Curry powder is a mixture of several spices. There is no fixed or authentic recipe and the mixture varies by country, region or even by family. In warmer regions it is normal for more chile to be added to the mix and therefore it is redder in color.

Most curry powder recipes and producers include coriander, turmeric, cumin and fenugreek in their blends. Depending on the recipe, other ingredients such as ginger, garlic, fennel seeds, cinnamon, cloves, mustard seeds, green cardamom, black cardamom, mace, nutmeg, red pepper, long pepper and black pepper may also be added.