Bhuna Kekra

Use the same weight of peeled meat; cook only 2–3 minutes until just firm; sweeter and less dense than lobster.

Use the same weight; split larger ones lengthways; cook 3–4 minutes; firmer than king prawn but still not lobster.

Use the same weight; add at the end and warm through for 2 minutes; flakier and richer.

Use the same weight; nuttier and keeps better. Reduce salt if the butter was salted.

Use 80% of the weight; no dairy flavour and less richness. Good for frying, less good for finishing.

Use the same weight; adjust salt in the dish if your butter was salted.

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 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 100% of the weight directly. It delivers an identical sharp, clean acidity to curries and marinades.

Use 100% of the weight. Add towards the end of cooking off the heat; introduces a fruity citrus aroma rather than pungent acetic sharpness.

Use 75% of the weight diluted in a splash of warm water. Gives a rich, fruity sourness and darkens the gravy.

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 equal weight, whisked thoroughly until smooth before adding to hot dishes to prevent curdling.

Use equal weight with 1 teaspoon lemon juice mixed in. Provides rich creaminess in curries, but adds a noticeable coconut flavour.

Use 80% of the weight plus a squeeze of lemon juice for acidity. Enriches sauces nicely, though it is richer and less tangy.

Use 50% of the weight mixed with equal parts ground coriander and a pinch of ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and ground green cardamom. Sprinkle near the end for a warming finish.

Use 75% of the weight. Simmer briefly in the gravy; imparts roasted warmth and complexity, though it adds a slight tang and earthy lentil undertone.

Use the same weight and crush finely; it is virtually the same.

Use the same weight and crush finely; it is slightly stronger in aroma.

Use the same weight; this is the same herb.