Summer time Curries 

Britain is not well known for its good weather. The great British weather can often be summarised as rain, wind, and a whole lot of gloom. However, although we have become the butt of the joke from our Mediterranean friends, Britain still gets the odd days of sunshine, even if we can count those days on our hands.

However, one thing we Brits seem to do during those few days of sunshine is to make the most of it. I’m talking about day trips to the beach, sunbathing in every square inch of sun available and of course the picnics and barbecues that flood our back gardens and parks. Food is a huge part of British culture and British summer. Recipes of cooling drinks are passed around and people come together over a pile of fiery coals to see who has the best burger flipping skills. Summer is the time to explore different foods that will not only be delicious but will also help you cool down under the scorching midday rays.

It should be noted that when British summer comes around, it comes full swing. Some of the warmest days were recorded in 2018 with the hottest being around 38 degrees Celsius. That is scorching for people who are used to the chilly winters breeze and constant rain. So how does a good ol’ curry fit into this?

There is a reason why spicy food is eaten in countries closer to the equator. It may seem odd to chow down on a chicken jalfrezi, but there is some method to the perceived madness. Chillies contain a chemical called capsaicin which is what gives it the infamous heat and makes you sweat. That warm feeling will slowly move throughout your whole body forcing your body to regulate its temperature. And how do humans cool themselves? They sweat of course. The sweat itself isn’t what lowers your temperature; it is the evaporation of the perspiration that creates that cooling effect. Who knew that your regular takeaway could be the ticket to cooling yourself down in the warm summer eves?

It is not just how spicy a dish is that will help you in the summer heat. As you know, a curry is an amalgamation of curated ingredients, vegetables enveloped in the flavour of the gravy, meat sizzled into tender strips and of course spices tempered to perfection. One spice that you will find in most, if not all, Indian cuisine (that’s right, even the korma) is turmeric. This yellow spice is used to give a curry that iconic vibrancy. It can also be bought in its root form. The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric will help with blood circulation.

The base of all curries is often garlic, ginger and most importantly onions. As you cook these ingredients through, they will start to create a gravy like texture, the perfect foundation for a good curry. It is the onions that can help you during the scorching heat of the sun. Onions have been used for thousands of years in ayurvedic practices to treat heat rashes. Red onions also contain quercetin. This compound helps against histamine, which is what causes heat rashes and reactions to insect bites.

No good curry can go without a generous topping of coriander. As a member of the mint family, this herb has many properties, one of which is providing a cooling affect both internally and externally. Many curries will not only cook coriander into the curry but will also use it as a fresh garnish topping for that added crunch and crispness. It seems like the perfect way to eat a light curry on a warm summer evening.

If you are still not convinced on trying one of our sumptuous dishes during these warm summer evenings, then perhaps now is your chance to try. Put down that ice cream and call us on 01872 225895 or 01872 225896 and our staff will help you find the perfect meal to fit your palate.

To find out more about some of the best curry in Truro, check out our menu on our website https://www.theshanaz.com/menu