Jamaican Curry Powder- Perfect blend of homemade Curry Powder. Quick, easy, no additives or fillers AND it tastes way better than your store-bought brands.
Looking back at my life there has never been a time when I did not have a curry jar in my pantry. It’s always been a pantry staple and something that I use more often than not. My sister and I knew the magic ingredient to make a disastrous stew somewhat edible- Curry spice.
Just a little would evade the awkward glances from everyone at the table. I was petrified when it came to my turn, I would check, double-check and triple-check, to make sure there was enough in the jar before turning on the gas stove.
Curry is not a single spice, but a unique blend of spices. Which differs greatly in intensity, flavor and heat level from region to region. I have been meaning to make mine now for a while but just kept putting it off. What gave me the extra push is a curry competition I attended. You had a group of participants from different Caribbean Countries with jamming Curry Chicken. I mean lip-smacking, finger-licking curry chicken that would awaken all the sensations in your body. Yes! They were that good.
But the winner had a secret; she made her own curry spice blend. As soon as I tasted it, I knew this was it for me! The seasonings were perfectly balanced- not one overpowering the other. Since it was a competition and I was a Judge I had to be very respectable and hold the moaning and groaning.
Curious about curry powder. I want to know the difference between Jamaican curry powder and Indian curry powder. Well, say no more.
There are a few differences between the two. After doing side by side comparison and some digging. You would notice that most Jamaican, not all Jamaican curry powder tho, are bright yellow from lots of turmeric, dried scotch bonnet pepper (a childhood favorite) and it always includes allspice, also known as pimentos.
Here, I used cayenne pepper because dried scotch bonnet pepper is not readily available. Since this is homemade I took the liberty of adding nutmeg, which is not typical feel free to leave out or adjust.
This is just my interpretation of this curry spice so switch it up if desired. Making your own homemade spice blend means you control how much of spice goes in your blend.
Also, do you want it to be salty or no salt at all? Spicy or Less Spicy? I always leave out the salt. So feel free to adjust it to suit your tastebuds.
Make it yours!!!
Recipes Using This Curry Powder
More Homemade Seasonings To Try
Watch How To Make It
Jamaican Curry Powder
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 tablespoon turmeric ground
- 1 tablespoon coriander seeds ground
- 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
- 2 tablespoon all spice
- 2 tablespoon ginger ground
- 2 tablespoon yellow mustard seeds dry
- 2 tablespoon fenugreek seeds ground
- 1 1/2Â teaspoon black pepper (you can use white pepper)
- 1 whole clove dried, (use about 1/4 teaspoon ground)
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg ground, (optional)
- 1/2Â teaspoon scotch bonnet peppe ground, (you can use cayenne pepper)
Instructions
- If using whole grain, lightly toast, on low heat, in a fry pan, for about 3-5 minutes, before grinding, just until the spices smell nice and toasty. Then grind in a coffee grinder.
- You may skip the toasting and just grind all the spices. Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
Lisa says
I’ve just run out of Grace curry powder, so now I can make my own! Thank you!
Amina says
Great to hear that. Thank you!
Hazel says
Where can I purchase Jamaican curry without salt
imma africanbites says
Hi, Hazel. I bought back then that’s salt-free in a local grocery store. But you can also check on amazon.com
Andre says
Hi Imma,
I noticed the proportions have changed significantly this year. In previous versions of this recipe the Allspice, ground Ginger, yellow mustard seeds and fenugreek seeds were all teaspoons instead of tablespoons. What drove the change? I loved the old recipe and am curious to try the new one. Thanks!
ImmaculateBites says
Hi Andre, which recipe would it be?
Andre says
The Jamaican curry powder recipe. I have an old written down version of this from your site and it used to be 2 tsp each of allspice, ginger, yellow mustard seeds and fenugreek seeds, but now they’re 2 TBSP each.
Maureen says
Hello, I would love to make this curry powder for curried goat….not sure if I’m missing something…I do not see the recipe and the video doesn’t give measurements. Please provide. Thanks!
ImmaculateBites says
Hi Maureen! Thanks for bringing this up, not sure what have happened but I have already added it just now. 🙂
Sharifa says
Hi!! I came across your recipe and cang wait to put it together but can’t seem to find the quantity of all the spices needed. Could you possibly send me a list of all the spices and the measurements used please? Thankss
ImmaculateBites says
Hi Sharifa! I have added it in the same post just now . 🙂