When did you last have a curry?

Pizza's good and steak's great, but sometimes only a curry will do.

For some, the warm spicing offers a comforting bowlful on a cool night, while for others, the idea of curry brings back memories of nights out with friends, holidays, family meals, or a night on the sofa with a good film. For chef Valentine Warner, the prawn curry his father cooked for him and his brother as children remained a fond memory that he recreates in the video above.

In a hurry? Gordon Ramsay's easy Malaysian chicken curry can be rustled up in less time than it takes to wait for one to be delivered from a takeaway. But be warned - this recipe comes from Gordon's sweary phase so contains strong language.

If you prefer an easy recipe without the expletives, these two use mince as the main ingredient. Both kheema mutter (mince with peas) and kheema aloo (combined with potatoes) pack in plenty of flavour but avoid creamy sauces so contain fewer calories. You can reduce or leave out the coconut cream if you prefer, or stir in some low fat natural yogurt just before serving.

If you've got more time on your hands, get some deep flavours into your curry by marinating the meat first, for example in this Anglo-Indian classic chicken tikka masala recipe.

More marvellous curry ideas:
One-pot chicken curry with garlic herb naan breads
Thai jungle curry with duck
Sri Lankan venison curry
Rich and creamy lamb pasanda
Lamb Madras
Indian lamb kebabs
Coconut lamb curry
Thai red pork curry

If you're looking for a tasty treat without clocking up a high calorie count, keep it lean with a healthy version of Thai green curry from body coach Joe Wicks, or, in a nod to the 1970s-style of curry, try this prawn and pineapple combination.

Fancy a curry but without the meat?
Aromatic basmati rice makes the perfect accompaniment to most curries, but it can also be at the heart of the meal itself – for example as a vegetable biryani or a spicy fish kedgeree.

More meat-free curry options:
Bengal tiger lentil curry with spinach raita
Bombay aloo (potato curry)
Crispy lemongrass squid with red Thai curry mayonnaise
How to make curried cauliflower

Perfect curry companions
If you fear your curry may be a little too hot for yourself or your guests, you might want to make some delicious mango lassi in advance and have it to hand in case you need to calm the fire.

More accompaniments:
How to cook perfect rice
Spiced carrot and coconut chutney

More spicy video recipes

Chicken chow mein recipe