5 Easy Asian Curries to Make at Home.

Creating complex and delicious curries doesn’t have to be complicated. I like to keep things nice and simple on occasion by turning to my tried and tested curries that are quick and easy to make at home.

Creating complex and delicious curries doesn’t have to be complicated. I love a long, slow curry when I have the time, but sometimes I just want something quick, easy and packed with flavour. These are five of my tried and tested favourites – curries I’ve been cooking for years and regularly turn to when I want a delicious meal without too much effort.

I’ve travelled extensively through Asia and have eaten my fair share (and other people’s share too) of curries along the way. What I love most is just how different they can be from one country to the next. There’s no single definition of a curry – they can be rich and creamy, fiery and fragrant, nutty, earthy or wonderfully light. Sometimes it takes a long list of ingredients and a little patience, but often the simplest recipes deliver the biggest flavour.

These five are all about keeping things easy without compromising on taste. From creamy coconut and fragrant spices to rich, peanutty sauces and hearty dals, each one brings something different to the table. They’re simple enough for a weeknight but delicious enough to make it seem like you’ve put in far more effort than you actually have. The mantra for my life!

1. malai prawn curry
ready in No time at all

Seafood curries come together quickly and this one is no exception. It’s a simple recipe that packs in flavour without a lengthy wait. Juicy prawns sit in a flavourful coconut sauce – with a rich but light flavour. I’ve been cooking this versatile recipe for 20+ years. There are a fair few spices, but honestly, all your time will be spent getting them from the cupboard – the rest comes together in the pan without the need for you to move much.

2. Chicken Satay Curry
Peanut butter to the rescue

I wouldn’t call this a ‘cheat’s’ curry, more a smart use of store-bought staples. Adding peanut butter to a red curry paste and coconut milk makes for the most deliciously rich and satisfying curry sauce. You get all the flavour of an authentic Thai peanut curry sauce without sweating over a pestle and mortar. This is a midweek favourite for me, when I want flavour without the effort.

3. kari Ayam
the Queen of curries

It’s probably my most favourite curry to cook and eat. I’ve perfected my recipe over the last 20 years and can create this at the drop of a hat. It’s a super versatile recipe that can use a store-bought curry powder or my own Malaysian Curry Powder if I have any at hand. Either version is utterly delicious – an alluring mix of Southeast Asian and Indian flavours. It’s an absolute staple in my household and I always have a couple of portions in the freezer for a no-effort lunch.

4. lahori chicken
Always a surprise

The ingredients are few for this wonderful Pakistani chicken curry. I’m always amazed at how so few ingredients can create such a flavour-packed curry sauce. Making at home is a simple affair and the results are a million times better than anything you can order for delivery. This curry is the most requested at home, and if I ever make it without being ‘told’ to, an excited round of applause ensues when they discover it. Minimal effort and adulation (a winning combination!).

5. spinach dal
Main event or side show?

A dal needn’t be a side dish – this wonderful spinach dal (Dal Palak) is great either way. The nutty dal and leafy spinach are a wonderful combination. It’s so easy to pull together by creating shortcuts like using frozen or canned spinach without losing flavour. It’s a hearty dish that I enjoy spooned over fluffy basmati rice or in a small bowl with store-bought naan or chapati.

More Asian Curry Recipes

Discover all my favourite curry recipes – the recipes that I cook again and again, because they’re tasty, tried and tested and just plain unforgettable.

• The Indian Collection
• The Southeast Asian Curry Collection
• The Best Curry Recipes
• The Best Malaysian Curry Recipes
• The Best Chicken Curry Recipes

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