Super Simple Rice Cooker Curry
Effortless and Flavorful Curry Made in Your Rice Cooker
Learn how to make delicious curry using just your rice cooker! Adding a touch of anchovy powder enhances the savory flavor (umami) wonderfully. This curry is best enjoyed warm, served alongside perfectly cooked rice. We’ll guide you through each step to ensure a delicious outcome, even for beginners!
Main Ingredients- Pork (lean cut like thigh) 1 cup (approx. 150g)
- Onion 1 medium
- Potatoes 2 medium
- Mushrooms (button or cremini) 3
- Carrot 1/2 medium
- Anchovy powder 1.5 Tbsp
- Curry powder 7 Tbsp (adjust to taste)
- Water 1.5 cups (approx. 300ml)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare about 1 cup of pork. I recommend using a lean cut like pork thigh, which is flavorful and has a pleasant chew. Cut the pork into pieces about the size of a fingertip joint. Season lightly with salt and pepper, and set aside in the refrigerator while you prepare the vegetables. This short resting period helps tenderize the meat.
Step 2
Now, let’s get the vegetables ready. Wash the potatoes thoroughly, then cut them in half. Next, dice them into bite-sized pieces. For the carrot, cut it slightly smaller than the potato pieces – this ensures a harmonious balance of textures and flavors when eaten together. Slice the mushrooms, and dice the onion into cubes. (Tip: If you don’t use mushrooms or carrots frequently, pre-chopping and freezing them can save you time during cooking.)
Step 3
Place the diced pork, potatoes (2), onion (1), carrot (1/2), and mushrooms (3) into the inner pot of your rice cooker. Add the anchovy powder (1.5 Tbsp) for an extra boost of umami, and pour in 1.5 cups of water. If you have rice water (water used to rinse rice) on hand, feel free to use it instead of plain water. Rice water adds a subtle richness to the curry.
Step 4
Stir everything together gently to ensure the ingredients are well combined. Now, select the ‘Steam’ or ‘Multipurpose Cook’ function on your rice cooker and set it for 20 minutes. This initial cooking stage allows the flavors from the meat and vegetables to meld and create a rich base broth.
Step 5
Once the steaming cycle is complete, the pot will contain hot broth. Add the curry powder directly into this hot liquid. I used 7 Tbsp of curry powder, which was perfect for my taste, but feel free to adjust the amount to your preference. Stir well to ensure the curry powder dissolves completely without any lumps. It’s a good idea to taste the mixture at this point and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 6
After thoroughly mixing in the curry powder, select the ‘Reheat’ or ‘Cook’ function again and set it for 9 minutes. This second cooking stage will thicken the curry and deepen its flavors. For serving with rice, a slightly saltier curry is often preferred. If you find it too salty, simply stir in a little more water to achieve your desired consistency.
Step 7
Your delicious rice cooker curry is ready! Serve generously over warm rice for a satisfying and comforting meal that the whole family will love.