To ask if/how it is possible to make a really good curry using curry powder /dried spices?

[tinysnickersaremyfavourite]

Ok so I confess I am posting here for traffic.
But tonight I made a curry, using curry powder and garam masala and once again it just wasn't great. It doesn't taste anything like as curry-ish as it should given the quantity of spices that went into it.
I REALLY want to be able to make a super tasty Curry from dried spices but I just can't make it work.
I have tried using Madhur Jaffreys recipes, I've tried using preground spices, grinding my own spices, but it just never hits the spot. I'm a pretty decent cook usually so it's not that I'm totally clueless in the kitchen.

Pleeeeease can someone tell me what the secret is or point me to foolproof recipe?

Did you fry them first?

I think you’d need more than Garam Masala and curry powder.

Loads of ginger, garlic and chilli too. At least 6 cloves of garlic and a big chunk of ginger. Pack it with flavour.

Start with cumin, fenugreek, cardamon, coriander and turmeric, as well as your other spices and dry fry them briefly.

Garam Masala does have some of those in it already but not enough of them I think.

I made the Jools Oliver chicken curry (plus a veggie version with quorn). That has fresh ginger and garlic as well as a curry paste. Was really good.

Dry frying spices with onion, garlic and chillies does the trick here.

I have Meera Sodha’s book Made In India, Cooked in Britain. It’s great.

If you lived near me, I'd happily teach you op. I cook a bloody good curry, even if I say so myself. I'm asian so I don't know specific amounts etc. I'll see if I can link a YouTube tutorial.

Yes another vote for dry frying your whole spices first...garam masala on the veg when they're starting to cook through then your liquids in.

I have absolutely no heritage or special skills to boast about here, it's just what makes a curry taste nice for me...not necessarily 'right' of course!

I use chilli, coriander, turmeric (all dried), fresh ginger and garlic and salt. I think that’s a good base, you can add in other spices if you fancy it. Fennel seeds and/or cinnamon are good too and add a completely different flavour.

I love this Hairy Bikers Jalfrazi from their diet cookbook, I’m an ok cook but had never made curry before this and I love it! Super easy and really tasty (especially the day after leftovers)

www.hairybikers.com/recipes/view/chicken-jalfrezi

Also fresh curry leaves if you can get them - makes a big difference.

This is the sort of thing I cook.

Onions chilli garlic ginger, all fresh and fried gently for 45 mins. Add powdered spices afterwards

That link was brilliant, Floralhousecoat

Any good vegetarian recipes out there? Authentic tasting ones?

Try these two, absolutely delicious - lot of oil/butter though! I reduce the chilli, chilli powder and salt.

Aubergine curry:

Paneer Butter Masala:

I use a heaped tea spoon of coriander seeds and cumins seeds and a couple of cardamom pods and grind them and a tea spoon of Garamond masala. Dry fry then add lots of ginger chilli and garlic and oil. And meat, then tomatoes and veg and finish with yogurt and lots of fresh coriander.

Forgot onions, I add them before the meat.

I'd blend fresh garlic ginger and chilli. Then fry off with onions and garam masala. Then add meats veg tomatoes etc

I am indian and very good cook ! I use one fried one in thin slices as a base , lightly brown them in oil. Then add your ginger, garlic and spices!
I use kashmiri chilli powder, tumeric and coriander. I always use cumin if veg.

I did some Indian cookery lessons, I can pm some recipes if you want but it takes time to make a curry,
fry cumin seeds
Add onions
Add ginger garlic paste
Tomatoes
Cumin, coriander, turmeric, pepper, chilli powder
Add chicken
When cooked switch off heat
Then add garam masala

Traditional fish curry:
In a frying pan that has a lid. Decent amount of oil (in all honesty about 2cm deep in pan), add grated onion and garlic to hot oil, fry for a min, add in tbsp of ground coriander, tbsp of ground turmeric, 1/2 tbsp salt, amount of ground chilli you’d like and when the spices puff up (almost immediately) add 3-4 frozen fish fillets, stir once so they’re coated, put lid on until cooked (about 15 mins) try to leave alone and not stir so that the fillets don’t break up.

It is not particularly healthy, but it is quick and yummy 😋

There is a book called 'The Curry Secret: How to Cook Real Indian Restaurant Meals At Home'. You start by making a base sauce of onion, garlic and ginger and then add whatever spice blend. It's a great book, and everything I have made from it has turned out brilliant.

Oops I forgot the ginger sorry. It should be equal parts garlic and ginger

And it’s the same basic recipe for a big standard curry, only you’d add tbsp of ground cumin too x

bog standard

Lots and lots of onions as a base. Really cook them down. That's the secret of a good curry.
Obv fresh ginger garlic and chillies and good drowns spices x