Beat the summer heat! Regain your energy with authentic summer vegetable curry made from spices

As the rainy season transitions into the height of summer, the humid, muggy weather continues. As the temperature rises, many people lose their appetite and feel a bit sluggish. An authentic summer vegetable curry made from spices can energize your body when you're feeling a bit fatigued from the summer heat.

Recently, more and more people are making their own original curry by combining spices without using commercially available curry roux. It may seem difficult, but in fact, as long as you know the basic spices, it's surprisingly easy to enjoy an authentic taste. In this article, we'll introduce the appeal of healthy curry made with plenty of summer vegetables, as well as tips on how to make it.

Why curry in summer? Why spicy food is good for you in the hot season

Helps regulate body temperature through sweating

There's actually a scientific reason why curry commercials increase in the summer. The spices in curry, especially the capsaicin found in chili peppers, have a sweat-inducing effect, which helps release heat trapped inside the body efficiently. This is the same reason why spicy food is popular in hot countries.

In regions with high temperatures year-round, such as India and Southeast Asia, people have long used spicy food to regulate their body temperature. This is truly a form of wisdom for daily life that has been passed down since the days before air conditioning.

The aroma of spices stimulates your appetite

One of the biggest problems with summer fatigue is loss of appetite. When the heat weakens the gastrointestinal function, it's hard to feel like eating even when you see food. That's when spices come in handy.

Spices used in curry, such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric, have a unique aroma that stimulates the sense of smell and stimulates the secretion of saliva and gastric juices, naturally stimulating your appetite.

Enjoy the bounty of summer vegetables in curry

Cooling summer vegetables

Summer vegetables are packed with the bounty of nature to help you get through the hot season. Summer vegetables such as eggplant, tomatoes, cucumbers, okra, and zucchini contain a lot of water, which has the effect of cooling the body from the inside.

It is also rich in potassium, which is easily lost through sweat, and helps prevent swelling and regulate the body's fluid balance. By adding these vegetables to curry, the warming effects of the spices and the cooling effects of the vegetables work in balance, helping to relieve summer fatigue without putting strain on the body.

Colorful appearance stimulates appetite

Red tomatoes, purple eggplant, yellow peppers, green okra and bell peppers... The appeal of summer vegetables lies in their vibrant colors. Curry filled with colorful vegetables is visually appealing and stimulates the appetite visually.

Especially in households with children, even vegetables that they normally dislike often become more palatable when added to curry. It's also a great lunch menu item for summer vacation.

The three main spices in curry!

Turmeric - a healthy golden spice

Turmeric, which gives curry its distinctive yellow color and is familiar to Japanese people as "Ukon," contains a compound called "curcumin," which has been scientifically proven to have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Turmeric is expected to support liver function and have anti-aging effects, and recent studies have shown that it also helps activate brain function. There is even a theory that the low incidence of Alzheimer's disease in India may be due to the daily intake of turmeric.

Cumin - the main flavor of curry

When you think of the aroma of curry, the first thing that comes to mind is the scent of cumin. Its unique ethnic aroma is the very face of curry. Cumin aids digestion and is effective in stimulating appetite and promoting digestion.

It is also known that the "plant sterols" contained in cumin have the effect of suppressing cholesterol absorption in the body. It is an essential spice in Middle Eastern and Mexican cuisine, and it is easy to see why it is loved all over the world.

Coriander - the secret to a refreshing aftertaste

Powdered coriander seeds are essential for curry. In fact, coriander and cilantro are the same plant. The leaves are called cilantro, and the seeds are called coriander seeds.

Unlike fresh coriander, when the seeds are dried and ground into powder, they have a sweet, refreshing, and slightly spicy aroma. They have been used as a medicinal herb since ancient Egypt and Greece, and have been valued as a stomach medicine to aid digestion. Adding them to curry gives it a refreshing aftertaste and makes it less heavy.

