> > >  Curry Powder  Curry Powder, like Chili Powder, is a
convenience for Westerners, and doesn't actually exist in the
culture that inspired it.  Curry Powder comes in mild, medium
and hot. Madras style is hot (as far as the commercial scale
goes, at any rate.) It is a combination of several spices. Most
Curry Powder mixes use coriander seed as a base, then include
any of the following ground spices: cardamom, cloves, chili
pepper, cumin, ginger, nutmeg, red and black pepper, and
turmeric. Some mixes will go beyond that with caraway, cinnamon,
dried basil, fenugreek seed, garam masala, mustard seeds, etc.
In India, you don't buy Curry Powder. It's something you mix up
for a particular recipe or need. Some recipes will call for up
to 20 different spices and herbs to be combined.  Curry Powders
can also be bought in a paste.  Cooking Tips  If you are using
commercial Curry Powder, you can wake its taste up by frying it
lightly for a minute or so in some butter or oil before
proceeding with your recipe and ad