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    Home » Recipes » Cooking Guide

    How to Thicken Curry

    Published: Dec 12, 2022 · Modified: Jan 13, 2023 by Hinz

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    Learn how to thicken curry with easy cooking methods and using thickening ingredients. All these methods are tested and perfected in my kitchen. Turn the runny curry into a thick, smooth, and velvety curry texture.

    how to thicken curry
    how to thicken curry

    Many of my friends are asking how to thicken curry. If you are looking the same then here I am going to share some quick and easy hacks that will make a perfect curry sauce for your next meal.

    Jump to:
    • What is curry?
    • The Secret of Good Curry
    • Why the Curry is Watery?
    • Cooking Methods To Thicken Curry
    • 1) Sautéeing
    • 2) Simmering
    • 3) Lid on and off
    • 4) High Flame Cooking
    • Ingredients to Thicken Curry
    • 1) Yogurt or Cream
    • 2) Tomato Paste
    • 3) Butter
    • 4) Ground Nuts
    • 5) Lentil Puree
    • 6) Veg Puree
    • 7) Slurry (With Corn flour or Cornstarch)
    • 8) Roux
    • Use Curry Powder
    • Thick Curry Recipes
    • Q & A
    • Related Recipes
    • How to Thicken Curry

    Curry changes its flavor according to the region and culture. As it’s popular all around the world so every country has some famous curry dishes. Japanese, Thai, Indonesian, Chinese, and even in America, you can find the best dining options to have curry of your taste. Whether it’s a tteokbokki, rendang, green Thai, or Indian Veg curry. Strong, earthy, savory, and a little spicy taste of curry dominates in all curry recipes.

    Making One pot curry with thick, smooth, and consistent texture is not a big deal. You just need to focus on few areas to get the best results.

    Let’s delve into it!

    What is curry?

    Curry is the delicacy of South Asian cuisine refers to any dish loaded with sauce or gravy. It could be a meat curry, veg curry, or a combination of meat and veg. It can be prepared in a variety of ways depending upon the dish and spices that are used to make curry.

    People connect it to the Tamil word ‘Kari’ but it’s more British used during Indian Colonization. It’s a combination of different spices in form of powder cooked with the broth of meat and veg. It’s so comforting and satisfying if you have a consistent soupy curry in your meal.

    The Secret of Good Curry

    If your curry shows a smooth, consistent, and viscous pattern well blended with all the spices and other ingredients then it looks like a good curry.

    To make a good curry, you need to focus on few areas:
    1. Cooking temperature: Yes, it’s very important to manage different levels of temperature during cooking. Sometimes, you need high flame and for many hours, you need slow heating. Whatever the recipe, you are following focus on the temperature to get good results.

    2. Curry spices: Make sure which type of spices are used in your curry. Powder, coarsely ground, or whole spices. It makes a good difference to maintain the texture of the curry sauce.

    3. Gravy Binding Agent: As you will move down, I am discussing in detail gravy or curry sauce agents that can easily thicken your curry.

    4. Water: If the water content is high in your curry, it looks watery or runny. If it’s low then it could be dry or thick. A good curry sauce needs to be firm, smooth, and consistent.

    5. Major Ingredients: It depends on your curry dishes like meat, veggies, or both. It really makes a big difference in your curry taste and maintains consistency.

    chicken tikka masala recipe
    Easy Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

    Why the Curry is Watery?

    If there is a lacking of adherence in water, oil, and curry spices that means your curry is watery and it needs to be fixed before serving.

    Runny curry with a blended soupy texture is acceptable but if it’s showing inconsistency like you feel water is visible then you have to cook at high temperature by adding some binding agents with quick stirring to make it fixed.

    Cooking Methods To Thicken Curry

    1) Sautéeing

    It’s important to properly saute the initial ingredients in your curry like ginger garlic and onion. If it’s well cooked at a specified temperature then it has a tendency to blend well with other ingredients of curry.

