Cook's Illustrated

Curry Demystified

Published January 1, 1997.

We discover the secret that unlocks the dreamy fragrance and clear, intense flavor of cardamom, cumin, cinnamon, coriander, and turmeric.

The Problem

For many home cooks Indian cooking is a mystery, not least because it does not follow the rules of cooking that most of us know best, those adapted from the French style. Would we have to learn how to cook all over again?

The Goal

To create a master recipe and cooking method for easily adaptable, deeply flavored curries at home.

The Solution

Treat the whole spices properly (fry or roast) for authentic, intense flavor, then add the aromatic ginger and garlic with the meat and liquid ingredients. When the meat is fully cooked, add the vegetables, and cook until all the ingredients are melded and tender.

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America’s Test Kitchen is a 2,500-square-foot kitchen located just outside of Boston. It is the home of Cook’s Country and Cook’s Illustrated magazines and is the workday destination for more than three dozen test cooks, editors, and cookware specialists. Our mission is to test recipes until we understand how and why they work and arrive at the best version. We also test kitchen equipment and supermarket ingredients in search of brands that offer the best value and performance. You can watch us work by tuning in to America’s Test Kitchen (www.americastestkitchen.com) on public television.