A Tiny Leaf with Transformative Power
Why do I call curry leaves the most underrated leaves? Because even though they are tiny, they carry the power to transform an entire dish. The moment they sizzle in hot oil, they release an aroma so unique that you instantly know a delicious meal is on its way. And yet, despite this magic, they’re treated as ordinary — just like me 🙂.
Everyday Neglect, Everyday Necessity
In fact, in Mumbai, vegetable vendors usually hand over a small bunch of curry leaves for free, almost like they don’t carry any worth. And Indian women never forget to ask if the vendor misses them out! This itself shows how underrated these leaves are in daily life.
Rooted in Kerala, Thriving in Maharashtra
I grew up with curry leaf trees around my Kerala home, and now, even in my Maharashtrian home, my mother-in-law has a huge tree full of them — which I’ve lovingly tagged in this article. Keralites are so obsessed with curry leaves that they even add them in snacks like mixture (chiwda) and pakkavada, and we can’t deny how these snacks taste completely different with that extra touch of flavor.
My Personal Love Affair with Curry Leaves
🌿 Personally, I love them so much that I add them not only in vegetarian curries but also in chicken, mutton, prawns, and fish fries. My husband knows this, so whenever he fries prawns or chicken, he crisps up curry leaves just for me to munch on.
🌿 Sometimes, I also dry-roast curry leaves in a pan without oil and make a powder that I sprinkle over dals and stir-fries. And yes — I even have coconut hair oil at home infused with curry leaves (a little tradition carried on from my mother).
Not Just for Curries — A Snack Game-Changer
Now, if you think curry leaves are only for curries, let me tell you — they sneak beautifully into snacks too. Boiled peanuts with curry leaves, sweet poha with curry leaf tadka, kabuli chana with fried leaves on top… these little twists make ordinary snacks addictive.
🌱 Why Curry Leaves Deserve More Love: Quick Benefits
✨ Good for Digestion – Helps in smoother digestion and reduces acidity.
🩸 Supports Diabetes Management – Known to help regulate blood sugar levels.
💆♀️ Promotes Healthy Hair – Used in oils to reduce hair fall and encourage growth.
🛡️ Boosts Immunity – Rich in antioxidants that fight everyday stress on the body.
⚡ Aids in Weight Management – Improves metabolism when added regularly to diet.
💡 Pro Tip to Store Curry Leaves Fresh:
If you get a big bunch, wash and pat them dry. You can either air-dry and make a powder or store them in an airtight box lined with paper in the fridge. Some people even freeze them in zip bags — they stay fresh for weeks without losing aroma.
A Leaf That Deserves More Love
And that’s why I’ll never stop calling them the most underrated leaves.