Aoshi

Use the same weight, mash with a little water. Less salty and chunkier; adjust salt upwards.

Use the same weight. Garlicky and salty; reduce garlic and salt in the recipe.

Use 20–25% of the weight. Thin and salty, no body; add a little mashed cooked bean or mushroom for texture.

Use equal weight, diced similarly. Cook using the same slow braising method; lends a richer, slightly gamier flavour and retains moisture well.

Use equal weight of bone-in thighs. Cut into pieces and reduce simmering time by about half (cook for 25-30 minutes) to keep the meat succulent.

Use 75% of the weight. Add midway through simmering; spreads heat evenly through the dish instead of delivering isolated bursts.

Use 50% of the weight. Stir in near the end of cooking; significantly darkens light gravies and provides an immediate, sharp bite.

Use equal weight whole. Fry in hot oil or ghee as tempered spice; gives a richer red colour with slightly milder heat.

Use 50% to 70% of the weight. Stir into the oil with ground spices; distributes heat evenly throughout the dish without whole chilli skins.

Use equal weight; peel and grate very finely on a microplane or pound to a fine paste in a mortar.

Use equal weight; mince finely and crush with the flat of a knife before frying.

Use 20% of the weight; add directly with the dry spice powders, though it yields an earthier, less pungent profile.

Use equal weight; crush or finely grate to a smooth pulp to replicate the same fresh, pungent moisture in your base gravy.

Use 20 to 25% of the weight; mix with a teaspoon of water before adding to oil so it does not burn, noting it lacks the fresh bite.

Use 40% to 50% of the fresh tomato weight mixed with a splash of water. Imparts a deeper red colour, thicker sauce, and slightly sweeter cooked flavour.

Use 60% of the weight, whisked smooth and added on low heat. Provides rich body and sourness, though the gravy becomes paler and creamier.