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Madras curry powder

Spices & seasonings · Spice blends

Madras curry powder

A hotter, redder style of curry powder with extra chilli, used in British-Indian Madras curries.

Also called: madras masala

A kind of spices

Make it yourself: Madras curry powder

Photo: Unknown author, via Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA-1.0)

What it is

Madras curry powder is a British-Indian blend similar to standard curry powder but with more chilli and often more coriander and cumin, giving a deeper red-brown colour and noticeable heat. The name refers to a restaurant style rather than a traditional Chennai blend.

How it’s used

  • Madras-style restaurant curries
  • Curried soups and lentils
  • Marinades
  • Spiced roast vegetables

Characteristics

Taste
Hot, earthy, warm.
Sold as
ground
Cooking uses
Mainly a seasoning

Storage

Cool, dry and dark. Airtight jar away from light; best within a few months.

Diet, allergens and safety

No major allergens in typical versions.

  • Vegetarian
  • Vegan
  • Dairy-free
  • Egg-free
  • Gluten-free
  • Nut-free
  • Soy-free
  • Caffeine-free
  • May contain mustard or celery; check the label.

Nutrition per 100 g

Energy
325 kcal
Protein
14.29 g
Carbohydrate
55.83 g
Fat
14.01 g
Fibre
53.2 g
Sugars
2.76 g

USDA FoodData Central: Spices, curry powder (a close stand-in).

Substitutes

Optional — what works if you don’t have it, and how it changes the dish.

Related ingredients

Recipes with madras curry powder

No recipe in the catalogue uses it yet.

More spice blends