What is curry powder?

Curry powder is one of the world’s oldest spice blends. The version known to most Western cooks originated in England and was designed to approximate the characteristic flavor of Indian curry cookery, which became popular during the British colonization of India. There are many curry blends used in India (such as Madras), and most Indian cooks vary the blend according to each separate dish. Curry powder has grown to be used as a single spice in Western kitchens, and is also very popular in the Caribbean. Use curry powder generously in Indian and Caribbean curries, and sparingly in Western dishes such as deviled eggs, fish, shrimp, meats, vegetables, rice, French dressing, white sauce, fish chowders and soups.