Hey guys! Today I'm going to share with you my secret to giving a special touch to Brazilian recipes: curry paste. As a culinary person, I've tried a lot of different spices, but curry paste is definitely one of my favorites.
It adds a spicy flavor and a unique aroma to food, transforming any simple dish into something spectacular.
Curry paste: My spicy secret for delicious recipes in Brazil
Some people may think that curry paste is difficult to find or use, but I'm here to tell you that's not true! It is very easy to find curry paste in spice stores or supermarkets and even easier to use in your recipes. And the best of all? It can be used in traditional Brazilian dishes or international recipes.
Let's explore the world of curry paste together and discover how it can be your secret to delicious recipes in Brazil!
Main Conclusions
- Curry paste is a spice that can add a special touch to Brazilian recipes.
- It can be easily found in spice stores or supermarkets.
- It is easy to use and can be added to traditional Brazilian dishes or international recipes.
What is curry paste
If you're a fan of Asian food, you've probably heard of curry paste. But if you think curry is just a powder, it's time to get to know this delicious paste.
Curry paste is a mixture of spices, herbs and aromatic ingredients that are ground until a homogeneous paste is formed. This mixture may vary depending on the region and local cuisine, but generally includes ingredients such as ginger, garlic, coriander, cumin, pepper and lemongrass.
This paste is widely used in Asian cuisine, in dishes such as Thai curry, Indian vindaloo and Malaysian laksa. But it can also be used to add a special touch to Brazilian recipes, as we will see later.
The texture of curry paste is creamy and a little sticky, and the color can vary from light yellow to dark brown, depending on the ingredients used. The flavor is intense and spicy, but can be adjusted according to the amount of paste used in the recipe.
Curry paste can be found in stores specializing in Asian or imported ingredients. It is important to check the validity and origin of the product before purchasing it.
How to use curry paste in your recipes
Now that you know what curry paste is, let's get to the fun part: trying new recipes with this incredible seasoning!
Curry paste is extremely versatile and can be used in various recipes, from main dishes to side dishes and even desserts. My tip is to start by adding curry paste to recipes that are already part of your regular menu, and then start experimenting with more daring combinations.
For starters, you can use curry paste as a base for marinades and sauces, adding it to a mixture of Greek yogurt, lemon and fresh herbs to add a spicy kick to meats and vegetables. Another option is to mix it with coconut oil and sprinkle it over popcorn for a tasty snack.
If you're a fan of Indian food, you can use curry paste in dishes like chicken tikka masala and vindaloo. But does not stop there! Try adding it to Brazilian dishes like chicken stroganoff, feijoada and even simple rice with vegetables.
If you like spicy desserts, you can try adding curry paste to carrot cake or chocolate brownies recipes. Believe me, the spicy flavor goes perfectly with the sweet.
And last but not least, don't be afraid to experiment and create your own curry paste recipes. Remember that the kitchen is a place to have fun and explore new flavors.
Don't forget that curry paste is extremely concentrated and can be quite spicy. Therefore, it is important to try it little by little and adjust the quantity according to your taste. Start with half a teaspoon and add little by little until you reach the desired flavor.
So, are you ready to put my tips into practice and try new recipes with curry paste? I'm sure you'll love the special touch that this seasoning can bring to your dishes.
Traditional Brazilian recipes with curry paste
Preparing Brazilian recipes with curry paste is easy and can be a lot of fun. The secret is knowing how to choose recipes and finding the perfect balance between local seasonings and Indian spices.
One of my favorite recipes is the famous “chicken with okra”. To give it an Indian touch, just add a tablespoon of curry paste to the onion and garlic sauté, before adding the chicken. Let it cook for a few minutes and that's it! You will have a delicious and super different dish.
Another option is “vatapá”. Just sauté an onion and a clove of garlic, add a little coconut water, a little coconut milk, a little coriander, a little palm oil and a teaspoon of curry paste. Add the shrimp or fish and cook until tender.
One of my favorite recipes is the famous “fijão tropeiro”. To give it an Indian touch, just add a tablespoon of curry paste to the sautéed onion, garlic and Calabrian sausage, before adding the beans. Let it cook for a few minutes and that's it! You will have a delicious and super different dish.
| Revenue | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Chicken with okra | Chicken, okra, onion, garlic, oil, salt, curry paste |
| Vatapd | Fish or shrimp, onion, garlic, coconut water, coconut milk, coriander, palm oil, curry paste |
| Tropeiro beans | Beans, pepperoni sausage, onion, garlic, oil, salt, curry paste |
Don't be afraid to experiment and create new recipes with curry paste. Mixing seasonings can result in incredible and surprising dishes.
Don't forget to also check out the international recipes with curry paste, which I will share with you in the next section.
International recipes with curry paste
Now that we've explored the possibilities of using curry paste in our traditional Brazilian recipes, how about innovating a little and trying international dishes with this seasoning?
One of my favorite options is currywurst, a German delicacy consisting of sausages dipped in a sauce of ketchup and curry powder. Ever experienced?
Another option worth trying is the chicken tikka masala, an Indian dish made with chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, then grilled and served in a well-seasoned tomato sauce with curry paste.
If you like Thai food, you can try the massaman curry, a meat stew with potatoes, peanuts and spices, such as curry paste, which gives the recipe a unique flavor.
