Going out for a curry or getting an Indian takeaway can be one of the best culinary experiences due to the wide variety of dishes and flavour profiles available. There really is something for everyone, whether you like your food super spicy or prefer something a bit milder. With this in mind, let’s take a look at some of the many different types of curry flavours out there.
Spicy
Spicy curries such as vindaloo and naga chicken are bold, hot and full of fresh chilli. They’re not for those with a delicate palette but are perfect for people who embrace the heat of traditional curries. Spicy curries often include flavours such as fresh chilli peppers, black pepper and spices like mustard seeds or ginger.
Warm
Warm flavour profiles don’t always have to mean spicy. There are many herbs and spices used in the base of warm dishes that can be made spicy or mild depending on preference. These include cumin (earthy and smoky), coriander (citrusy and nutty), turmeric (warm and slightly bitter), Black pepper (heat, pungency) and garam masala – a warming blend which typically includes cinnamon, cloves, cardamon, nutmeg and similar.
Sweet
Sweet curries often come with fruit or coconut and delicately balance sweet notes with savoury ones. Alternatively they may use jaggery or vegetables such as sweet potato to impart a sweeter flavour. These dishes tend to be milder while retaining warmth from spices such as cinnamon, cardamom and cloves. A korma, for example, fits this profile. It’s also not uncommon to find raisins or mango in traditional curries or rice dishes, which can lift their sweetness.
Creamy
When looking for the ‘best Indian near me’, you might be searching for menus that offer a creamy curry. These are very popular and include dishes like chicken tikka masala and butter chicken. Made with cream, yoghurt or even coconut milk that effortlessly mellows the spices, creamy curries are luxurious and comforting with a silky texture.
Earthy
Earthy curries have a deep, savoury taste and are spiced with ingredients such as cumin, coriander, turmeric and fenugreek. Earthy curries like rogan josh and dhansak often also traditionally have mutton or goat in them and a robust, layered flavour.
Nutty
Many curries contain nuts as part of a rich, textured sauce. Nutty curries often include ingredients such as cashews, almonds, peanuts, coconut or sesame seeds, all of which add depth of flavour and can thicken the sauce. Pasanda, for example, is made using ground almonds while kaju masala has cashews in it.
Many curries have mixed flavour profiles and it’s this which gives them the depth and interest. They can be nutty and creamy, for example, or earthy with a dash of fresh herbs for an aromatic twist.
If you’re looking for ‘best Indian curry near me’ in South Kensington, don’t miss Little India. Our traditional Indian eatery is an authentic gem located just a stone’s throw from the area’s top attractions. Check out ‘best Indian places near me’ and book a table today.
