Curry powder is a popular, vibrant spice mix originating from South Asia, particularly India, and is renowned for its unique and bold flavor profile. It is a blend of various ground spices, typically including turmeric, coriander, cumin, fenugreek, and red pepper, but the ingredients can vary. Turmeric gives curry powder its signature golden hue, while other components contribute to the warmth, earthiness, and spiciness.

Curry powder is an incredibly versatile ingredient, perfect for adding a complex depth of flavor to a multitude of dishes. It's often used in traditional Indian curries, lentil soups, and stews, but it can also be used to season roasted vegetables, marinades, rubs, sauces, and more.

It's worth noting that curries in India are incredibly diverse, often featuring different spice blends. The Western version of 'curry powder', while capturing the spirit of these blends, is a more unified version often found in supermarkets. Due to its blend of spices, curry powder also offers a variety of health benefits such as anti-inflammatory properties from turmeric, and promoting digestion from cumin and coriander.

Curry powder can typically be found in the spice aisle of a grocery store. Look for it near other spices and seasonings like turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Some stores may also have it in the international foods section, particularly in the Asian or Indian aisle.