Curry leaves have a complex aroma reminiscent of curry powder, and a spicy somewhat bitter though not unpleasant flavour. They’re used in many Southeast Asian countries and are a mainstay of southern Indian and Sri Lankan cuisine. The leaves are used whole as a flavouring, then discarded, or softened into long-cooked sauces or gravies. Other uses include grinding the leaves to a paste with coconut and spices to make fresh chutney, and to mix them with spices and use as a marinade. They are also delicious when fried until crisp and are often part of a spicy finish swirled into a curry just before serving. Preferably choose fresh not dried leaves because the leaves lose their pungency when dried. When picked fresh, they’ll keep a week or two in an unsealed plastic bag in the refrigerator.
Photography by Aaron McLean
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