Everything about Japanese curry

Much less known than its Sushi, Tempuras and Ramens storage, Curry - or "Kare Raisu" - is one of the most popular dishes in Japan. On average, a Japanese eats 78 times a year, making more than one per week! It is indeed as much prized by students, large families and gourmets. Less spicy than the Indian version, its thick and subtly sweet sauce makes it the comforting family dish par excellence. There are as many recipes as cooks that prepare it. It is also very appreciated because it perfectly accompanies one of the favorite foods of the Japanese: rice! You don't taste it with chopsticks but with a spoon. The curry being a serious affair, a "G3 summit" took place in Paris in 2022 where professional and amateurs of France, the United Kingdom and Japan met. 

The fabulous story of Japanese curry

Curry is from India but was introduced in Japan in the middle of the 19th century through English navigators. It differs from the Indian curry because is a taste is sweeter and sweet and its thicker texture. It was after the Second World War that curry became accessible to everyone and is served in restaurants and sold in supermarkets in the form of dehydrated cubes. The most popular Japanese brand is S&B. Curry is also present in South Korea, a neighboring country in which it was introduced during Japanese domination. 

We buy it in the form of a cube broth ready to be diluted, it is the "curry red", but to give themselves the impression of cooking, the Japanese like to add each little touch in the form of a " secret ingredient ”that we transmit to your loved ones. Indeed, each family has its favorite recipe and ingredient: soy sauce, grated apple to bring sucking, vinegar or yogurt for acidity and even chocolate or soluble coffee! It is a daily dish, which adapts to all tastes. The most motivated prepare their own mixture (composed of flour, butter and following spices: coriander, mustard seeds, pepper, turmeric, cumin, celery, cardamom, red pepper, ginger and mix). It is suitable for all types of diet because you put what you want: meat (beef, chicken or pork) or vegetables. 

What are the different Japanese curry dishes?

Durai Kare

This "dry curry" is made up of beef and pork steamed with spices, vegetables and a little broth. It is served with rice and fried or hard eggs. 

Ishiyaki Curry

The "Ishiyaki" is a traditional stone grill on which the curry is cooked in a stone bowl. 

Kare Pan

This small brioche is filled with thick curry then fried. She is very popular in snacks at any time of the day. 

Katsu Curry

In this version, the curry is accompanied by breaded and fried pork. 

Kuro Curry

This recipe does not contain turmeric but chocolate, seaweed and cuttlefish ink. The result is a dark sauce full of flavors. 

UDON AT CURRY

UDON are thick noodles based on wheat flour. In this recipe, noodles are cooked in a curry broth.

Yaki curry

This recipe, native to southern Japan, consists of a baking curry rice dish and coated with egg, sometimes embellished with cheese. 

Soup curry 

In Hokkaido, one of the specialties is "soup curry", which is actually a soup whose taste is more spicy and spicy than a classic curry. 

The Japanese curry recipe 

The preparation for the house is almost as simple as that of a Miso soup! Here is the most classic recipe, made up of chicken, potatoes and carrots: 

INGREDIENTS for 4 people :

• 3 carrots
• 3 potatoes
• 2 onions
• 2 chicken whites (or the meat of your choice) 
• 4 squares of curry redheads in tablet (if you want to make your homemade powder, mix coriander, mustard seeds, pepper, turmeric, cumin, celery, cardamom, red pepper, ginger and from the meti)
• Water
• Sesame oil

INSTRUCTIONS

• Cut the carrots, onions, potatoes and chicken into pieces of the same size.
• Heat a little sesame oil in a pot and brown the chicken pieces.
• When the chicken pieces are white but not yet golden, you can add the vegetables. Brown, stirring for about 5 minutes.
• Add water to the height of the vegetables and bring to a boil.
• Cover and simmer over medium heat for at least 30 minutes.
• Check that the potatoes and carrots are cooked.
• Add 4 squares of curry tablet and mix well.
• Let reduce over medium heat until you obtain a slightly thick and pasty texture. Normally, you don't need to add salt because there are any ready tablets. If it is missing, add a little soy sauce. 
• Enjoy with white rice, with a spoon! 

Homemade curry redhead recipe

The roux thickens the preparation and form this smooth and smooth sauce characteristic of the curry. 

INGREDIENTS 

• Butter
• Wheat flour
• Japanese curry powder
• Garam Masala

INSTRUCTIONS

• Mix the butter and flour in a saucepan over low heat. 
• Add all spices, then cook for about 25 minutes (cooking depends on the quantities used) stirring the preparation. It's ready ! 

Once cooled, the roux will solidify. You can keep it for a month in the fridge and up to 3 months in the freezer.

There are many recipes, do not hesitate to be creative by adding your favorite ingredients! You can also prepare in large quantities and then separate from several currys seasoned differently to vary the pleasures and flavors! One with pepper and pepper to raise it, the other with chocolate or apple ... Everything is possible in your kitchen! If you prefer to use a curry powder, just mix it with butter or oil and flour. If you have leftovers, the curry freezes very well or is cooked in gratin, with a layer of curry, a layer of rice then Emmental and all passed in the oven.