Spice guide · Yado Market Blog
Not all curry powder is the same. Jamaican curry, Indian-style curry and Nigerian curry use the same base spices in very different amounts. Here's how they differ, which ones we sell, and how to use them in curry goat and curry chicken.
Quick answer: what is curry powder?
A ready-mixed spice blend, usually turmeric, coriander, cumin, fenugreek and chili. Jamaican curry powder is heavier on turmeric and adds allspice. Nigerian curry is mild and bright yellow, used mostly for rice and stews.
5+
Spices in one blend
Turmeric
Gives the yellow color
Allspice
The Jamaican twist
From $1
Curry at Yado
Know your spice
What Is Curry Powder?
Curry powder is a mix of ground spices. It was made popular by the British in the 1700s and 1800s as an easy way to get Indian flavors at home [1]. The usual base is turmeric (for color), coriander, cumin, fenugreek and chili, often with ginger, black pepper, mustard seed or cinnamon [1].
Every region changed the mix. In Jamaica and Trinidad, curry came with Indian workers in the 1800s and became part of island cooking, from curry goat to curry chicken [2]. In Nigeria and Ghana, curry powder is a pantry basic for fried rice, stews and sauces.
Compare
Jamaican vs Indian vs Nigerian Curry Powder
| Jamaican / Caribbean | Indian-style | Nigerian / West African | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Deep yellow | Brown-orange | Bright yellow |
| Main taste | Turmeric, allspice, fenugreek | Cumin, coriander, chili | Mild turmeric and herbs |
| Heat | Medium (more from scotch bonnet) | Mild to hot | Mild |
| How it's used | "Burned" in hot oil first, then meat added | Often mixed with fresh spices | Sprinkled into rice, stew, sauce |
| Classic dishes | Curry goat, curry chicken, curry shrimp | Curries, dal, curried eggs | Fried rice, coconut rice, chicken curry sauce |
| Brands | JCS, Grace, Betapac, Blue Mountain | Lion, many Indian brands | Gino, KIVO, Ducros, Tropical Sun |
Is garam masala the same? No. Garam masala is a warm finishing blend (cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, pepper) with no turmeric. It's added at the end; curry powder is cooked in from the start [1].
Buying guide
Curry Powder We Sell
Four curry powders, all in stock in Chicago and shipping across the U.S.
Jamaican style
JCS Curry Powder 4 oz
Real Jamaican-style curry for curry goat and curry chicken.
Shop · $6.99
Nigerian favorite
Gino Curry Powder
Mild, bright yellow curry for jollof, fried rice and stews.
Shop · $1.00
West African
KIVO Curry Plus Powder
A rich West African curry blend for rice, meat and soups.
Shop · $1.49
Indian style
Lion Curry Powder 25 g
A classic Indian-style curry blend for sauces and curried eggs.
Shop · $1.99Looking for Ducros or Tropical Sun? We don't carry them right now; Gino and KIVO are the closest West African-style blends on our shelves.
Jamaican classic
How to Use Curry Powder in Curry Goat
Jamaican cooks "burn" the curry: they toast it in hot oil before the meat goes in. It takes away the raw taste and deepens the color.
1. Season
Rub 2 lb goat (or chicken) with 2 tbsp curry powder, garlic, onion, thyme, scallion and scotch bonnet. Rest 1 hour or overnight.
2. Burn
Heat 2 tbsp oil. Add 1 tbsp curry powder and stir 1 minute until darker and fragrant.
3. Brown
Add the meat and brown on all sides.
4. Simmer
Add water to just cover. Simmer covered 1.5 to 2 hours for goat (about 40 minutes for chicken).
5. Finish
Add diced potato for the last 20 minutes to thicken. Serve with rice and peas or white rice.
Shop the meal
What Else You Need for Curry Goat & Curry Chicken
West African style
How Nigerians Use Curry Powder
- Nigerian fried rice: 1 to 2 tsp curry powder gives the yellow color, with thyme and stock cubes.
- Jollof and stews: a pinch of curry and dried thyme is the classic Nigerian stew seasoning. See our Nigerian jollof rice recipe.
- Chicken curry sauce: chicken, carrots and green peas in a light curry gravy, served with white rice.
- Meat and chicken stock: boil meat with onion, curry, thyme and a Maggi cube.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between curry powder and Jamaican curry powder?
Jamaican curry powder has more turmeric and usually adds allspice (pimento), so it's yellower and warmer. Regular or Indian-style curry leans on cumin and coriander.
What is Jamaican curry powder made of?
Mostly turmeric, coriander, cumin, fenugreek, allspice, black pepper and ginger. Each brand has its own mix; check the label.
What can I use if I don't have curry powder?
Mix 2 parts turmeric with 1 part each ground coriander and cumin, plus a pinch of chili and ginger. For Jamaican style, add a pinch of allspice.
Is curry powder spicy?
Most curry powders are mild to medium. The heat in curry goat comes mainly from scotch bonnet pepper, not the curry.
Where can I buy Jamaican curry powder near me?
At Yado Market, 1651 E 87th St, Chicago: pick up, local delivery, or shipping anywhere in the U.S.
Ready to Cook With Curry?
Pick a Jamaican curry for curry goat, or a Nigerian-style blend for fried rice. Pick up in Chicago or get it shipped.