Unlike other Indian spices such as cumin and coriander (which were introduced to British cuisine by way of India), the Madras curry powder was developed in England. It's a blend meant specifically for Englishmen who enjoy dishes with flavors similar to those found in India.
If you're looking at trying something new or want some good old-fashioned flavors - this should be on your radar.
The good news is that madras is easy to find in most grocery stores. The bad news is that you may need it for a recipe, realize you don't have any, and can't make a separate trip to the store.
It can be tricky to find a madras curry powder substitute that tastes just as good. You can always try making a spice blend of your own at home and there are a few other options that may work in your recipe.

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What Is Madras Curry Powder?
The powder is a blend of many spices, often including coriander seeds, turmeric, chilies, salt, cumin, fennel, black pepper, garlic, ginger, fenugreek, cinnamon, cloves, anise, and mustard. The exact proportions of each spice vary depending on the brand or recipe, but they're all ground into a fine powder. The result is an intense flavor backed with a fair amount of heat and is used for spicy curries.
If you're looking for spice, Hot Madras Curry Powder packs even more heat.
The resulting flavor is fiery and earthy with just a hint of sweetness. If you can't find madras curry powder at your local grocery store, you can easily order it online.

Madras Curry Powder vs Madras Curry Paste
Anyone who loves Indian food has probably used Madras curry powder or paste. But what's the difference between the two?
Madras curry powder is a blend of spices. The exact spice mix can vary depending on the brand, but the most common ingredients can include cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili pepper, and fenugreek.
On the other hand, Madras curry paste is a mixture of those same spices plus coconut milk and vinegar. This makes it more like a sauce than a powder, and it's often used as a base for curries and other dishes.
As a result, madras paste tends to be more flavorful and often times spicier than madras powder. When it comes to choosing between the two, it depends on your personal preferences and the recipe you are cooking. If you like your food to pack a punch, then madras curry paste is probably the way to go. However, if you prefer a milder flavor, madras curry powder may be better.

Standard Curry Powder vs Madras Curry Powder
Regular Curry Powder is also a blend of various spices that are quite similar to Madras Curry Powder. One of the main differences is that curry powder is yellow due to having Tumeric as its main ingredient. Because Madras has chili pepper as one of its ingredients, it tends to have a more reddish hue.
If you're out of madras and need a substitute, you can use typical curry powder. However, keep in mind that Madras is hotter, so you might want to add a tiny bit of mustard powder and a pinch of cayenne pepper to account for the difference in heat.
With madras, you're also getting more flavor from the additional spices it contains. If you substitute standard curry powder for madras, you may want to add a bit more to your dish to achieve the same level of flavor. Either way, you can't go wrong with a little extra spice in your life!

5 Best Substitutes for Madras Curry Powder
1. Sambar Powder
If you're looking for a madras curry powder substitute, sambar powder is a good option. This spice mix is commonly used in Indian cuisine. It includes a variety of different spices similar to what you would find in Madras curry powder. These can include coriander seeds, mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, cinnamon, black peppercorns, red chilies, curry leaves, and cumin seeds.
These spices are prevalent in Indian dishes, so you'll be able to recreate the flavor of madras curry powder with this spice mix. You may have a bottle of Sambar seasoning already in your spice rack. Otherwise, it is possible to make sambar masala creating a blend of ground spices.
Homemade spice blends can be kept in the fridge for six months or at room temperature for three months.

2. Tandoori Masala
Indian cuisine is known for its wide variety of spices and flavors, and tandoori masala is no exception. This aromatic blend of spices is typically used in tandoori chicken, which is cooked in a clay oven called a tandoor. While the exact ingredients can vary from place to place, the typical tandoori masala includes garam masala, ginger, garlic, and onion.
In addition, cayenne pepper is always an essential part of the mix. The result is a bold and flavorful spice blend that is perfect for adding a touch of heat to any dish. If you are simply spicing up your rice and beans, tandoori masala will give your meal a delicious flavor boost and, although the flavor differs from Madras curry, may give your dish some amazing flavor.
This spices mix provides a hot and aromatic flavor without a bad chicken taste. If you don't like sambar masala, we suggest trying tandoori masala as a substitute. The Madras curry powder also has a similar flavor profile, so the ratio for substitution would be 1:1. Whatever curry powder you choose, you're sure to enjoy the tantalizing flavors of Indian cuisine.

