What Ingredients Are Used in Authentic North Indian Curries? — Masala & More Malmö

Authentic North Indian curries are built on a foundation of fresh ingredients, handpicked spices, and traditional cooking techniques passed down through generations. At Masala & More in Malmö, we use all of these — making every curry from scratch using real ingredients, never shortcuts or pre-made pastes.

The Essential Ingredients in Authentic North Indian Curries

1. Whole and Ground Spices

The soul of any North Indian curry is its spice blend. We use cumin seeds (jeera), coriander seeds (dhania), turmeric (haldi), red chilli powder, garam masala, cardamom (elaichi), cloves (laung), cinnamon (dalchini), bay leaves (tej patta), and black pepper. Each spice is added at the right stage of cooking to release its maximum flavour and aroma.

2. Fresh Ginger and Garlic

A paste of fresh ginger and garlic is the base of almost every North Indian curry. It is sautéed in oil or ghee at the start of cooking to create a deeply aromatic foundation. At Masala & More, we use fresh ginger and garlic — never powder or paste from a jar.

3. Onions

Onions are cooked low and slow until golden brown — this caramelisation process creates the deep, sweet, savoury base that gives North Indian curries their characteristic richness and body.

4. Tomatoes

Fresh tomatoes add acidity, colour, and body to North Indian curries. Dishes like Butter Chicken, Kadhai Masala, and Lamb Rogan Josh all rely on slow-cooked tomatoes as a key base ingredient.

5. Dairy — Cream, Yogurt, and Ghee

Many North Indian curries use dairy to add richness and temper the heat of spices. Butter Chicken uses cream for its silky texture. Dal Makhni uses butter and cream for its legendary richness. Marinades use yogurt to tenderise meat and add a subtle tang. Ghee (clarified butter) adds a nutty, aromatic depth.

6. Fresh Herbs

Fresh coriander (cilantro) is used both during cooking and as a garnish in North Indian curries. Fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) are added at the end of cooking to give Butter Chicken and Dal Makhni their distinctive, slightly bitter aroma.

7. Protein or Vegetables

North Indian curries are built around chicken, lamb, paneer (fresh cottage cheese), or vegetables. At Masala & More in Malmö, we use fresh, quality proteins and vegetables — never frozen or pre-cooked.

Try Authentic North Indian Curries in Malmö

Experience the real flavours of authentic North Indian curries at Masala & More, Baltzarsgatan 12, 211 36 Malmö. Open daily for dine in and takeaway. Order online at masalaandmore.orderyoyo.com or call +46 70 304 76 42. Book a table at masalaandmore.se/reservations.