When it comes to Indian cuisine, it's not just about flavour; it's about tradition, culture, and the art of cooking. For many, a good curry is comfort food at its finest—a beautiful blend of spices, textures, and aromas that come alive on a plate. But with so many curry types out there, deciding what to cook or order can get a bit overwhelming. Tikka Masala? Rogan Josh? Korma? They're all delicious, but what makes them distinct?
Understanding these differences can help you savour the uniqueness of each dish. Today, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most classic curry options, breaking down their personalities and how they bring joy to your taste buds.
Let’s start with one of the world's most popular curries—tikka masala. Known for its iconic orange hue, tikka masala is a creamy, tomato-based curry that’s rich with flavour but not overwhelmingly spicy. Its base typically features Greek yoghurt or cream, combined with a playful medley of spices like cumin, paprika, and garam masala.
Chicken tikka masala, often made with pieces of grilled, marinated chicken, is especially popular. But did you know the origins of this iconic dish are partly debated? While its flavours are traditionally Indian, some say tikka masala was refined in Britain, tailored to suit local tastes. Either way, it’s an indulgent pleasure every time.
If this talk about tikka masala is already making you crave it, you might enjoy keeping a frozen, restaurant-quality version on hand. Brands like Express Indian Delivered offer brilliant solutions for busy food lovers wanting an easy yet authentic option at home.
Next up is rogan josh, a dish with a history as rich as its flavour. Originating from Persian cuisine and embraced by the Kashmiri region, this curry is a deep, fiery red thanks to its generous use of Kashmiri red chillies. Don’t let the colour scare you—it’s known for its balanced heat rather than being overly spicy.
A classic rogan josh revolves around tender pieces of meat, like lamb or goat, cooked slowly to absorb the spices. The sauce is typically less creamy than tikka masala, relying instead on layers of spice, yoghurt, and sometimes even a splash of saffron for an inviting aroma.
Rogan josh pairs beautifully with naan or steamed rice, offering a spicy yet heart-warming reprieve on cold, evening meals. Imagine coming home to a pot of this simmering, while its fragrance fills your kitchen. Sounds lovely, doesn’t it?
For those who shy away from spice, korma is like a friendly hug. This curry is luxuriously creamy and mild, mainly relying on coconut milk, cream, or ground nuts, such as almonds or cashews, to thicken its sauce. Korma tends to include aromatics like cardamom and cinnamon, which deepen its delicately sweet notes.
Whether you prefer chicken, vegetables, or even king prawns, korma lets the ingredients shine without overpowering them with spice. It’s a curry that feels indulgent yet approachable, perfect for any occasion, especially for family dinners where varying spice tolerance levels come into play.
Quality frozen and ready-to-cook korma dishes, like those offered by Express Indian Delivered, can make meal prep a breeze while staying faithful to authentic flavours.
Vindaloo is not for the faint-hearted. This curry is bold, fiery, and unapologetically spicy. Vindaloo originally comes from Goa, with its name rooted in Portuguese. The dish traditionally features ingredients marinated in vinegar, adding a tangy undertone that complements the heat from the chillies. Pork is the most traditional meat used in vindaloo, but chicken and lamb variations are common as well.
While vindaloo has a reputation for its intense heat, its complex spice profile means it’s not just about being hot—it’s about being flavourful as well. It’s the perfect choice for spice enthusiasts who enjoy a plate that wakes up their senses.
Did you know that jalfrezi originally emerged as a way to repurpose leftovers? Translating roughly to “stir-fry”, jalfrezi features marinated meats, vegetables, and spices quick-cooked together in a hot wok-like pan. The result is a curry with a chunky texture and a balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavours.
Jalfrezi’s charm lies in its versatility. It’s one of the few curries that doesn’t rely on a rich sauce base, keeping it relatively light. Peppers, onions, and tomatoes are almost always involved, bringing vibrancy to both the dish and its flavour. If you’re short on time but still dream of bold, authentic dishes, this could be your go-to.
Balti stands out not only in taste but also in how it’s prepared. This curry, believed to have originated in Birmingham, is cooked and served in a distinctive, bowl-shaped steel pan called a “balti.” It’s a one-pot marvel where ingredients and spices, including turmeric, cumin, and coriander, come together beautifully.
Light and fragrant rather than creamy or heavy, balti often features tomato-based gravy and medium spice levels. It’s particularly favoured among those who enjoy scooping up their curry with naan directly from the pan—a fun, community-style eating experience that’s undeniably satisfying.
Whether you’re an inquisitive foodie eager to try them all or someone with a favourite curry they keep coming back to, there’s joy in exploring these dishes. Each brings something unique to the table, offering sensory experiences steeped in tradition and creativity.
Life often feels too busy to create such layered curries from scratch. That’s why it’s helpful to know of options like Express Indian Delivered, offering frozen, authentic Indian meals you can enjoy at home anytime, without compromising on taste or quality.
So, the next time curry is on your mind, you’ll know exactly what to look for—whether it’s a creamy tikka masala, a fiery vindaloo, or an elegant korma.
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