Poudre De Colombo Spice Blend

Poudre de Colombo, or Colombo Curry, is a wonderfully mild curry powder with a beautiful golden hue. Originating from the Caribbean, the powder contains sweet, lemony notes of coriander, fenugreek and clove. These soft flavours complement the earthiness of turmeric and cumin. This curry powder is not spicy, although subtle notes of brown mustard and black pepper give the blend a pleasant warmth.

Poudre de Colombo curry powder is used to make traditional Colombo, which is a thick curry from the West Indies. The meal is typically made with chicken, goat, lamb or pork. It also works great with salmon or trout!

It’s believed that Poudre De Colombo curry powder originated from the immigrant plantation workers who came via trade routes from Sri Lanka, where the capital is of course called Colombo. It reflects the fusion of African, Indian and Creole culinary traditions throughout the Caribbean, combining flavours and spices commonly found in Indian curries with local Caribbean ingredients. You’ll find it in particular use on French-speaking islands like Guadeloupe, Martinique, St Marin and St Barts.

The multifaceted blend was lucky enough to be featured in Delia Smith’s cookbook ‘How to Cheat at Cooking’. Poudre de Colombo is used in the recipe for Colomban Chicken Coconut Curry on page 115.

This sweet, mild curry powder can be used as an alternative to Indian curry powder. Try our recipes for Coconut Curry, Fish Colombo Curry or Spiced Sweet Potato Soup. How about mixing with some Crème Fraiche to make a coronation base sauce or dip?

Also available in an organic version here!

Includes