a mound of panch phoran

basics

These are some of the basic preparations. There are common spice mixes or masalas and some homemade ingredients.

Much better than the store-bought alternatives and easy to make, with much better flavour.

idli batter

idli batter

Idli batter is used make the south Indian staples, idli and dosa.

chaat masala

chaat masala

Chaat masala is used to sprinkle over snacks, vegetables, fruit and into drinks.

garam masala

garam masala

Of all the masala mixes that exist in Indian cookery garam masala is the best known. It is usually added to a dish towards the end of the cooking process.

rasam masala

rasam masala

Rasam masala is a spice mix used to flavour the thin soups served as the second course in a traditional south Indian meal.

recheado paste

recheado paste

This is the taste of Goa. Super hot red recheado masala is used to marinate, coat or stuff into the food you are cooking.

sambar masala

sambar masala

Sambar masala is a spice mix used to flavour thick lentil-based soups that are the traditional south Indian first course.

panch phoran

panch phoran

This mix of spices, panch phoran, is the taste of Bengal. It is most commonly used to temper oil for dal and fish dishes.

paneer

paneer

Paneer is a fresh white cheese with a crumbly texture. It is made by curdling milk with a vegetable-derived acid,

tamarind water

tamarind water

Tamarind water is an extract of tamarind that has been soaked in warm water. It is a tangy preparation used to give a sour flavour to dishes.