[katyseagull]

Hey, very informative post - thanks Justin.

Can you explain to me what curry is? For years I thought it was a spice. Then more recently, after reading that curry might help fight alzheimers, I became convinced it was a mixture of different spices, not sure why. Now, I'm hearing that it just refers to any number of sauces used in Thai and Indian cooking. So I'm confused.

Also, that is an amazing list of spices you provided there, most of which I don't have in my cupboard. Forgive this if it's an ignorant question but could you tell me the common dishes one would use the following spices:

Cardamon
Turmeric
Safron (is that the yellow spice?)
Tamarind


Also you mention that southern India has a lot of vegetarian dishes. Where do they get their protein primarily? Lentils and nuts or something?