curry
Curry is a diverse category of dishes originating from the Indian subcontinent, characterized by the use of complex spice blends. The mental image is a fragrant, vibrant sauce—often golden, red, or deep brown—served over fluffy rice, flatbread, or noodles, filled with tender meats or hearty vegetables. In everyday English, "curry" is used as both a noun for the dish and a verb meaning to flavor something with curry spices. While it denotes a specific culinary tradition, it has become a global comfort food, and you will hear it used casually to describe everything from authentic regional Indian preparations to the distinct, sweet-savory "curry rice" found in Japan.
In conversation
Planning dinner
I’m craving something spicy tonight, how about curry?
I’m craving something spicy tonight, how about curry?
That sounds perfect. Should we order from that new Indian spot?
That sounds perfect. Should we order from that new Indian spot?
'Curry' is often used as a general category when deciding on a cuisine for dinner.
Cooking at home
Make sure you toast the spices before adding the coconut milk.
Make sure you toast the spices before adding the coconut milk.
Got it, the curry smells amazing already!
Got it, the curry smells amazing already!
Refers to the process of building flavor in a sauce.
Examples
I love eating vegetable curry with naan bread.
I love eating vegetable curry with naan bread.
She spent the afternoon simmering a spicy chicken curry for the dinner party.
She spent the afternoon simmering a spicy chicken curry for the dinner party.
The chef decided to curry the lentils, adding a pungent blend of turmeric and cumin to elevate the dish.
The chef decided to curry the lentils, adding a pungent blend of turmeric and cumin to elevate the dish.