    Many of my friends must be thinking to use paste. Yes, you can! but still, you need proper timing to saute the ingredients with oil or butter.

    For example, if you are making Indian lamb curry then you need to properly saute the onion, ginger garlic then add meat to cook at a high temperature.

    Another example, if you are making honey garlic chicken breast then you must need properly cook chicken breast on high heat and then need to saute garlic paste on medium heat. After, you can add soy sauce to make perfectly well-blended gravy.

    Simple honey garlic chicken
    Simple honey garlic chicken

    2) Simmering

    Yes, there is no doubt simmering is the best cooking method to thicken the curry. It requires to cook curry below the water boiling point. If you are making meat curry then it perfectly fits. Simmering not only thickens the curry but also saturates the meat broth to enhance the flavor.

    Simmering the slow heating process that takes time to thicken gravy. If you want to expediate the process then switch to High flame cooking.

    3) Lid on and off

    This is the most effective technique to thicken the curry and mostly used in Indian cooking. You can remove the lid and cook on high heat to evaporate excess water. As the water level reduces, place the lid and cook on steam to have thick gravy with floating oil on the surface. If you have a big pot then thicken process will be fast compared to small pot.

    4) High Flame Cooking

    Similar to lid on and off but here, you will only cook on high flame to cook the curry. Most apply to thicken chicken curry. Restaurant chefs use this method to cook quick dishes with curry. Chicken Karahi is the best example of high flame cooking.

    Ingredients to Thicken Curry

    Here are 7 Ingredients to thicken the curry like a pro.

    1) Yogurt or Cream

    Use thick or Greek style yogurt to thicken the curry. The particles in yogurt have a great tendency to blend with curry spices which will not only thicken the curry but also improve the taste. Use the amount of yogurt as per your curry quantity. If you want to reduce 1 cup of water then add 1 tablespoon of yogurt on medium flame and give it a quick stirring to blend with spices. Mostly yogurt is used in Indian cooking not only as a binding agent but to add taste to gravy.

    Cream is an alternative to yogurt and is used in several types of curry to give a creamy rich look. Here is the example of Creamy Garlic Chicken.

    2) Tomato Paste

    Yes, you can use the paste of fresh tomatoes. Remove the skin and blend it. It will work as a soft thickening agent with sweet, sour, and tangy flavor. Mostly used in Indian cooking. Indian chicken tikka masala is the best example.

    On the other hand, the canned tomato paste will work as a hard thickening agent with a strong umami flavor. Mostly used in British-style chicken tikka masala recipe.

    3) Butter

    If you want to thicken your curry with luster then nothing is good than butter. Most people skip butter with clarified butter (desi ghee) which is also good and add flavor to curry. 

    4) Ground Nuts

    Ground almonds, cashews, peanuts, and walnuts work best to thicken curry. In Indian cooking, most of the Mughal recipes use grounds nuts in curry not only for thickening but to add taste.

    Here is the example of Shahi Chicken Korma | Mughlai Chicken | Peanut butter curry

    5) Lentil Puree

    Boil the lentils that you like with salt and peppers and blend it to make a nice puree. Now you are ready to use in your curry sauce.

    6) Veg Puree

    If you are making hard time to thicken curry with meat then veg puree can easily do the job. You can use the blanched vegetable of your choice and make a thick paste just by blending and add in a curry. It will improve the taste and keep you relax from thickening process.

    Spinach puree is the best. Alternatively, you can use potatoes, pumpkins, carrots, and cauliflower.

    7) Slurry (With Corn flour or Cornstarch)

    Normally used in Chinese style cooking. You can thicken the stew, soup, gravy or any curry.

    Slurry can be prepared by adding cornstarch or corn flour with water or stock (broth) then added to hot liquid soup, sauce, or curry. Keep stirring while pouring otherwise the lump will form. It will make a quick transformation to thicken curry so precisely monitor the quantity.

    Here is the example of Chicken with Garlic Sauce.

