What You Need to Make a Perfect Curry at Home

What You Need to Make a Perfect Curry at Home

Your complete guide (and shopping list!) to creating authentic Indian flavour – the easy way.

Cooking a curry from scratch can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. With a good spice mix as your base, a few store-cupboard essentials, and some fresh ingredients, you can recreate rich, authentic Indian flavours in your own kitchen – no takeout required.

Whether you’re planning a creamy Kerala Kuruma, a fiery Goan Vindaloo, or a mild Bombay Potato, the secret lies in layering simple ingredients and letting the spices do the talking.

The Basics: What Every Curry Needs

You’ll be pleased to know you don’t need a chef’s pantry to make a great curry. Here’s what to have on hand:

1. Onions, Garlic & Ginger

The base of almost every curry. Chop onions finely and cook them slowly until golden brown – this adds sweetness and depth. Fresh garlic and ginger give that authentic kick.

Shortcut: Keep a jar of garlic-ginger paste in the fridge for quick midweek cooking.

2. Tomatoes or Tomato Purée

Tomatoes add body and balance the spices with a touch of acidity. You can use fresh chopped tomatoes or tomato purée depending on the recipe.

3. Oil or Ghee

A good-quality oil (like sunflower or rapeseed) or traditional ghee (clarified butter) helps to bloom the spices and carry the flavour.

4. Protein or Vegetables

This is where you can get creative. Your spice mix works beautifully with almost anything:

  • Chicken, lamb or prawns

  • Paneer, chickpeas or lentils for a veggie option

  • Seasonal veg like cauliflower, courgette, aubergine or spinach

5. Liquid for the Sauce

Depending on your chosen curry, you’ll need something to bring it all together:

  • Water or stock for lighter curries

  • Coconut milk for creamy Keralan-style dishes

  • Yoghurt or cream for a richer texture (especially in masalas and kurumas)

6. Garnish & Finishers

A sprinkle of fresh coriander (cilantro), a squeeze of lemon juice, or even a dollop of yoghurt can elevate your curry from good to exceptional.

Your Curry Night Shopping List

Here’s your one-stop list for creating almost any curry at home:

Fresh:

  • Onions (2–3 medium)

  • Garlic (4–5 cloves)

  • Fresh ginger (thumb-sized piece)

  • Tomatoes (2–3 fresh or 1 tin chopped)

  • Fresh coriander

  • Lemon or lime

  • Optional: green chillies

Cupboard Essentials:

  • Oil or ghee

  • Salt

  • Tomato purée (optional)

  • Coconut milk or double cream (depending on your curry)

  • Stock cube or vegetable/chicken stock

  • Rice or naan to serve

Protein or Vegetables:

  • Chicken thighs or breast pieces

  • Paneer, chickpeas, lentils or mixed vegetables

And of course:

  • Your favourite Indian Curry Pot Spice Mix (Bombay Potato, Kerala Kuruma, Goan Vindaloo, Chicken Tikka Masala… you choose!)

How to Bring It All Together

  1. Heat a little oil or ghee in a pan.

  2. Add onions and cook until golden brown.

  3. Stir in garlic and ginger, cook for another minute.

  4. Add your spice mix and a splash of water – let the flavours release.

  5. Add tomatoes or coconut milk and simmer.

  6. Stir in your protein or vegetables and cook until tender.

  7. Adjust seasoning, finish with coriander and lemon juice.

That’s it – no complicated steps, just real ingredients and beautiful spice.

Top Tip

Batch-cook your curry base (onions, garlic, tomatoes and spice) and freeze it in portions. Next time, just add your protein or vegetables and dinner’s ready in minutes.

Ready to Get Started?

Shop our full range of authentic Indian spice mixes and create your own curry night at home.
From mild to fiery, creamy to tangy – there’s a blend for every taste, all handcrafted from our Keralan household recipes.

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