It may be one of Britain's most popular foods, but curry has not had the healthiest of images. That may now change.
Dishes drowning in ghee - clarified butter - send alarm signals out to nutritionists, and for good reason. Recent studies show that those in the south Asian community have a 50% chance of dying prematurely from cardiovascular disease.
Now the Aga Khan, head of the Ismaili Muslim community, has launched a project to transform the eating habits of south Asian households. An online nutrition centre, launched last week by the Aga Khan Health Board for the UK, in conjunction with the Department of Health, will feature a library of authentic recipes and is aimed at families who enjoy African, central and south Asian and Middle Eastern food.
The leading Indian dietitian and TV presenter Azmina Govindji said: "We know that there is an increasing incidence of certain conditions within the south Asian community, typically type-two diabetes and coronary heart disease. And one of the ways to prevent these conditions is by providing healthy recipes for a diet traditionally eaten within the south Asian community."
Working on the traffic-light system of red, amber and green, website users can call up familiar recipes to check their fat content. "For example, a lamb biryani can have very high levels, but lentil-based dishes, like a dhal, can be healthy," Govindji said.
The site will suggest which ingredients can be replaced by healthier alternatives without losing the overall taste.