How to make basic spice curry

Materials and tools needed

You don't need any special equipment to make spice curry. A regular pot or frying pan you have at home will do. The basic spices are as follows:

Basic spices (serves 4)

• Turmeric: 1 teaspoon
• Cumin (powder): 2 teaspoons
• Coriander (powder): 2 teaspoons
• Chili pepper (powder): 1/2 to 1 teaspoon (to taste)

Other ingredients

• 2 onions (chopped)
• Tomatoes: 2 (chopped) or 1 can of tomatoes
• Garlic: 2 cloves (minced)
• 1 piece of ginger (chopped)
• Your favorite summer vegetables: a moderate amount
• 300g chicken or pork (bite-sized pieces)
• Salt: Appropriate amount
• Oil: 3 tablespoons

Basic steps for spice curry

1. Fry the onions until they turn amber. Add oil to a frying pan heated over medium heat and fry the chopped onions. The key is to fry them slowly until they turn amber, being careful not to burn them. This will create the base for the richness and sweetness of the curry.
2. Add the garlic and ginger . Once the onions have turned caramelized, add the garlic and ginger and sauté until fragrant.
3. Add the tomatoes and simmer to remove the moisture . Add the tomatoes and mash them while frying to remove the moisture. Stir-fry thoroughly until they become a paste, which will reduce the acidity and concentrate the flavor.
4. Add the spices . Reduce the heat and add the spices. They burn easily, so mix quickly. When the spices start to smell, it's ready.
5. Add the meat and vegetables and simmer. Once the meat is cooked through, add the vegetables and water and simmer. Different types of vegetables cook at different rates, so start by adding the harder vegetables first.
6. Season with saltFinally , season with salt. The amount of salt is crucial for the flavor of spice curry, so add it little by little to adjust the amount.

Summer vegetable curry recipe

Refreshing eggplant and tomato curry

This curry, which mainly uses eggplant and tomato, two classic summer vegetables, is characterized by its refreshing taste. If you deep-fry the eggplant before adding it, you can enjoy its creamy texture. Finishing it off with shiso leaves and myoga ginger makes it an even more summery dish.

Colorful okra and corn curry

This curry, which combines okra, which has a sticky texture that is good for your body, with sweet corn, is popular with children. The trick is to add the okra at the end to keep it crunchy. The sweetness of the corn helps to tone down the spiciness of the spices.

Mediterranean-style zucchini and pepper curry

Using zucchini and peppers makes for a curry with a Mediterranean feel. If you fry the vegetables in olive oil before adding them, it will have a more authentic flavor. If you sprinkle basil on top to finish, you can enjoy an Italian taste.

Items to make spice curry even more enjoyable

Decorate your dining table with stylish curry plates

You'll want to enjoy your homemade spice curry in a beautiful dish. A deep dish made specifically for curry will allow you to beautifully present even curry with plenty of ingredients.

TAMAKI Fortemoa Curry and Pasta Plate, 21cm, White

This lightweight yet durable curry dish is made from lightweight reinforced porcelain. It is microwave, dishwasher, and oven safe, making it ideal for everyday use. This popular series is also favored by professionals.

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Calm colors like navy and gray are also popular, as they make the yellow of the curry stand out and make it look even more delicious.

Aito Seisakusho Natural Color Curry Plate, 21cm, Navy

The warm texture of Mino ware is appealing. This versatile plate is deep enough to be used as a pasta or salad bowl. It is microwave and dishwasher safe, making it convenient for everyday use.

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Get started easily with this authentic spice set

If you want to try making spice curry but don't know where to start, we recommend a product that comes with a set of basic spices.

Spice set for curry (5 pieces, 100g each)

This basic 5-piece set includes coriander, turmeric, chili pepper, cumin seeds, and cumin powder. Each contains 100g, so you can enjoy making curry again and again.

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Spice sets from well-known manufacturers are of high quality, and some are formulated to be easy to use even for beginners.

GABAN Homemade Curry Spice Assortment Set of 6

This set of six spices includes turmeric, cumin, coriander, cardamom, ginger, and red pepper. These spices are from a well-known spice manufacturer and will help you create a fragrant, authentic curry.

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Easy to make with traditional curry powder

If you find it troublesome to gather all the spices one by one, we also recommend pre-blended curry powder.

Indian Foods Indian Pure Curry 400g

This authentic curry powder is a blend of 15 spices. It's an exquisite blend of carefully selected spices, including turmeric, coriander, and cumin. It's a large-capacity product with excellent value for money.

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Tips for making successful summer curry

Make a difference with vegetable preparation

To incorporate summer vegetables into curry in a more delicious way, it's important to prepare each vegetable in a way that suits it.

the eggplant , soak it in water to remove the bitterness. If you deep-fry it before adding it, it will have a creamy texture and the flavor of the spices will be absorbed well.

