As I began to research this post I came across the news that yellow curry has properties that seem to effectively battle esophageal cancer.
Dr Sharon McKenna, said, “These exciting results suggest that scientists could develop curcumin as a potential anti-cancer drug to treat oesophageal cancer.“
Note: curcumin is a component of tumeric, which, in turn is part of the ginger family. Fresh ginger is a marvelous thing, try a bit of it raw. For a real treat sample some crystallized ginger, Vernor’s Ginger Ale, or Altoids Ginger, >>>> ( purchase here )
Years ago my experience with curry was limited to food prepared using curry powder from my spice collection. It didn’t rock my world.
There came a day, however, that found me in an Indian restaurant with friends. I am an adventurous eater, but my previous episodes with the powder-in-a-can had left me with a blase attitude toward curry.
Fortunately my table mates were of the share and taste it all variety. WOW !, was I amazed. this stuff bore no resemblance to the powder – I was hooked. I was soon into each dish on the table; eager to learn more about the wonderful tastes and flavor layers.
If you aren’t familiar with curries the yellow is a great place to start. The flavor is milder than some due to the use of coconut milk, ( there are hotter curries).
I’m still learning about Indian food. Thailand and Africa use spices and herbs in a similar fashion. Moroccan is a favorite. There is something about the use of spices that we associate with sweet baked goods that really excite my taste buds when used in savory food.
There are curry powders, pastes to buy and paste recipes, and garam masala. This link provides a tutorial for Indian spices.
Go on a search for Asian , Indian, or African cuisine and let your imagination loose. Your tongue will thank you.

3 responses so far ↓
1 Ginny // Nov 12, 2009 at 8:39 am
Re yellow curry: that’s more like it.
Re ginger: anyone within a hundred mile radius of a Trader Joe’s should try their triple ginger snaps. The Best.
2 Ginny // Nov 12, 2009 at 6:39 pm
Reading about curry and its spices got me to thinking about a middle eastern restaurant I liked to go to in Boston. They served a lentil dish called mujadara, which was absolutely delicious and satisfying. It’s cheap, easy to make, and very nutritious — just lentils, rice, onions, and a few spices. I’ve never been able to replicate the mujadara from that restaurant, but I’ve never made a batch that didn’t taste great, either. I guess there are a lot of variations. Anyway, beans are low-carbon-footprint, low calorie, high protein foods, and we’d all do well to make them a bigger part of our diets. Combined with grains the protein is complete.
3 Ginny // Nov 13, 2009 at 11:37 am
Speaking of “the spices that we associate with sweet baked goods,” a pinch of cinnamon is great added to chile.
Leave a Comment