According to Wikipedia, “A curry is a dish with a sauce seasoned with spices, mainly associated with South Asian cuisine. In southern India, leaves from the curry tree may be included.”

If you have experienced a wide array of flavorful dishes with the word ‘curry’ in the name, you understand that there are endless possibilities, all using the same moniker. Wikipedia explains that there are many varieties of curry, with the choice of spices for each dish dependent on both regional cultural tradition and personal preferences. These dishes are often named with reference to their ingredients, spicing, and cooking methods. Outside the Indian subcontinent, a curry is a dish from Southeast Asia which uses coconut milk or spice pastes, commonly eaten over rice.

Curries may contain fish, meat, poultry, or shellfish, either alone or in combination with vegetables. Others are vegetarian. Dry curries are cooked using small amounts of liquid, which is allowed to evaporate, leaving the other ingredients coated with the spice mixture. Wet curries contain significant amounts of sauce or gravy based on broth, coconut cream or coconut milk, dairy cream or yogurt, or legume purée, sautéed crushed onion, or tomato purée.

And then to add to the confusion there is Curry powder, a commercially prepared fairly mild mixture of spices that is not a part of every curry recipe, but can be a timesaver when there is no time to create a paste or blend of your own.

We are focused on the three main regional styles of curry this week, though it is important to note that curries are part of food culture in South Asia, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, and Europe with Curry considered the “Adopted National Dish” of the United Kingdom.

This week at Oliver’s, we have assembled many of the ingredients you need to explore the delicious world of curry, all featured at special pricing. And as a bonus, you can elevate your curry experience by pairing it with one of the wines and beers suggested by Oliver’s Wine & Spirits Buyer Richard Williams for each of the three types highlighted below.

Note: All quoted prices are in effect from April 26-May 2, 2023 at all four Sonoma County Oliver’s Market locations.

Here we go!

Indian Curry – Indian curry generally features a vibrant mix of spices creating a rich and complex flavor profile. From the creamy goodness of butter chicken to the fiery kick of vindaloo, Indian curry is a journey that takes your taste buds on an adventure they’ll never forget!

Try our recipe for Easy Samosas or Goan Prawn Curry, or create a dish all your own!

Suggested Pairing:

• Pratsch Gruner Veltliner, 1 Liter Bottle – 2021, Austria, $10.99 “Fresh and tangy, fine spices, white pepper and round body. Great paired with Indian curries.”

Japanese Curry – Japanese curry is a comforting hug in a bowl! It generally features a thick and savory sauce that’s made with a unique blend of spices and vegetables, but is not typically spicy hot. The sweetness of apples and the umami of soy sauce create a flavor profile that’s both rich and delicate. From the crispy katsu curry to the hearty beef curry, Japanese curry is subtle, refined, and always delicious.

We have a tasty recipe for Japanese Curry with Soba Noodles, as well as recipe for the unique picked vegetables served at most Japanese meals, Tsukemono.

Suggested Pairings:

• Château La Rose du Pin Entre-Deux-Mers – 2020, France, $8.99 “Young, fruity and herbal, this fresh wine has good acidity and bright citrus flavors. Great paired with Japanese curries.”
• Sapporo, 6 pack/12 oz. Bottles, $8.99+CRV

Thai Curry – Thai curry is a blend of exotic spices, creamy coconut milk, and fresh herbs that transport you to an exotic place. With its complex combination of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors, Thai curry is a great backdrop for a wide variety of vegetable and protein additions. From the classic green or yellow curry to the fiery red curry, there’s a Thai curry out there that will make you say “Sawasdee ka!”

Get your Thai meal journey off to a great start with our recipes for Green Papaya Salad, Thai Yellow Curry, or Pumpkin and Beef Coconut Red Curry, or create your own curry masterpiece!

Suggested Pairings:

• Clean Slate Riesling – 2021, Mosel, Germany, $9.99 “Refreshing citrus and peach flavors balanced by a touch of honey and vibrant acidity. Great paired with Thai curries.”
• Gazela Vinho Verde – Portugal, $7.99 – Another great option!

Curry Up!

Whether you gather the spices and grind them yourself, buy a pre-made curry paste, or use a packaged or jarred sauce, there is no doubt that curry in all of its iterations is delicious! Not only is making curry at home a fun and exciting culinary adventure, but it’s also a healthier and more cost-effective option than dining out. So, grab your apron and get ready to spice up your life with some homemade curry!

Oliver’s Featured Curry Ingredient List:

• Rocky Air Chilled Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, $5.99/lb.
• Cento Crushed Tomatoes, 28 oz. Can , $1.99
• Kikkoman Soy Sauce, 20 oz. Bottle, $3.99
• SB Golden Curry Sauce, 3.20 oz. Package, $2.29
• StoneFire Naan, Selected Varieties, 8.8 oz. Package, $2.99
• Organic Red Bell Peppers, Grown in Mexico, $2.99/lb.
• Organic Ginger, Grown in Peru, $1.99/lb.
• Organic Cilantro, Grown in California, $0.99/ea.
• Yukon Gold Potatoes, Grown in California, $1.29/lb.
• Vidalia Sweet Yellow Onions, Grown in Georgia, $1.29/lb.
• Clip Top Carrots, Grown in California or Oregon, $0.69/lb.
• Organic Fuji Apples, Grown in Washington, $
• Mekhala Organic Curry Paste, 3.53 oz. Jar, $2.99
• Field Day Organic Coconut Milk, 13.5 oz. Can, $1.79
• 4th & Heart Ghee, 9 oz. Jar, $6.99
• Imagine Organic Broth, Chicken or Vegetable, 32 oz. Carton, $2.99
• Lundberg White Jasmine or Basmati Rice, 2 lb. Bag, $4.29
• Maya Kaimal Indian Simmer Sauces, 12.5 oz. Jar, $3.79
• Bellwether Farms Organic Cow’s Milk Yogurt, 32 oz. Container, $2.99
• Wildwood Organic Tofu, 14 oz. Package $2.49, 15.5 oz. Package, $2.69