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See why.Curry Powder
Blends can vary dramatically, even within the mild or sweet category.
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See Everything We TestedWhat You Need To Know
Though blends can vary dramatically, curry powders come in two basic styles—mild or sweet (what we tasted here) and a hotter version called Madras. The former combines as many as 20 different ground spices, herbs, and seeds, the staples being turmeric (which accounts for the traditional ocher color), coriander, cumin, black and red pepper, cinnamon, cloves, fennel seeds, cardamom, ginger, and fenugreek.
Tasters spooned spiced cauliflower, potatoes, chickpeas, and sweet green peas made with six brands of curry powder onto small mounds of basmati rice. The best batches of this aromatic vegetable stew were those boasting “vivid” yet “well-rounded” curry flavors that neither overwhelmed the vegetables nor shied away from the other signature fragrances: ginger, tomato paste, and fresh chiles. With their rich, round savor, two brands topped the list, with the winner edging out the “floral” flavors of the runner-up, with, as one taster put it, its “user-friendly balance” of “sweet” and “earthy” notes.
Meanwhile, the most widely available supermarket brand fell into the middle of the pack alongside as it suffered from overwhelming onion flavor. The most criticism was reserved for our two bottom brands. These blends, both described as “bland,” “one-dimensional,” and “thin,” paled before not only other brands but also against the dish’s competing flavors.
Everything We Tested
Highly Recommended
Neither too sweet nor too hot, this blend set the standard for a balanced yet complex curry powder.
Recommended
Though a few tasters found this sample "thin" and "sharp," most were enthusiastic about its "balanced," "floral" flavors.
Recommended with reservations
This blend received just as many comments praising its "floral" notes, but most tasters found it "overwhelming" and "assertive," with an "afterburn."
Some tasters found this supermarket staple "sweet" and "floral," while others criticized its "spicy," even "dirty" flavors.
"Bland" was the most frequent comment this curry powder received, though some tasters regarded its "humbleness" and "thinner" flavors more favorably.
Not Recommended
Almost stale" was how one taster labeled this "bland," "one-dimensional" blend that was "too heavy on the turmeric."
Reviews you can trust
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