Easy Curry Powder Recipe
Homemade curry powder is perfect to use as is in your favorite, curry recipes, soups, sauces, rice dishes or customize with the addition of other spices to make your own!
I have been using this basic 4 ingredient curry powder recipe for over 20 years and it has never failed me yet, I sometimes add other spices to it but it is definitely great on its own.
The spices are mild so this is a kid-friendly curry powder recipe.
Curry powder is a major part of my Jamaican culture because of the large number of Indian migrants who settled there.
There are many brands of Jamaican curry powder on the market, no two curry powders are the same and flavors vary from brand to brand.
Some blends are so complicated, with over 20 spices, that they become a nightmare for the home cook. I decided to make a homemade curry powder that is a base for all my curry dishes, it is so versatile to adapt and tastes amazing!
What Is Curry Powder?
Curry powder is a blend of spices, it is actually from the word ‘Kari’ which means a blend of spices. Depending on the region of the world the spices differ, the main ingredients in curry powder are turmeric, coriander, cumin, and cardamom.
Other spices that are sometimes included are cloves, black pepper, chili, anise, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, mustard, fennel, fenugreek.
Curry powder was first manufactured in the 18th-century British colonists who were involved in the spice trade with India. The British would see the local Indians making curry using fresh ingredients and spices for every meal. The British wanted a simpler blend of spices that could be bottled and be substituted for the term curry.
Throughout the world, there are now many bottled blends of curry. There are Japanese curry powder, Malaysia curry powder, Indian curry powder to name a few.
It is impossible to have one standard recipe for curry powder as each mix is unique. My suggestion would be to start with my base recipe then play around with the recipe, adding other spices and amounts until you find one that you love.

Curry Powder Ingredients?
- Turmeric
- Coriander
- Cumin
- Cardamom
Health Benefits
The blend of spices in curry powder is actually good for you because the spices contain a myriad of vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals, as well as a variety of health benefits:
- Boosts the immune system
- Fights cancer
- Reduces inflammation in the body
- Aids digestion
- Controls blood sugar,
- Fights Alzheimer’s
- Prevents Osteoporosis
- Coriander has antibacterial properties.
Turmeric powder- the key ingredient that makes curry powder yellow is founded to have powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties.
Turmeric’s main compound curcumin is known to control blood sugar spikes and regulates insulin sensitivity. See the study.
Curcumin has also been connected to removing the plaque build-up in the neural pathway of the brain.
Curry powder consumption in India has been connected to the lower rates of Alzheimer’s in India.

Other Ingredients To Add To Your Mild Curry Powder
- Ginger Powder
- Cayenne Pepper
How To Use Curry Powder?
When making your curry dish always start by sauteing onion, garlic, fresh ginger in oil and sometimes tomatoes depending on your recipe,
Add 2 tablespoons curry powder and herbs, cook until fragrant.
Stir in beans (chickpeas), protein (meat substitute) or chopped vegetable(carrot, potato, cauliflower) that you are using, stir to coat.
Add liquid whether it be water, vegetable broth, and or coconut milk, salt.
Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer until the vegetables are cooked and the sauce thickens.
You can use curry powder in many dishes; here are some of my favorites:

Other Homemade Seasoning Blends
- Chicken-Style Seasoning
- Creole Seasoning Recipe
- Homemade Shawarma Seasoning
- Jamaican Jerk Seasoning
- Homemade Chili Powder
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Easy Curry Powder Recipe
Equipment
- 1 spice jar
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons ground turmeric
- 2 tablespoons ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Combine turmeric, coriander, cumin, cardamom, cayenne pepper, ginger powder in a bowl.
- Store in an airtight container for about three months.
My husband would love this spice. This is a recipe that I need to make.
definitely a must seasoning powder to have in your pantry. I’m sure your husband will love this one.
Thank you for this!!!! I’ve been wanting to make a curry recipe.
My pleasure! I hoper you make a delicious meal. 😊
I need to make this. I love a good spice on hand!
I love curry powder. it is great to have some in hand. lots of great dishes to use this with.
Looks absolutely amazing
Hi is there anything to substitute for cumin I am slightly allergic it affects my mouth for days I have a lot of other spices but not fenugreek I’m allergic to that please help thank you
Lynne, try allspice powder.
Absolutely perfect. I love being able to control the level of heat since I have young grandchildren. Many of the store-bought curry powders are just too hot. Thanks so much.
Lisa, you are welcome, yes this is very mild, I hope you enjoy!
This looks great! Is there a sub for cardamom? I have a lot of spices, but that’s not one I keep on hand. Would the flavor profile be drastically changed without it?
Hi Myli, do you have fennel or fenugreek? They could be added instead.
Sounds amaze! I will have to try this out.
I have NEVER had curry, it sounds sooooooooooooooooo good! 😍😍😍
Thank you Amerie, I hope you do.
I love adding curry to my cooking. Never realize we can actually make that at home and now I can’t wait to make my own!
Linda, I love making my own curry powder, I get to choose the spices you like. I hope you enjoy!
Love anything curry, so this is a welcome addition to my spice rack.
That’s awesome Bianca, I hope you enjoy it!
Easy to make, thank you
C J you are welcome, I’m so happy you like it.