Vadavan, sometimes spelled Vadouvan or Vaudouvan, is also referred to as French Curry because it is believed to have been developed in a Colonial French area of Southeast India. Vadavan has recently emerged into European and American cooking, and it is difficult to find commercially in the US. An onion based Indian masala, it has a full and rich flavor with mild heat. It is great to use in traditional curry dishes as well as as a rub on meats, added to soups stews and sauces, and even sprinkled on eggs as they cook.

Photo by Katie Webster