A traditional dish loved by approximately 98% of the Guyanese culture is one called seven curry. Curry is said to have more than one meaning. Putting those meanings together it can be said that curry is a spice that comes from a leaf and is made into powder to be prepared. The main spices found in most curry powders are coriander, cumin, and turmeric. Other ingredients include, cardamom, sweet basil and red pepper
Curry comes from the word ‘Kari’ from the Tamil language in India. Research also described English cooks making curry as early as the 1300s. It was then spread throughout the Caribbean by Christopher Columbus and so curry is one of many dishes in Guyana. Dishes called ‘curry’ may contain fish, meat, poultry, or shellfish, either alone or in combination with vegetables. Additionally, many instead are entirely vegetarian, eaten especially among those who hold ethical or religious proscriptions against eating meat or seafood.
Curries may be either ‘dry’ or ‘wet’. Dry curries are cooked with very little liquid which is allowed to evaporate, leaving the other ingredients coated with the spice mixture. Wet curries contain significant amounts of sauce or gravy based on broth, coconut cream, coconut milk, dairy cream, legume purée, sautéed crushed onion, tomato purée or yogurt.
In Guyana, curry is mostly made with chicken, goat, duck, shrimp, beef, “aloo” (potato), channa, fish (different varieties) and crab, most predominately within Indo-Guyanese people.
What is 7-curry?
7-curry is a meal with 7 different curries made to be eaten with rice and your hands. These include pumpkin, bagee (spinach), catahar, potato/channa (chick peas), balange (eggplant), edoe and dahl and is usually served in a water-lily leaf. Some individuals also use mango and achar.
7-curry is commonly found at Hindu weddings and special occasions and is a delight to those who consume it.
Benefits of Curry (Generally Speaking)
Since 7-curry is comprised of more than one food, there are numerous benefits from pumpkin, chick peas, eggplant and the others.. However, curry is the main component which also has several benefits. Few of these include:
Antibacterial Activity
Coriander is a beneficial element found in most curry powder , which has a well-researched penchant for fighting off bacterial infections including intestinal infections. Given that, consuming a healthy amount of curry powder can increase the health of your digestive system. In addition, it can help keep your immune system strong in its defence against bacterial agents.
Liver Toxicity
The health of the liver have been known to be connected to curcumin, a component of turmeric. In it, is found certain genes that lead to inflammation, cancer, and tumor growth in the liver. Even though human testing is still in its nascent stages, through animal testing it has shown that curcumin in curry powder is a major boost against liver disease and excess liver toxicity.
Prevents Alzheimer’s Disease
Researchers have linked curcumin to a reduction in plaque that free radicals deposit in the neural pathways of the brain. The immune system is stimulated to eliminate the amino acids made up in this plaque. As a result it reduces cognitive decline and the chances of Alzheimer’s disease.
Relieves pain & inflammation
The anti-inflammatory qualities of turmeric actively decrease joint inflammation and deterioration. Also, decreases associated pain of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Turmeric have been shown to have the same effect as ibuprofen. However, organic solutions are always better than pharmaceutical ones.
Protects Heart Health
Commonly found in curry powder are cardamom and sweet basil, both of which are vasodilators. Due to these, proteins that reduce the tension in the blood vessels are affected. As a result, there is a reduction in blood pressure which reduces the chances of many cardiovascular conditions, including atherosclerosis, heart attacks and strokes.
Protects Bone Health
Testing have shown turmeric to immensely increase the speed of bone regrowth, connectivity and repair while reducing signs of bone loss the most 50%. This could mean a powerful boost to your bones, especially as you age, as well as a dietary regimen packed with essential vitamins and minerals.
Nutritional facts of curry
The main ingredients in curry are known to be anti-inflammatory and natural cleansing agents that strengthen and detoxify our bodies. It contains protein, fiber, magnesium, vitamin A, E, K, fatty acids among others.
How 7-curry is made
7-curry is simply made by preparing the seven types of curry along with rice. In other words, each curry is prepared separately. Each is prepared by adding curry powder and mixing it with the other ingredients to cook as per normal.
Eating 7-curry connects you with the multifaceted food culture of the land. No cutlery, just you eating from a natural vessel balanced in the palm of one hand while using the other hand to eat is truly unique.
Watch This: 7 Curry In The Making
References
- https://www.thespruceeats.com/curry-overview-and-nutritional-information-3217042
- http://www.tasteslikehome.org/2016/04/guyana-50-seven-curry.html
- https://www.rotaryclubofgeorgetownguyana.org/stories/7-curry-lime
- https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/health-benefits-of-curry-powder.html
- Main Image: Chris R Ram (https://deskgram.net/p/590670874601043448_22829332)
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