Make curry hotter

[Roger Burton]

Hi chaps, I have made a curry following a recipe, it’s tastes really good but not very hot, is there something I can add that will make things hotter but not change the flavour, I’m guessing chilli powder but any advice will be very welcome. In addition, a little related, looking in the spice cupboard at the various things I add to curries, turmeric, coriander, cumin, allspice, ginger, cloves, garam masala etc I think generally these add “flavour” not heat … again opinions please.

 

[Morning Glory]

It has to be chilli powder really - the only other thing that will add heat is black pepper (lots) which I do sometimes use on curries together with chilli. Ginger will add a little heat but not significantly.

 

[garlichead]

Chilies basically. Either dried or fresh. There are a variety of Indian chilies that are regional but in general I use a generic Thai chili or serrano in a pinch. Birds eye is a popular one because it's more readily available. Kashmiri either dried of powder form I use most of the time. Heat is regional also in India, so I suggest a little research for spices and chili depending on the type of curry dish your trying to duplicate.

 

[garlichead]

I've been known to use sambal as well. I use tamarind, sambal and local honey for a duck breast glaze and think it's imperative that fledgling cooks think out of the box and expect the unexpected, that's how we really learn.

 

[Roger Burton]

Thanks MG and GH, I figured that was the way to go, the recipe is for a Balti, I think it has little to do with it’s homeland more Birmingham UK … very popular here but I’ve never made it before, I made a paste with chilli garlic ginger and could easily mince up some more and add “to taste” … good of you both ….

 

[caseydog]

I keep a variety of dried chilis in the pantry. When you grind them to a powder, some are VERY hot, so you can use a small amount for heat, without significant change in flavor.

CD

 

[Roger Burton]

Thanks CD … so we seem to have established that chilli adds heat without destroying flavour, excelllent, yes I also have a couple of varietis … a litt experimentation sounds the order of the day !