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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can use food skills to make a curry.

      Key learning points

      1. Thought to be Indian in origin, however, many countries have their own versions, e.g. China, Thailand, Japan, and Korea.
      2. There are many different types of curry, some based on a specific ingredient (e.g. spinach) or blend of spices.
      3. The food skills to make a curry are peeling, chopping, opening cans, stirring and using the hob (simmering).
      4. The main nutrients provided by a recipe can identified by using the Eatwell Guide food groups.

      Keywords

      • Curry powder - a mix of different spices

      • Simmering - to cook food just below the boiling point, while bubbling gently

      • Frying - to cook food in oil

      Common misconception

      Curry powder is a spice from a plant.

      Curry powder is a mixture of different spices blended together, not a single spice.

      Teacher tip

      The recipe can easily be adapted to use seasonal vegetables that pupils may have grown at school. Group work is essential, due to using a hob. Portable hobs, or party pans, must be used under supervision.

      Equipment

      For ingredients and equipment see the recipe in additional materials.

      Content guidance

      Risk assessment required - may contain allergens

      Risk assessment required - equipment

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      We get the energy and nutrients we need by following the ...

      Correct Answer: Eatwell Guide, EatwellGuide

      Q2.
      What is the name of the equipment being used?

      An image in a quiz
      draining spoon
      Correct answer: colander
      sieve
      zester

      Q3.
      Food and drinks are the body’s source of ...

      Correct Answer: energy

      Q4.
      True or false? The Eatwell Guide food groups provide different nutrients, so we need a variety of different foods.

      Correct answer: true
      false

      Q5.
      Why is Sam removing her watch?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct answer: she is getting ready to cook
      she does not want to know the time
      Correct answer: in case dirt or bacteria get on the food

      Q6.
      The three main parts of a cooker are the , grill and oven.

      Correct Answer: hob

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      True or false? Curry powder is a spice from a plant.

      true
      Correct answer: false

      Q2.
      Match the curry ingredients to the cuisine:

      Correct Answer:spices, ghee, garlic, ginger, onions,Indian
      Correct Answer:spice pastes, coconut milk, fish sauce,Thai
      Correct Answer:curry powder, ginger, garlic, soy sauce,Chinese

      Q3.
      Which of these are spices used in Indian cuisine?

      Correct answer: fenugreek
      basil
      rosemary
      Correct answer: clove
      Correct answer: cardamom

      Q4.
      Match the food group to its main nutrients:

      Correct Answer:Fruit and vegetables,vitamins A and C, and fibre
      Correct Answer:Potatoes, bread, rice and pasta,carbohydrate (energy) and fibre
      Correct Answer:Beans, pulses, fish, eggs and meat,protein and minerals, e.g. iron
      Correct Answer:Dairy and alternatives,minerals, e.g. calcium

      Q5.
      To safely slice vegetables, the cutting technique is used.

      Correct Answer: claw grip, clawgrip

      Q6.
      Put this curry recipe into the correct order:

      1 - First, peel and slice the onion and garlic.
      2 - Slice the mushrooms and dice the potatoes.
      3 - Fry the vegetables for five minutes.
      4 - After five minutes, stir in the curry powder.
      5 - Then add the spinach, chickpeas and coconut milk.
      6 - Simmer for 20 minutes.

      To help you plan your 5 cooking and nutrition lesson on: Making curry in a hurry, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...