    8) Roux

    In simple words, roux is the cooked form of slurry which I feel has better taste. More like nutty flavor as the cornflour or conrstarch cooked with butter to make a desired brown color then liquidate with water, broth or milk. Simple and easy way to thicken curry with roux.

    Use Curry Powder

    Yes, curry powder can make a big difference in your curry consistency. It has balanced spices that can make a good curry by saving your time.

    Curry Masala Powder (Red Curry Powder)
    Easy and Authentic homemade Indian curry masala powder recipe famous as Red curry powder that will help to make quick curry for dinner and lunch. It will only take few minutes to prepare this curry mix to easily store in your pantry for 6 months.
    Check out this recipe
    curry masala powder - red curry powder
    curry powder recipe
    curry powder recipe

    Thick Curry Recipes

    North Indian Lamb Curry Recipe
    Traditional and authentic Indian Lamb Curry Recipe prepared with homemade curry masala powder and yogurt on slow heat at the stovetop. Tender and Juicy leg-cut lamb with thickened curry is best to serve with naan or rice at dinner or lunch.
    Check out this recipe
    north indian lamb curry recipe
    Authentic Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
    One pan authentic chicken tikka masala recipe is easy to make with homemade tikka spices. This tikka masala's vibrant and luscious curry sauce is loaded with pan-fried chicken tikka chunks seared in a rich and creamy tomato curry sauce. Top this delicious dinner recipe over basmati rice or serve it with garlic naan and enjoy it with your family and friends.
    Check out this recipe
    chicken tikka masala served with rice in a white platter.
    Chickpea Curry without Coconut Milk (Chana Makhani)
    Excited to make this easy chickpea curry recipe without coconut milk. It's loaded with a rich, creamy sauce and bursting with the delightful flavors of Indian spices, particularly the delectable aroma of garam masala that really elevates the dish. My family enjoys it so much that I find myself making it twice a week for dinner!
    Check out this recipe
    chickpea curry without coconut milk famous chana makhani in a rounder dish. White background
    Okra Curry (Bhindi Masala Gravy)
    Indian Okra curry, also known as bhindi masala, is a delicious vegetarian dish that's perfect for family dinners or lunches. The less slimy, stir-fried okra cooked in a spicy onion and tomato sauce creates a delightful flavor that pairs wonderfully with rice, roti, or paratha.
    Check out this recipe
    Okra Curry in a white platter. White background
    Keema Curry Recipe (Kheema Masala)
    Here is the one pan keema curry recipe loaded with traditional Indian spices, yogurt and garam masala. If you love the taste of road side dhaba kheema masala then this recipe is for you to try with tandoori naan.
    Check out this recipe
    Keema Curry Recipe (Kheema Masala)

    Q & A

    How to thicken Chicken Curry?

    You can simply use yogurt, or tomato paste. Apply lid on and off method with high temperature.

    How to thicken coconut milk curry?

    Use slurry! if you don't want to use then cook on high heat. Keep stirring for few minutes and it will turned to thick, velvety texture.

    How to thicken without flour or cornflour?

    Use veg, lentil or nut puree as per your curry requirements.

    How do I thicken curry sauce in a slow cooker?

    Slurry is helpful here! Also check veg or lentil puree.

    How to Thicken curry in Instant pot?

    Yes, you can thicken at saute mode. Also take help with binding agent like corn flour, or puree.

    Can I thicken curry with plain flour?

    Yes, you can! It will change the flavor. Famous example is Nihari.

