Got Curry Leaves? Try 7 Dishes That Are Incomplete Without It

By Bornika Das

May 4, 2024

In the wide tapestry of Indian cuisine, curry leaves stand as an indispensable ingredient, infusing dishes with distinct aroma and flavour. From North to South India, this glossy green leaves play a crucial role in elevating the taste of several iconic dishes. Here are some of the dishes that are incomplete without the addition of curry leaves. 

Sambar

This is a staple of South Indian cuisine, bursting with vegetables and spices. Here the fragrance of freshly tempered curry leaves enhances its complexity, making each spoonful a delight.

Poha

Hailing from Maharashtra, poha exudes the soulful aroma from the tempering of curry leaves when combined with mustard seeds and crunchy peanuts.

Nilgiri Chicken

From the Nilgiri hills of South India, this creamy chicken owes its unique taste to the medley of herbs, especially curry leaves which adds a distinct freshness.

Upma

This is a comforting dish made from semolina, vegetables and spices. Upma achieves its aroma through the addition of fragrant curry leaves during the tempering process.

Rasam

Rasam is a tangy and soul-warming South Indian soup made from tamarind juice and tomatoes. The presence of earthy essence if curry leaves add depth to it, making it a comforting delight.

Gujarati Kadhi

This kadhi from Gujarat finds its balance of flavours with the tempering of mustard seeds, fenugreek and curry leaves, imparting a refreshing aroma to the tangy yoghurt-based gravy.

Lemon Rice

This lemon-packed South Indian rice dish boasts of spices like mustard seeds, but it is simply incomplete without a tadka of curry leaves.