Keema vs. Curry — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 22, 2024
Keema is a spiced ground meat dish, commonly featuring beef, lamb, or chicken, while curry is a broader term for spiced sauces with meat or vegetables.
Difference Between Keema and Curry
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Keema is traditionally made by mincing meat such as lamb, beef, or chicken, which is then cooked with spices like garam masala. On the other hand, curry encompasses a variety of dishes that use a mix of spices and herbs, typically involving a sauce, and can include meat, fish, or vegetables.
In keema, the consistency is typically dry or slightly moist, and it's often used as a filling for samosas or naan. Whereas, curry generally has a liquid base, ranging from coconut milk to tomato-based sauces, making it a versatile dish often served over rice or with bread.
Keema is heavily seasoned with spices such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric, providing a robust flavor that is both aromatic and intense. In contrast, curry might use a similar spice palette but often includes additional ingredients like ginger, garlic, and chili, which can be adjusted to alter the flavor intensity and heat.
The preparation of keema does not usually involve much liquid; spices are sautéed with onions and tomatoes to create a flavorful base. Curry, however, often starts with a base of sautéed onions, garlic, and tomatoes, with considerable amounts of liquid added to form a sauce.
While keema is primarily a feature in the cuisines of South Asia, specifically in Indian and Pakistani dishes, curry is a global phenomenon with variations found in Thai, Japanese, and Caribbean cuisines, among others.
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Comparison Chart
Base Ingredient
Ground meat
Meat, vegetables, or legumes
Sauce
Minimal or none
Often sauce-based
Common Spices
Cumin, coriander, turmeric
Cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili
Texture
Dry or slightly moist
Wet, ranging from thick to soupy
Cuisine
South Asian
Global, with various adaptations
Compare with Definitions
Keema
A filling used in various stuffed breads or pastries.
The keema stuffed in the samosas was flavorful and spicy.
Curry
A dish of meat, vegetables, or legumes cooked in a spiced sauce.
Chicken curry is a popular dish in many households.
Keema
Often eaten with bread like naan or pita.
She scooped up the keema using a piece of freshly baked naan.
Curry
Served over rice or with bread like roti or naan.
The spicy vegetable curry was perfect over a bed of steamed rice.
Keema
Can be cooked dry or with a little sauce.
The dry keema made an excellent topping for the pizza.
Curry
Often includes a liquid base such as coconut milk or tomato sauce.
The curry had a rich coconut milk base that added a creamy texture.
Keema
Ground meat cooked with spices and minimal liquid.
Keema matar features minced meat cooked with peas and spices.
Curry
Spices can be adjusted to vary the heat and flavor.
He added extra chili to the curry for a spicier taste.
Keema
Typically made with beef, lamb, or chicken.
Lamb keema is particularly rich and tender.
Curry
Found in various global cuisines, including Thai and Caribbean.
The Thai green curry offered a burst of authentic Southeast Asian flavors.
Keema
(India) A traditional dish of the Indian subcontinent, typically minced-lamb curry with peas or potatoes and spices, sometimes used as a filling in samosas or naan.
Curry
Curry is a variety of dishes originating in the Indian subcontinent. It uses a combination of spices or herbs, usually including ground turmeric, cumin, coriander, ginger, and fresh or dried chilies.
Curry
To groom (a horse) with a currycomb.
Curry
To prepare (tanned hides) for use, as by soaking or coloring.
Curry
To season (food) with curry.
Curry
A dish of meat or vegetables flavored with pungent spices, typical of South Asian and Southeast Asian cuisines.
Curry
A blend of spices used in or suggesting the flavor of curry, typically containing turmeric, cumin, coriander, and ginger, among other ingredients.
Curry
Curry powder.
Curry
One of a family of dishes originating from Indian cuisine, flavoured by a spiced sauce.
Curry
A spiced sauce or relish, especially one flavoured with curry powder.
Curry
Curry powder.
Curry
(transitive) To cook or season with curry powder.
Curry
(transitive) To groom (a horse); to dress or rub down a horse with a curry comb.
Curry
(transitive) To dress (leather) after it is tanned by beating, rubbing, scraping and colouring.
Curry
(transitive) To beat, thrash; to drub.
Curry
(transitive) To try to win or gain (favour) by flattering.
Curry
To perform currying upon.
Curry
To scurry; to ride or run hastily
Curry
To cover (a distance); (of a projectile) to traverse (its range).
Curry
To hurry.
Curry
To dress or prepare for use by a process of scraping, cleansing, beating, smoothing, and coloring; - said of leather.
Curry
To dress the hair or coat of (a horse, ox, or the like) with a currycomb and brush; to comb, as a horse, in order to make clean.
Your short horse is soon curried.
Curry
To beat or bruise; to drub; - said of persons.
I have seen him curry a fellow's carcass handsomely.
Curry
To flavor or cook with curry.
Curry
A kind of sauce much used in India, containing garlic, pepper, ginger, and other strong spices.
Curry
A stew of fowl, fish, or game, cooked with curry.
Curry
(East Indian cookery) a pungent dish of vegetables or meats flavored with curry powder and usually eaten with rice
Curry
Season with a mixture of spices; typical of Indian cooking
Curry
Treat by incorporating fat;
Curry tanned leather
Curry
Give a neat appearance to;
Groom the dogs
Dress the horses
Common Curiosities
What makes a curry different from other spiced dishes?
Curry typically involves a combination of spices cooked into a sauce, which distinguishes it from other spiced dishes that might be drier or use spices differently.
Can curry be vegetarian?
Yes, curry can be vegetarian or even vegan, using vegetables, legumes, or tofu as the main ingredient instead of meat.
What types of curry are there?
There are numerous types of curry, including Indian, Thai, Japanese, and Caribbean, each with distinct flavors and ingredients.
Is keema a common dish outside of South Asia?
While keema is popular in South Asia, it is less commonly found in other regions compared to more globally known dishes like curry.
What is a quick way to enhance the flavor of a basic curry?
Adding fresh herbs like cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice can quickly enhance the flavor of a basic curry.
How do the preparation methods of keema and curry differ?
Keema is prepared by cooking ground meat with spices and minimal liquid, focusing on achieving a dry or semi-dry texture. Curry usually involves cooking ingredients in a spice-infused sauce, resulting in a wetter dish.
How can I make keema less oily?
To make keema less oily, reduce the amount of oil used during cooking or drain excess fat after the meat has been cooked.
Is keema always spicy?
Keema can be spicy, but the level of heat can be adjusted according to personal taste preferences by altering the amount and type of spices used.
How should I store leftover curry and keema?
Leftover curry and keema should be cooled to room temperature, stored in airtight containers, and refrigerated. They are typically good for up to 3-4 days.
Are there dairy-free curry options?
Yes, many curries use coconut milk instead of dairy, and recipes can be easily adapted to avoid dairy products altogether.
Can I use fish in curry?
Yes, fish curry is a popular variant in many coastal regions, and it is prepared with similar spices but adjusted cooking times suitable for fish.
What are some common vegetables used in vegetarian curries?
Common vegetables in vegetarian curries include potatoes, carrots, peas, bell peppers, and cauliflower.
What kind of bread pairs well with curry?
Flatbreads like naan, roti, or chapati pair excellently with curry, as they are perfect for soaking up the sauce.
Can keema be used in fusion dishes?
Yes, keema is versatile and can be used in fusion dishes such as keema pizzas, keema tacos, or keema pasta.
Are there any health benefits to eating keema or curry?
Both dishes contain spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander, which offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, the health benefits depend on the overall ingredients and cooking methods used.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
