Curry Leaves Overview
Curry Leaves, also known as Murraya koenigii, are aromatic leaves commonly used in Indian cooking. These leaves are valued not only for their unique flavor but also for their numerous health benefits. They are integral to many Indian dishes, particularly in South Indian cuisine, where they are often used in tempering, curries, and chutneys.
Health Benefits
- Rich in Nutrients: Curry leaves are high in vitamins A, B, C, and calcium, which contribute to overall health.
- Antioxidant Properties: They contain powerful antioxidants that help fight free radicals in the body.
- Supports Digestive Health: Curry leaves aid in digestion and can help alleviate issues like diarrhea and nausea.
- Anti-Inflammatory: The compounds in curry leaves can reduce inflammation in the body.
- Promotes Hair Health: They are known to strengthen hair follicles and may help reduce hair loss.
Nutritional Value (per 100g)
- Calories: 97 kcal
- Protein: 3.6g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 6g
- Fat: 0.6g
- Vitamin A: 9% of RDI
- Calcium: 83% of RDI
How to Eat
Curry leaves can be enjoyed in various forms:
- Fresh: Use fresh leaves in salads or as a garnish.
- Dried: Dried curry leaves can be ground into a powder and used as a spice.
- Infused: Use them in oils or ghee to impart flavor to dishes.
- In Curries and Soups: Add fresh or dried leaves to enhance the flavor of soups and curries.
Indian Recipes
1. Curry Leaf Rice (Karuveppilai Sadam)
Ingredients:
- Cooked rice: 2 cups
- Curry leaves: 1 cup, chopped
- Onion: 1, finely chopped
- Green chilies: 2, slit
- Mustard seeds: 1 tsp
- Oil: 2 tbsp
- Salt: to taste
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a pan; add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- Add onions and green chilies; sauté until onions are golden.
- Stir in chopped curry leaves and cook for a minute.
- Mix in the cooked rice and salt; stir well and serve.
2. Curry Leaf Chicken
Ingredients:
- Chicken: 500g, cut into pieces
- Curry leaves: 1 cup
- Onion: 1, sliced
- Ginger-garlic paste: 1 tbsp
- Turmeric powder: 1/2 tsp
- Red chili powder: 1 tsp
- Oil: 2 tbsp
- Salt: to taste
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a pan; sauté onions until translucent.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté until fragrant.
- Add chicken, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt; cook until chicken is done.
- Stir in curry leaves and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
3. Curry Leaf Chutney
Ingredients:
- Curry leaves: 1 cup
- Coconut: 1/2 cup, grated
- Green chilies: 2
- Tamarind pulp: 1 tsp
- Salt: to taste
- Oil: 1 tsp
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a pan; add curry leaves and sauté for a minute.
- Blend curry leaves, coconut, chilies, tamarind, and salt into a smooth paste.
- Serve with idli or dosa.
4. Curry Leaves Daal
Ingredients:
- Toor dal: 1 cup
- Curry leaves: 1/2 cup
- Onion: 1, chopped
- Tomato: 1, chopped
- Turmeric powder: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: to taste
- Oil: 1 tbsp
Instructions:
- Cook toor dal with turmeric until soft.
- Heat oil; sauté onions and tomatoes until soft.
- Stir in curry leaves and cooked dal; mix well and serve.
5. Curry Leaf Potato Fry
Ingredients:
- Potatoes: 3, boiled and diced
- Curry leaves: 1/2 cup
- Mustard seeds: 1 tsp
- Turmeric powder: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: to taste
- Oil: 2 tbsp
Instructions:
- Heat oil; add mustard seeds until they splutter.
- Add curry leaves and turmeric; sauté briefly.
- Add diced potatoes and salt; fry until golden.
Non-Indian Recipes
1. Curry Leaf Pesto
Ingredients:
- Curry leaves: 1 cup
- Olive oil: 1/2 cup
- Parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup
- Garlic: 2 cloves
- Nuts (walnuts or pine nuts): 1/4 cup
- Salt: to taste
Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients in a food processor until smooth.
- Use as a pasta sauce or spread.
2. Curry Leaf Infused Oil
Ingredients:
- Curry leaves: 1 cup
- Olive oil: 1 cup
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a saucepan; add curry leaves and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Cool and strain; use as a dressing or for cooking.
3. Curry Leaf Soup
Ingredients:
- Vegetable broth: 4 cups
- Curry leaves: 1/2 cup
- Onion: 1, chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper: to taste
Instructions:
- Sauté onions and garlic in a pot.
- Add broth and curry leaves; simmer for 15 minutes.
- Blend until smooth; season with salt and pepper.
4. Curry Leaf Grilled Fish
Ingredients:
- Fish fillets: 2
- Curry leaves: 1/2 cup, chopped
- Lemon juice: 2 tbsp
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Salt: to taste
Instructions:
- Mix curry leaves, lemon juice, oil, and salt.
- Marinate fish fillets in the mixture for 30 minutes.
- Grill until cooked through.
5. Curry Leaf and Chickpea Salad
Ingredients:
- Canned chickpeas: 1 can, drained
- Curry leaves: 1/4 cup, chopped
- Red onion: 1, diced
- Lemon juice: 2 tbsp
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp
- Salt and pepper: to taste
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
- Toss well and serve chilled.
Curry leaves are a versatile vegetable that can enhance a variety of dishes, both traditional and modern. Enjoy experimenting with it in your cooking!