how to make japanese curry

Japanese curry is a delicious and comforting dish that is relatively easy to make. Here's a basic recipe to guide you through the process:

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 onion, thinly sliced

2 carrots, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces

2 potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces

1 pound (450 grams) meat of your choice (chicken, beef, or pork), cut into bite-sized pieces

3 tablespoons curry powder

3 cups water

2 tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon ketchup

Salt and pepper to taste

Cooked rice for serving

Optional toppings:

Fukujinzuke (pickled radish)

Soft-boiled or poached eggs

Freshly chopped scallions

Instructions:

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat.

Add the sliced onion and sauté until translucent and slightly caramelized.

Add the meat to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.

Add the carrots and potatoes to the pot, and continue to cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.

Sprinkle the curry powder over the ingredients in the pot, and stir well to coat everything evenly.

Pour in the water, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup. Stir to combine.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for about 20-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the curry flavor by adding more curry powder if desired.

To serve, place a portion of cooked rice into a bowl or plate, and ladle the curry over the rice.

Garnish with fukujinzuke, soft-boiled or poached eggs, and chopped scallions, if desired.

Enjoy your homemade Japanese curry!

THE ORIGIN

Curry is a dish that originated in the Indian subcontinent and has since spread to various parts of the world, including Japan. The term "curry" is derived from the Tamil word "kari," which means sauce or relish. It refers to a wide range of dishes characterized by a blend of spices and herbs, often accompanied by meat, vegetables, or legumes, cooked in a sauce.

The exact origins of curry are difficult to pinpoint, as it has a long and complex history. The use of spices and herbs in cooking can be traced back thousands of years in the Indian subcontinent, where various regional cuisines developed. The blending of different spices, such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, cardamom, and ginger, gave rise to the diverse flavors and aromas associated with curry.

As Indian traders and merchants traveled across the globe, they introduced their culinary traditions to different cultures. The British colonization of India played a significant role in popularizing curry beyond the Indian subcontinent. British officials and soldiers stationed in India developed a taste for the local cuisine, including curry, and brought it back to the United Kingdom during the 18th and 19th centuries.

The British version of curry, known as "Anglo-Indian curry," was adapted to suit European tastes and often included meat, such as chicken or beef, cooked in a spiced sauce. It gained popularity and eventually spread to other parts of the world through British colonies and trade routes.

In the case of Japan, curry was introduced during the Meiji era (late 19th century) when the country opened its doors to the West and embraced foreign influences. The British-style curry, also known as "kare-raisu," was brought to Japan by British merchants and naval officers. It was initially considered a luxury food and served in exclusive restaurants.

Over time, curry became more accessible to the general public, and the Japanese adapted it to suit their own tastes. Japanese curry typically features a thicker sauce made from a curry roux, which includes a blend of spices, flour, and fat. It is often milder in flavor compared to Indian curry and has its unique characteristics.

Today, curry is an immensely popular dish in Japan, enjoyed in homes, restaurants, and even served in school cafeterias. It has become an integral part of Japanese cuisine and is often served with rice, alongside various toppings and accompaniments.

The story of curry showcases how culinary traditions can evolve and adapt as they travel across borders, merging with local flavors and preferences, resulting in a diverse range of delicious dishes enjoyed worldwide.