And finally, how about a Japanese-inspired dish? O Japanese curry is a very popular dish in Japan, made with meat, potatoes, carrots and onions, and a special touch of curry into paste to add flavor.
With so many international recipe options, curry paste can be a versatile and delicious seasoning to try new dishes and flavors.
Curry paste variations
If you think that curry paste is just an ingredient, you are wrong. There are different types and variations of the product, which can be found in different regions of Asia and the world.
Some of the most popular variations of curry paste include:
| Type | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Green curry | Made with green peppers and coriander, it has a spicier flavor than other types of curry. It is commonly used in Thai cuisine. |
| Red curry | Made with red peppers and chili, it has a milder flavor than green curry. It is commonly used in Thai cuisine. |
| Massaman curry | Originally from Thailand, it is made with coconut milk, cardamom, cinnamon and peanuts. It has a slightly sweet flavor and is traditionally served with chicken or beef. |
| Japanese curry | Known as “roux”, Japanese curry is made with a mixture of flour, oil and seasonings. It is thicker than other curry variations and has a unique, mild flavor. |
Often times, choosing the type of curry paste will depend on the recipe you are preparing. Some types may be more appropriate for spicier dishes, while others are better when you want a milder flavor. Therefore, it is important to try different types of curry paste and find the one that best suits your taste.
“Variations of curry paste can offer different flavors and levels of spiciness to your recipes. Try it and find out which one is your favorite!”
Where to find and how to store curry paste
Now that you know how to use curry paste in your recipes, it's important to know where to find this ingredient and how to store it correctly.
You can find curry paste in health food stores, spice shops and supermarkets with a good selection of imported products. One tip is to check the expiration date before purchasing and opt for well-known brands on the market.
To ensure flavor quality, it is important to store curry paste correctly. Keep it refrigerated and in a closed container, away from light and excessive moisture. If stored correctly, curry paste can last for 6 to 8 months.
Now that you know where to find and how to store curry paste, try this delicious spicy paste in your recipes and discover the irresistible flavor it can add to any dish!
Recipe inspiration with curry paste
Still looking for more ideas to use your curry paste in Brazilian recipes? Let me give you some suggestions.
Chicken curry
One of the simplest and tastiest recipes is a spicy chicken curry. Sauté onion and garlic in a pan with oil, add diced chicken and fry until golden. Add a few tablespoons of curry paste and stir well. Add a little water and let the chicken cook until tender. Add chopped red pepper, salt and fresh cilantro to finish. Serve with white rice.
Vegetarian curry
If you are vegetarian or just want to reduce meat from your diet, a vegetarian curry is a great option. Saute onion, garlic and various vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes and zucchini, in a pan with oil. Add a few tablespoons of curry paste and stir well. Add a little water and let the vegetables cook until they are soft. Add cooked lentils and cook for a few more minutes. Finish with fresh coriander leaves and serve with rice.
Shrimp curry
If you are a fan of seafood, try making a delicious shrimp curry. Sauté onion and garlic in a pan with oil, add cleaned shrimp and fry until golden. Add a few tablespoons of curry paste and stir well. Add a little water and let the shrimp cook until tender. Add coconut milk, chopped red pepper, salt and fresh cilantro to finish. Serve with rice or naan bread.
These are just a few ideas for using curry paste in your recipes. Let your imagination go and try new combinations.
Conclusion: The special touch of curry paste in your Brazilian recipes
So, guys, what did you think of my spicy secret? I hope you enjoyed the tips and are excited to try curry paste in your recipes.
Remember that curry paste is a very versatile ingredient and can be used in many Brazilian recipes, from beans to seafood. Additionally, you can give your meals an international touch with Indian, Thai or Japanese recipes.
Don't forget the variations of curry paste available on the market, which can be more or less spicy, and test which one best suits your taste.
And if you still don't know where to find curry paste, you can take a look at supermarkets specializing in Asian products or look for online stores. And when you find it, remember to store it properly to maintain its flavor and quality for longer.
Finally, try these delicious curry paste recipes and let me know what you think! I hope you enjoy my spicy secret as much as I do.
Common questions
What is curry paste?
Curry paste is a mixture of ground spices and seasonings in paste form, adding a unique, spicy flavor to your recipes.
What are the traditional Brazilian recipes with curry paste?
Some traditional Brazilian recipes with curry paste include shrimp bobó, fish moqueca and chicken curry.
What are the international recipes with curry paste?
Some international curry paste recipes include the famous Indian curry, Thai pad thai and Malaysian curry laksa.
Are there variations of curry paste?
Yes, there are variations of curry paste, which can include different combinations of spices and ingredients, such as green curry and red curry.
Where to find and how to store curry paste?
Curry paste can be found in Asian food stores or specialty supermarkets. To store, keep refrigerated after opening.
What are some recipe inspirations using curry paste?
Some curry paste recipe inspirations include roasted vegetable curry, chicken curry with coconut, and shrimp with curry and coconut milk.
Paulo Ribeiro, an Information Technology consultant, is passionate about cooking and gastronomy. Her true passion lies in exploring the stories behind the recipes and ingredients. At “Cozinha da Vê”, he shares his culinary discoveries, tested recipes and historical insights, creating a unique journey that combines technology and flavor.
