What is curry?
Definition of curry
What is Curry? Curry may be thought of as any Indian or Indian-style dish, usually with a sauce. But it is not a concept well recognised in India despite many Indian dishes fitting this description. It really began with the British, resident in India during the 18th and 19th centuries. They lumped together many Indian dishes and adapted them to suit their own requirements, under the heading of curry. Traditional Indian food, however, remained something rather different.
Where does the word curry come from?
Although the British coined the term curry it probably comes from the Portuguese in India in the 15th century. They described broths that were poured over rice as ‘carrie’ or ‘caril’. Words adapted from south Indian languages.
A brief history of curry
The British in India
Starting in the 18th century, many Indian dishes were adapted to suit the British living in India. These spiced dishes, invariably with a thick sauce or gravy, were lumped together under the heading of curry. It was not a concept well recognised by the Indians who preferred their own style of Indian cooking. Each dish also had its own specific name, relevant to the ingredients or spices used and its preparation.
Curry travels the world
• Whenever the British moved from India to other posts or positions in distant colonies, they took their curries with them. And they took them to Britain when they returned home, often with Indian cooks who knew how to make them.
• Labourers from India also accompanied the British all around the world. And when Indians travel, they take their food culture with them. Above all they tried to cook the dishes they knew from home, substituting their Indian ingredients for local ones. And so their much-loved recipes evolved. Particularly when those workers married into the local families of their new home. They created a sort of Indian fusion cooking of their respective cuisines. Many of these dishes are still cooked today, in South Africa, Trinidad, Malaysia, the list goes on.
Curries around the world
How did curry travel around the world?
Because of travel, trade and immigration, curry is now a big part of many cuisines around the world. This is in part due to:
• The movement of European powers and Indian labourers and traders around the world during colonial times. Particularly to the Caribbean, Southeast Asia and Africa.
• Trade and the promise of work and wealth in non-colonial places. The British trading with Japan and Indians migrating to the USA for example.
• Ancient cultural ties and trade links between India and other countries such as Thailand.
Where did curry go?
Local cooking methods and traditions in each country were blended with those of India to create something new, but still recognisable as Indian in character. Today, curries adapted using locally available ingredients and flavours are eaten in various countries in several different regions:
• South East Asia – lemongrass, lime leaves, galangal and peanuts.
• Caribbean – Mediterranean herbs such as thyme and parsley. And a variety of different chillies such as scotch bonnet, along with tomato sauces.
• Africa – various curry powders, peanuts and curry served in bread rolls.
• Far East – soy sauce, rice wine and star anise.
• America – corn and jalapeno chillies
Conclusion on curry
In conclusion, the history of curry is a fascinating story. It is about trade, travel and immigration around the world, and the fusion and evolution of world cuisines. Always Indian in character, world curries still link to the adopted country by incorporating local ingredients and flavours. The opportunities today to experience these different flavour combinations is so exciting.
Want to experience the authentic taste of Indian curry in Melbourne? Well, you’re only one call away from the best curry in South Yarra. The Yarra Indian Restaurant serves various kind of curries you can order right away! Beef Madras, Rogan Josh, Chicken Vindaloo, and many more!
What are you waiting for? Order now!
Source: Go Spice
