Unlike other curry, Japanese curry is fairly mild and sometimes even a little sweet. Usually served with side short-grain white rice, it can also be found with noodles or inside some ‘desserts.’ Because of its sweeter taste, often reputed ‘haters’ of curry can enjoy it. Best of all, Japanese curry is incredibly simple to make.

Store tips: This recipe includes curry ‘roux’, which are boxed curry ‘bricks’ that can be found in most Oriental food sections. In the United States, the biggest provider of these is Golden Curry. Also each different brand of curry roux provides directions as to the correct ratio of water to ‘roux’ for best taste.

Before You Start

In addition, make certain you have the ingredients for the rice or noodles you wish to eat the curry with. As Japanese curry has a lot of down time, these items can be prepared while the curry is cooking.

What You Need

• Rice
• Large pot
• Oil
• 1 potato, chopped
• 1 medium sized carrot, chopped
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 lb. beef (can be substituted for pork or chicken)
• 1/4 lb. curry roux
• 3 cups water

Method

• Cut ingredients into equal size, saute
• Add water and bring to a boil
• Lower heat and cook for 40 minutes, covered
• Add curry roux and stir well.
• Simmer for 10 minutes
• Serve with rice

The greatest thing about Japanese curry is that, as long as you have the ‘roux’, you can add just about anything to your curry, thus constantly experimenting. I myself am not much of a meat eater, so I substitute the meat for a number of vegetables (cabbage, mushrooms, etc). However, for those who are stringent vegetarians I recommend you buy Golden Curry brand.

As of now, Golden Curry is the only brand that definitely does not have any meat products in their ‘bricks.’

Besides being a tasty dish, curry is also a lot of fun to make with friends. Next time you and your friends are bored, try having a curry potluck and see what new tastes you can come up with!