Curry Dressing

Curry Dressing Recipe from India with Yogurt and Vinegar

Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Curry dressing is a flavorful and creamy dressing that adds a unique twist to salads, pasta dishes, and more. With a combination of tangy vinegar, aromatic curry powder, and creamy yogurt and mayonnaise, this dressing is sure to elevate any dish it is added to.

History

The origins of curry dressing are not entirely clear, but curry powder itself has a long history dating back to ancient India. The British brought curry powder to the Western world in the 18th century, and it has since become a popular spice blend used in a variety of dishes, including dressings like this one.

Ingredients

1.5 tsp vinegar
1 tsp curry powder, or more to taste
0.25 cup low-fat plain yogurt
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tbsp non-fat milk
1 tsp salt

How to prepare

In a small bowl, combine all ingredients except pasta and stir together using a fork or whisk.
If desired, thin the dressing with more milk.
Chill the mixture well before serving.
Just before serving, toss the pasta with enough dressing to lightly coat.

Variations

Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a citrusy twist.
Stir in some chopped fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, for added freshness.
For a spicier dressing, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Adjust the amount of curry powder to suit your taste preferences. Start with a small amount and add more as needed.

- For a thicker dressing, use less milk. For a thinner dressing, add more milk until you reach your desired consistency.

- Make sure to chill the dressing before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Curry dressing is perfect for drizzling over salads, mixing into pasta dishes, or using as a dipping sauce for vegetables. It pairs well with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.

Cooking Techniques

To make curry dressing, simply whisk together all of the ingredients in a bowl until well combined. Chill the dressing before serving to allow the flavors to develop.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have curry powder, you can use a combination of ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, and ginger as a substitute.

- Greek yogurt can be used in place of regular yogurt for a thicker dressing.

- If you prefer a dairy-free option, you can use a plant-based yogurt and vegan mayonnaise.

Make Ahead Tips

Curry dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using to recombine any separated ingredients.

Presentation Ideas

Serve curry dressing in a small pitcher or jar for easy drizzling over salads or pasta dishes. Garnish with a sprinkle of curry powder or fresh herbs for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Curry dressing pairs well with a variety of dishes, including grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and grain bowls. It also complements flavors like coconut, ginger, and garlic.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover curry dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Stir well before using. Do not freeze, as the texture may change.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of curry dressing contains approximately 50 calories.

Carbohydrates

Curry dressing is relatively low in carbohydrates, with only a small amount coming from the yogurt and mayonnaise. Each serving contains approximately 3 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The main sources of fat in curry dressing come from the mayonnaise and yogurt. Each serving contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Curry dressing contains a small amount of protein from the yogurt and mayonnaise. Each serving contains approximately 1 gram of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

While curry dressing is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals, it does contain small amounts of calcium and potassium from the yogurt and mayonnaise.

Alergens

Curry dressing contains dairy (yogurt and milk) and eggs (mayonnaise), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or egg allergies.

Summary

Overall, curry dressing is a relatively low-calorie and low-carb option for adding flavor to your dishes. It is a good source of fats and provides a small amount of protein.

Summary

Curry dressing is a versatile and flavorful addition to any dish. With a blend of tangy vinegar, aromatic curry powder, and creamy yogurt and mayonnaise, this dressing is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy it drizzled over salads, mixed into pasta dishes, or used as a dipping sauce for vegetables.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Curry Dressing. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl visiting my grandmother in her cozy kitchen. She was a master in the culinary arts, and I always looked forward to learning new recipes from her.

One day, as we were preparing a simple salad for lunch, my grandmother asked me to fetch a jar of her special dressing from the pantry. As I rummaged through the shelves, my eyes landed on a small, handwritten recipe card tucked away in the corner. The words "Curry Dressing" caught my attention, and I couldn't resist taking a peek.

The ingredients were simple yet intriguing - mayonnaise, curry powder, honey, and a splash of vinegar. I had never tasted anything quite like it before, and I couldn't wait to try it out for myself. My grandmother caught me reading the recipe card and smiled knowingly.

"Ah, that old recipe," she said. "I learned how to make that dressing from a dear friend of mine many years ago. It's been a family favorite ever since."

She went on to tell me the story of how she acquired the recipe. It was during a summer picnic in the countryside, where she had met a charming woman named Mrs. Thompson. Mrs. Thompson was known for her delicious homemade salads, and my grandmother was eager to learn her secrets.

After sampling one of Mrs. Thompson's salads drizzled with the curry dressing, my grandmother couldn't help but ask for the recipe. Mrs. Thompson graciously shared it with her, and it had been a staple in our family ever since.

I was captivated by the story and the memory of that fateful picnic. I knew that I had to make the Curry Dressing myself and carry on the tradition in our family. My grandmother handed me the recipe card with a twinkle in her eye, encouraging me to give it a try.

With her guidance, I gathered the ingredients and set to work in the kitchen. The aroma of curry powder filled the air as I mixed the mayonnaise, honey, and vinegar together. The dressing took on a rich, golden hue that promised a burst of flavor with every bite.

When it was finally ready, I drizzled the Curry Dressing over a crisp bed of lettuce and vegetables. The first taste was like a revelation - a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors that danced on my taste buds.

My grandmother's eyes lit up as she tasted the dressing, and I knew that I had done justice to Mrs. Thompson's recipe. From that day on, the Curry Dressing became a staple in our family gatherings, a reminder of the bond between past and present.

As the years passed, I continued to hone my skills in the kitchen, learning new recipes and techniques from various sources. But the Curry Dressing always held a special place in my heart, a testament to the power of a simple recipe passed down through generations.

I often think back to that day in my grandmother's kitchen, the sense of anticipation I felt as I discovered the recipe for Curry Dressing. It reminds me of the joy of cooking and the connection it brings to the ones we love.

And so, I share this story with you, my dear grandchild, in the hopes that you too will find inspiration in the kitchen and carry on the tradition of good food and cherished memories. May the Curry Dressing bring you as much joy and fulfillment as it has brought me.