As the name suggests, Durban Curry is a dish that comes from the South African city of Durban.
It is a delectable and distinctive fusion of Indian and African culinary customs that was brought to our shores with the arrival of the Indian indentured labourers in the 19th century, and perfected over generations and generations of Elders teaching their children and grandchildren the art of cooking this wonderful cuisine.
Let me explain why Durban curry holds a particular place in my heart and why it might just become your new favourite dish as a fan and true curry lover.
First of all, Durban curry has an unmatched depth of flavour. It has a deep complexity that results from a combination of spices, and it is lively and substantial. It typically contains fresh aromatics like garlic, ginger, and onions as well as spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, fennel seeds, and garam masala. However, the usage of curry leaves in Durban curry is what makes it unique. When these leaves are sautéed in oil, a flavorful perfume is released that is both delicate and alluring.
Because it uses a lot of red chilli, durban curry is typically fairly hot and spicy. Although the level of heat can be altered to suit individual tastes, a good Durban curry should have a distinct kick. It’s thrilling and exhilarating to eat a curry that has real punch, and Durban curry does just that.
Although it can also be cooked with fish or vegetables, Durban curry is typically made with chicken, mutton, lamb, and outside of the Hindu Community, beef.
It is frequently eaten with rice, roti, or fresh buttered bread. The ‘Bunny Chow’, a speciality version, serves the curry not simply with bread but also inside of it! The curry is placed inside a hollowed-out loaf of bread to create a dish that is both entertaining to eat and delicious.
But more than just the flavour, I adore the narrative that the Durban curry conveys. It exemplifies South Africa’s diverse cultural heritage. Curry, which Indian immigrants brought to Durban in the 19th century, experienced changes there by adding local ingredients and adjusting to local preferences. You can experience a history of cultural interaction and adaptation when you eat Durban curry.
As a result, Durban curry is not simply about the heat, the spices, or the meat for someone who like curry. It’s about the sensation of tucking into a meal that represents centuries of culinary invention and tradition. From the bustling spice markets of India to the streets of Durban, this culinary tour will leave you wanting more. It is a curry that truly stands out in the diverse and expansive world of curries, which explains why so many people like it.