Preparing the okra: Rub the okra with salt to remove the down and boil it briefly before using. If you simmer it for too long, it will release too much of its sticky substance, so it's best to add it at the final stage.

Preparing tomatoes If you use fresh tomatoes, you can improve the texture by blanching them. Removing the seeds will prevent the tomatoes from becoming watery.

The basics of handling spices

Many spices are sensitive to heat, so there are some tricks to handling them.

How to use whole spices and powdered spices Whole spices such as cumin seeds should first be fried in oil to bring out their aroma (tempering). Powdered spices burn easily, so reduce the heat before adding them.

How to store spices: Spices are sensitive to light and moisture, so store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. The aroma fades quickly, so it's best to use them up as soon as possible after opening.

Prepared meals and arrangements

Curry is a dish that is perfect for making in advance. By leaving it overnight, the spices and ingredients blend together, giving it a deeper flavor.

Tips for freezing: Freezing in small portions is convenient for lunch on busy days. You can defrost it in the microwave, but it tastes even better if you reheat it slowly in a pot.

Remake Ideas

• Curry udon: Dilute with dashi and pour over udon noodles
• Curry Doria: Curry and cheese on top of rice, baked in the oven
• Curry croquette: Mix with potatoes and fry
• Curry bread: wrapped in dough and baked or fried

A curry party for the whole family

Adjust the spiciness to satisfy everyone

If family members have different preferences for spiciness, it is recommended to make the base curry mild so that each person can adjust the spiciness later.

Ideas for adjusting the spiciness

• Add garam masala later
• Garnish with pickled green chilies
• Prepare the chili oil
• Freshly ground black pepper

For children, you can add yogurt or cream to make it milder.

Double the fun with toppings

One of the joys of curry is the variety of toppings. It's fun to have a few on hand so that each family member can choose their favorite.

Recommended toppings

Characteristics of curry in each country

• India : It varies greatly depending on the region. Creamy in the north, smooth in the south
• Thailand : Made with coconut milk and herbs. Green, red, yellow, etc.
• Sri Lanka : Spicy and hot. Contains coconut.
• Japan : Thick and sweet. A national dish that has evolved in a unique way

Learning about the characteristics of each country will broaden the scope of your own curry making.

Summary: Stay healthy this summer with homemade curry

A summer vegetable curry made with spices is the perfect dish for those feeling a bit fatigued from the summer heat. The beneficial effects of the spices will stimulate your appetite, and the benefits of summer vegetables will replenish the body with the fluids and minerals it needs.

We recommend starting with the three basic spices (turmeric, cumin, and coriander) and gradually adding more spices as you get used to it. The possibilities for variation are endless, as you can adjust the spiciness to suit your family's preferences and try different vegetables.

This authentic curry is rich in the aroma of spices, unlike commercially available curry roux. Once you try making it, you'll be amazed at how delicious it is and how easy it is to make. This summer, why not try making your own homemade spice curry and get through the hot season in good health!

We also introduce special recipes for epi recipes!

Curry made with onions and chicken thighs

New onions have a strong sweetness, so a spicy curry roux is recommended. They are also soft, so cut them along the grain. If using regular onions, fry them for a little longer. Grilling the chicken skin-side before freezing not only makes it easier to cut, but also enhances its fragrant flavor. Bancha tea can be used in place of bay leaves, enhancing the Japanese flavor. This time we used bonito stock, but it will also be delicious if you use commercially available consommé soup.
For information on the ingredients introduced in this recipe, please refer to this page. [blogcard url="https://epicurean.tokyo/recipe/449/"]

Steamed chicken curry

Plump and juicy chicken steamed curry. The onion is cooked slowly with the residual heat, so the sweetness of the onion is also very tasty.

Canned mackerel and onion curry

Canned mackerel go perfectly with curry. There is no need to cook the mackerel itself, so this is a recommended menu item when you want to make it in a time-saving way. Don't let the mackerel fall apart too much.

Chicken curry udon

The flavor of the chicken and the sweetness of the onion spread throughout your mouth.

Bone-in-the-bodied chicken thighs with curry yogurt

Soaking the meat in yogurt gives it a juicy and soft finish.