Japanese curry rice is a popular and comforting dish that is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is made with a savory and flavorful curry sauce that is typically served over rice. The curry sauce is usually made with a roux, which is a paste of flour, butter, and spices. Other common ingredients in Japanese curry include onions, potatoes, carrots, and meat or seafood.

Ingredients

• For the roux:
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• For the curry:
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 potatoes, chopped
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces (or other protein of your choice)
  • 4 cups water
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Cooked rice

Instructions

1. Make the roux:
   In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, or until the mixture is light and frothy. Whisk in the curry powder, paprika, turmeric powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute more, or until the spices are fragrant.
2. Cook the vegetables:
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more, or until fragrant. Add the carrots and potatoes and cook for 5 minutes more, or until the vegetables are starting to soften.
3. Add the chicken and cook:
   Add the chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the water, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and honey:
   Stir in the water, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and honey. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
5. Serve:
   Serve the curry over cooked rice.

Tips

• For a spicier curry, add more curry powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• You can also add other vegetables to the curry, such as green beans, corn, or spinach.
• If you don’t have chicken, you can use beef, pork, or tofu in its place.
• Japanese curry rice is often served with a side of pickled vegetables, such as fukujinzuke or rakkyo.

Health and beauty benefits

Curry rice offers numerous health and beauty benefits. Firstly, the spices in curry, particularly turmeric, contain curcumin, which has strong antioxidant properties. This helps prevent cellular aging and maintains healthy skin. Curry also has anti-inflammatory effects, boosting the immune system. Additionally, using a balanced mix of meat and vegetables provides a rich intake of protein, vitamins, and minerals, which supports muscle maintenance and promotes energy metabolism. The rice provides carbohydrates, helping to replenish energy. These combined elements make curry rice a dish that comprehensively supports both beauty and health.