Monsoon Cafe Calamari Tempura