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    how to thicken curry
    Print Pin
    5 from 1 vote

    How to Thicken Curry

    Learn how to thicken curry with easy cooking methods and using thickening ingredients. All these methods are tested and perfected in my kitchen. Turn the runny curry into thick, smooth, and velvety curry texture.
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Indian, International, Pakistani
    Keyword how to thicken curry
    Author Hinz

    Ingredients

    • Curry thickening methods
    • Thickening ingredients

    Instructions

    • Cooking Methods to Thicken Curry
    • Sauteeing
      It’s important to properly saute the initial ingredients in your curry like ginger garlic and onion. If it’s well cooked on specified temperature then it has tendency to blend well with other ingrdients of curry.
      Many of my friends must be thinking then use paste. Yes, you can! but still you need proper timing to sauteed the ingredients with oil or butter.
    • Simmering
      Yes, there is no doubt simmering is the best cooking method to thicken the curry. It requires to cook curry below the water boiling point. If you are making meat curry then it perfectly fits. It’s not only thicken the curry but also saturate the meat broth to enhance the flavor.
      Simmering the slow heating process that takes time to thicken gravy. If you want to expediate the process then switch to High flame cooking.
    • Lid on and off
      This is the most effective technique to thicken the curry and mostly used in Indian cooking. You can remove the lid and cook on high heat to evaporate excess water. As the water level reduces, place the lid and cook on steam to have thick gravy with floating oil on surface. If you have big pot then thicken process will be fast compared to small pot.
    • High Flame Cooking
      Similar to lid on and off but here, you will only cook on high flame to cook the curry. Most apply to thicken chicken curry. Restaurant chefs use this method to cook quick dishes with curry. Chicken Karahi is the best example of high flame cooking.
    • Ingredients to Thicken Curry
    • Yogurt or Cream
      Use thick or Greek style yogurt to thicken the curry. The particles in yogurt has great tendency to blend with curry spices which will not only thicken the curry but also improve the taste. Use the amount of yogurt as per your curry quantity. If you want to reduce 1 cup of water then add 1 tablespoon of yogurt on medium flame and give it a quick stirring to blend with spices. Mostly the yogurt used in Indian cooking.
      Cream is the alternative of yogurt and used in several type of curry to give a cream rich look. Here is the example of Creamy Garlic Chicken.
    • Tomato Paste
      Yes, you can use the paste of fresh tomatoes. Remove the skin and blend it. It will work as a soft thickening agent with sweet, sour and tangy flavor. Mostly used in Indian cooking. Indian chicken tikka masala is the best example.
      On the other hand, the canned tomato paste will work as a hard thickening agent with strong umami flavor. Mostly used in British style chicken tikka masala recipe.
      If you want to thicken your curry with luster then nothing is good than butter. Mostly people skip butter with clarified butter (desi ghee) which also good and add flavor in curry.
    • Ground Nuts
      Ground almonds, cashews, peanuts, and walnuts works best to thicken the curry. In Indian cooking, most of the Mughal recipes use ground nuts in curry not only for thickening but to add taste.
    • Lentil Puree
      Boil the lentils that you like with salt and peppers and blend it to make a nice puree. Now you are ready to use in your curry sauce.
    • Veg Puree
      If you are making a hard time thickening curry with meat then veg puree can easily do the job. You can use the blanched vegetable of your choice and make a thick paste just by blending and adding in a curry. It will improve the taste and keep you relaxed during the thickening process.
      Spinach puree is the best. Alternatively, you can use potatoes, pumpkins, carrots, and cauliflower.
    • Slurry (With Corn flour or Cornstarch)
      Normally used in Chinese style cooking. You can thicken the stew, soup, gravy or any curry.
      Slurry can be prepared by adding cornstarch or corn flour with water or stock (broth) and then added to hot liquid soup, sauce, or curry. Keep stirring while pouring otherwise the lump will form. It will make a quick transformation to thicken curry so precisely monitor the quantity.
    • Roux
      In simple words, roux is the cooked form of slurry which I feel has a better taste. More like a nutty flavor as the corn flour or cornstarch is cooked with butter to make a desired brown color then liquidate with water, broth, or milk. Simple and easy way to thicken curry with the roux.

    Notes

    3 quick tips before making curry:
    • Always monitor the water quantity while making curry.
    • Stirring is very important to make thick and smooth curry.
    • Cook all the ingredients at the right temperature. 

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