Bajari-Methi na Tepla

Use the same weight; it is almost the same, though slightly finer, so add water gradually.

Use the same weight but reduce water by about 10%; the result is lighter and less nutty.

Use the same weight as plain flour; reduce water slightly and expect less bran and colour.

Use the same weight; it has gluten so the dough will be stretchier and less crumbly, but the flavour will be less nutty. Add water gradually.

Use 70% rice flour with 30% whole wheat flour by weight, otherwise rotis will crack; texture is sandier and cooking is similar.

Use the same weight; it binds well but tastes bland and lacks millet's nuttiness. Add water slowly.

Dry-roast lightly in a pan and grind to a fine powder; use equal weight (1:1). Offers a noticeably fresher, brighter citrus note.

Use 50% to 75% of the weight. Lacks the floral, citrusy profile of coriander and turns the gravy heavier, earthier, and darker.

Use 50% of the weight and stir in near the end of cooking. Adds warmth and depth since it contains ground coriander, but introduces stronger spices like clove and cinnamon.

Dry-roast briefly and grind finely; use equal weight (1:1). Imparts an even punchier, nuttier, toasty aroma than pre-ground cumin.

Use equal weight (1:1). Adds mild, lemony sweetness rather than cumin's smoky, earthy bite; curries will taste lighter and less savoury.

Grind finely; use 60% to 75% of the weight. Produces a darker, more complex, smoky-herbal flavour suited to rich gravies.

Use 50% of the weight. Mimics turmeric's warm, earthy, rhizome background, but provides none of the golden-yellow colour.

Steep a tiny pinch (0.1 g per 2 g turmeric) in 2 tbsp warm water; use to match the rich golden hue. Contributes an aristocratic, honeyed floral flavour rather than earthy bitterness.

Use 100% of the weight. Provides direct, sharp heat and red colour in equal measure.

Use 150% to 200% of the weight if matching colour, but add a pinch of black pepper or hot chilli if you need equivalent fiery heat.

Use 75% to 100% of the weight. Offers a sharp, clean heat with slightly less earthy depth and less crimson colour.

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 about 30–40% of the paste weight, mix with water to a paste and add gradually; it is drier and hotter.

Blend deseeded fresh red chillies to the same weight as the paste; fresher, sharper heat and more moisture.

Use the same weight mixed with water; gives good red colour but much less heat, so add cayenne if needed.

Use 80% of the weight. Granulated sugar is sweeter by weight, but gives a cleaner, one-dimensional sweetness that lacks jaggery's caramel, molasses depth.

Soak and blend into a paste; use 100% to 120% of the weight. Adds rich, natural, fruity sweetness with complex, dark molasses notes that thicken the gravy.

Use 10% of the fresh weight, rub between the palms or soak in warm water for 5 minutes. More hay-like and less fresh-bitter; add near the end.

Use the same weight, chop and wilt. Gives leafy body but none of methi's bitter aroma; adjust salt and add a pinch of sugar.

Use the same weight, chop finely and discard any tough stems. Milder and more tender; cook 2–3 minutes less.

Use 1:1 by weight. Handles high-heat frying identically and introduces a very subtle, pleasant nuttiness.

Use 1:1 by weight. Yields a much richer, authentic aroma and a glossy, heavier mouthfeel.

Use 1:1 by weight. Heat until smoking, then cool slightly before cooking to temper its intensely pungent, sharp mustard kick.

Use the same weight; stir well. Same tang and consistency.

Use the same weight; add 10 ml lemon juice per 200 g and rest 10 minutes. Stir before use.

Use the same weight; whisk with lemon juice to taste. Add off the heat to prevent splitting.