Colombo curry paste

Colombo Curry Paste Recipe - Caribbean Cuisine

Region / culture: Caribbean | Preparation time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Colombo curry paste is a flavorful and aromatic spice blend that is commonly used in Caribbean cuisine, particularly in dishes from the island of Martinique. This paste is a key ingredient in many traditional dishes, adding depth and complexity to the flavors.

History

Colombo curry paste gets its name from the city of Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. The recipe was brought to the Caribbean by Indian indentured laborers in the 19th century and has since become a staple in Caribbean cooking. The paste is a unique blend of spices that reflects the diverse cultural influences in the region.

Ingredients

1.5 tbsp of turmeric
1.5 tbsp of coriander seeds
1.5 tbsp of black mustard seeds
1.5 tbsp of black peppercorns
1.5 tbsp of cumin seeds
3 garlic cloves, peeled and grated
2 fresh habanero chilies OR
4 red jalapeno peppers, seeds and stems removed, minced

How to prepare

Grind the first 5 ingredients together until they form a coarse powder.
Add this powder to the garlic, ginger, and chilies, and mix well. Allow the mixture to sit for at least 1 hour to blend the flavors.

Variations

You can customize this paste by adjusting the amount of chilies for more or less heat, or by adding other spices such as cinnamon, cloves, or cardamom for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When grinding the spices for the paste, make sure to use a high-quality spice grinder or mortar and pestle to ensure a fine and even texture. Toasting the whole spices before grinding can also enhance their flavors. Additionally, allowing the paste to sit for at least an hour before using it in a recipe will help the flavors meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Use Colombo curry paste as a marinade for meats or vegetables, or add it to soups, stews, and rice dishes for a burst of flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Toasting the whole spices before grinding can enhance their flavors, and allowing the paste to sit for at least an hour before using it will help the flavors meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have all the whole spices on hand, you can use pre-ground versions instead. Adjust the amounts accordingly for the best flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

This paste can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or frozen for longer storage.

Presentation Ideas

Serve dishes made with Colombo curry paste with a side of rice, roti, or naan bread for a complete meal.

Pairing Recommendations

This paste pairs well with a variety of proteins, including chicken, beef, lamb, and seafood. It also complements vegetables such as potatoes, eggplant, and okra.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover paste in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave before using.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 30 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 4g per serving

Fats

Fats: 2g per serving

Proteins

Proteins: 1g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This paste is a good source of vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains mustard seeds and may not be suitable for those with mustard allergies.

Summary

Colombo curry paste is a low-calorie, flavorful addition to your dishes, providing a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Summary

Colombo curry paste is a versatile and flavorful spice blend that adds depth and complexity to Caribbean dishes. With a blend of aromatic spices and a hint of heat, this paste is sure to elevate your cooking to the next level.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its simplicity. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting a friend in the bustling streets of Colombo, Sri Lanka. As we walked through the vibrant markets filled with colorful fruits, vegetables, and spices, the aroma of freshly cooked curry wafted through the air. I couldn't resist stopping at a small street vendor selling freshly made Colombo curry paste.

The vendor, a kind elderly woman with a warm smile, noticed my curiosity and invited me to watch as she prepared the paste. She explained that Colombo curry paste is a traditional Sri Lankan spice blend used to flavor a variety of dishes, from meats to vegetables. Intrigued, I eagerly observed as she expertly mixed together a combination of fragrant spices, including coriander, cumin, turmeric, and black pepper.

As she ground the spices with a mortar and pestle, she shared with me the story of how she learned to make the paste. She told me that she had inherited the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through generations. She explained that each family in Colombo has their own unique blend of spices that they use to make their curry paste, and that the recipe is a closely guarded secret.

After she had finished grinding the spices into a fine powder, she added a pinch of salt and a splash of coconut milk to create a thick paste. The aroma that wafted up from the mixture was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste it. The vendor smiled as she handed me a small spoonful of the paste to try, and I was immediately hooked.

The flavor was unlike anything I had ever tasted before - rich, spicy, and full of depth. I knew then and there that I had to learn how to make Colombo curry paste for myself. I asked the vendor if she would be willing to share her recipe with me, and to my delight, she agreed.

Over the next few weeks, I spent hours in my friend's kitchen, experimenting with different spice combinations and ratios in an attempt to recreate the vendor's recipe. It was a labor of love, but with each batch I made, I came closer to capturing the authentic flavor of Colombo curry paste.

Finally, after much trial and error, I perfected my recipe. The key, I discovered, was in the quality of the spices and the precision of the measurements. Each spice had to be carefully balanced to create the perfect harmony of flavors.

I shared my recipe with friends and family, who were amazed by the complexity and depth of the flavor. They couldn't believe that such a simple paste could pack such a punch. I was proud to have mastered the art of making Colombo curry paste, and I knew that it would become a staple in my kitchen for years to come.

To this day, whenever I make Colombo curry paste, I am transported back to that hot summer day in the streets of Colombo, watching the vendor expertly grind her spices and create a flavor that would forever change my culinary journey. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from her and carry on the tradition of making this beloved spice blend. And as I stir the fragrant paste into a simmering pot of curry, I am reminded of the power of food to connect us to our past and bring us closer to the vibrant culture of Sri Lanka.