People who work in the food industry have been puzzling over the same subject for a number of years: is there a distinction to be made between tikka masala and curry? They may be found in almost every meal that is native to India. On the other hand, it seems that there are some distinctions between the two.
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What is Tikka Masala?
Masala is a mix of spices that is often reddish in color and contributes a significant amount of flavor to a meal. The term “masala” literally means “a mixture,” which is where its name comes from. In this sense, it refers to a combination of many spices.
On the other hand, tikka masala is a well-liked meal from Northern India that makes use of masala and offers a variety of distinctive tastes. Typically, the meal is prepared by grilling meat that has been marinated in yogurt. After that, it is simmered in a mixture that includes yogurt, cream, tomato, onion, garlic, ginger, and other spices.
What Is Curry?
Curry does not refer to a particular spice, spice combination, or meal by that name. In point of fact, the term “curry” is more of an umbrella phrase for a certain genre of dishes. These foods often have a spicy flavor and may be prepared with a wide range of spices and spice combinations. In addition, curries often take the shape of a gravy or a thick sauce that is combined with meat and/or vegetables. Curry is the foundation of the meal known as tikka masala.
Tikka Masala Vs. Curry
Curry and tikka masala are both recipes that are based on spices, but there are numerous fundamental distinctions between the two.
Origin
Curry is both a category of food and a method of cooking that refers to a broad range of stews that have a spicy gravy-like consistency. Distinct varieties of curry may be found in Indian, Arabic, and Asian cuisines.
On the other hand, tikka masala is a specialized kind of curry that is prepared using a precise mixture of spices. The term “tikka masala” is often used to refer to the mixture on its own. However, the country of origin for this dish is India.
Taste
Tikka masala has a moderate level of heat thanks to the use of a masala spice mix and the presence of chili peppers in many recipes. The cream, the yogurt, and the ginger all give the dish a little bit of a sweet flavor.
Curry may range from being quite mild to having a very high level of heat. The majority of them include components that are comparable to tikka masala, but their spice combinations are distinct. To increase the level of heat in the meal, several types of chili peppers are used. Additionally, coriander and cumin are used rather often.
Color
Tikka masala may have a higher or lower level of spiciness, but the hue of the dish is often golden orange to reddish in tone. On the other hand, curry may take on a variety of colors, ranging from yellow and green to dark red and brown. The hue of the curry changes as a function of the components that go into it.
Ingredients
The majority of curries use onions, garlic, and ginger as their foundational ingredients. The majority of them use tomatoes and either traditional cream or cashew cream. However, some additional components that are often used include cumin, chili peppers, coriander, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, turmeric, nutmeg, cardamom, star anise, and clove.
The most common kinds of meats that are used include chicken, lamb, and prawns. However, many varieties of curry may be enjoyed by vegetarians since they receive their protein from chickpeas, lentils, or other types of legumes.
Spices such as cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and masala are often included in tikka masala, which is a kind of Indian cuisine. When preparing a vegetarian version of the meal, chicken or paneer cheese are the ingredients that are most often used.
Conclusion
Curry and tikka masala are two examples of Indian dishes whose level of heat and spice may be tailored to individual preferences. But before you add tikka masala and curry to your menu, you need make sure you are familiar with the distinctions between the two.