3. Garam Masala
Garam Masala is a typical spice blend used in Indian cuisine. It typically contains a mix of cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, cumin, and black pepper. While the exact ingredients depend on the region and recipe, these spices are often used to create a rich, aromatic flavor profile.
Madras curry powder typically contains a mix of chili powder, coriander, cumin, and turmeric. Like garam masala, the exact ingredients can vary depending on the region and recipe. However, madras curry powder is usually spicier than garam masala due to the inclusion of chili powder.
While garam masala and madras are commonly used in Indian cuisine, they serve different purposes. Garam masala is typically used as a finishing spice, while madras curry powder is used as a base spice.
As a result, garam masala can substitute for madras curry powder in some recipes. However, keep in mind that the flavor profile will be slightly different due to the other spice blends.

4. Chili Pepper and Curry Powder
If you're looking for a madras curry powder substitute, chili pepper combined with curry powder can be a good option. These two spice blends share many similarities, including the use of similar spices. However, there are some differences between the two.
Curry powder is ideal for creating an Indian flavor in Western dishes. By contrast, madras is hotter and is typically used in hotter dishes.
One way to remove the disparity between the two spice blends is to add red pepper flakes. This ingredient can make ordinary curry powder a perfect alternative for madras curry powder. So if you're looking for a spice blend that has a similar flavor to madras curry powder, chili pepper, and curry powder is a good option.

5. Homemade Madras Curry Powder
When it comes to curry powder, there are many different ways you can make your own blend. The main ingredients you'll need are whole spices, chili powder, and turmeric. You can also add fennel seeds and cumin for extra flavor. As for the heat level, that's entirely up to you.
If you want a milder version, you can use less chili powder or even omit it. The great thing about making your own spice blend is that you can tailor it to your preferences.
If you like things a little spicier, you can add more chili powder or even some black pepper. Then, to get a deeper flavor, you can roast the spices before grinding them up.
The main thing is to have fun and experiment until you find a blend you love. Once you start making your own curry powder, you might never return to store-bought versions again.
Cooking with Curry
Indian curries are flavor-packed dishes typically made with a curry powder spice blend. Curry powder is a mixture of different spices, usually including turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili pepper.
While the exact ingredients can vary depending on the region and flavor preferences, most curry powders share a common goal: to provide a complex and fragrant flavor to curries. For those who want to explore the world of curry, making homemade curry powder is a great place to start.
With just a few simple ingredients, it's easy to create a flavor-packed spice blend that will elevate any curry dish. And for those who want an even easier way to enjoy curry flavor, green curry paste is a great option.
Green curry paste, made from fresh ingredients such as lemongrass, ginger, and chilies, adds taste and depth to meals. So whether you're looking for an easy way to add flavor or explore the complexities of Indian cuisine, starting with a quality curry powder or green curry paste is always a good idea.

Conclusion
While many types of curry powder are available, not all make suitable substitutes for Madras curry powder. When choosing a replacement, look for a spice blend containing warming spices like cumin, coriander, and cloves. These spices will give your dish the intense flavor you're looking for.
Another important consideration is the color of the spice powder. For example, Madras curry is typically a bright red, orange, or yellow color, so choose a powder that matches this shade.
The main difference between it and other types of curry powder is the amount of chili pepper used in the blend. If you're looking for a milder flavor, opt for a powder with less chili pepper.
However, if you want to add some heat to your dish, choose a powder with more chili pepper. You can find a Madras curry powder substitute perfect for your needs with a little effort.
Do you have any other tried and true substitution recommendations? Please let me know in the comments!
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