Chicken korma, e.g. - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Chicken korma, e.g.", is a classic example of a common crossword puzzle construction. It asks the solver to identify the category to which a specific item belongs. This type of clue is less about wordplay and more about general knowledge and recognizing the function of abbreviations like "e.g."

Clue Analysis

The key to this clue lies in the two-letter abbreviation at the end: e.g. This is Latin for exempli gratia, meaning "for example." When you see "e.g." in a crossword clue, it's a direct signal that the answer will be a broader category that includes the preceding term.

In this case, the example given is "Chicken korma." The puzzle is asking: "What is chicken korma an example of?" Chicken korma is a well-known dish from the Indian subcontinent, characterized by its mild, creamy, spiced sauce. The general term for this type of dish is a CURRY.

Thinking Approaches

1. Identify the Indicator: The first step is to spot "e.g." and understand its meaning. This immediately frames the clue as a "category" question, not a definition or synonym question.
2. Categorize the Example: Ask yourself, "What kind of thing is a chicken korma?" Your brain might generate a few possibilities:
   • Indian food
   • An entree
   • A dish
   • A curry
3. Find the Best Fit: While "Indian food" or "dish" are technically correct categories, they are often too broad or don't fit the letter count of the answer grid. The most specific and common classification for dishes like korma, tikka masala, or vindaloo is CURRY.
4. Use Crossings: If you're unsure, wait for some crossing letters. If the grid reveals something like C_R_Y, the answer becomes much more apparent.

Background Context

Chicken korma is a popular dish with roots in Mughlai cuisine. It's known for being milder than many other dishes in the same category, often using yogurt, cream, or nut pastes to create its signature rich and creamy sauce.

The term curry itself is a broad term, primarily used in the Western world to describe a wide variety of spiced, sauce-based dishes from South and Southeast Asia. The word is an anglicized version of the Tamil word kari, which means "sauce." While many cultures have their own specific names for these dishes (like korma, rogan josh, etc.), "curry" has become the widely accepted umbrella term.

Conclusion

This clue serves as a great reminder to pay close attention to every part of a clue, especially small abbreviations. By recognizing "e.g." as a signpost for "example," solvers can quickly deduce that the answer is the category that contains "chicken korma." This simple pattern recognition is a fundamental skill for efficient crossword solving.

Hints

1. Hint 1: A general term for a type of dish, often associated with South Asian cuisine.
2. Hint 2: This category of dish is known for its complex blend of spices and a sauce or gravy.
3. Hint 3: Other examples in this category include vindaloo, tikka masala, and rogan josh.
4. Hint 4: The name of this dish category is also the name of a common spice blend.