905. Madras Curry powder

DESCRIPTION

Madras Curry powder is misnomer. It is actually a pulverized blend of up to 20 spices, herbs and seeds. Among those most commonly used are cardamom, chiles, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, cumin, fennel seed, fenugreek, mace, nutmeg, red and black pepper, poppy and sesame seeds, saffron, tamarind and turmeric (the latter is what gives curried dishes their characteristic yellow color). Madras Curry is an old and venerable spice, and although the familiar yellow powder might seem out of place in the world of modern spices.