Cardamom and Pistachio Cake

Use equal weight. Soak in warm water and grind to a paste or fry identically; yields a slightly creamier and sweeter sauce.

Use equal weight. Lightly roast, skin, and grind; introduces a heavier body and a pronounced roasted-nut aroma.

Use the same weight. It is slightly coarser, so stir a little longer to dissolve; in baking, grind briefly if a fine texture matters.

Use the same weight, but dissolve it earlier as it is coarser. It adds a light caramel note and a little colour.

Use the same weight; crush or grate jaggery first. It darkens the dish and adds molasses flavour, so reduce other liquid slightly.

Use 96 g plain flour with 4 g baking powder for every 100 g self-raising flour. Sift together twice before using.

Use 96 g wholemeal flour with 4 g baking powder per 100 g. Add 1 tbsp extra liquid; the result is denser.

Use with plain flour as above; do not use baking powder alone. Mix well so it is evenly distributed.

Use 35 to 40% of the total pod weight; lightly bruise the seeds before frying in oil to release their essential oils.

Use 20 to 25% of the pod weight (about 1 generous pinch per pod); stir in toward the end of cooking so the delicate floral notes do not dissipate.

Use 1:1 by pod count or weight; crack gently before using, though it is slightly less intensely floral.

Use 25% of the baking powder's weight (e.g. 1 g for 4 g) and add 2 g cream of tartar or 1 tsp lime juice per 100 g flour. Mix quickly and bake at once.

Same as baking soda: use 25% of the weight with an acid such as cream of tartar, lemon juice or yogurt. Expect a slightly soapy taste if overused.

Replace the plain flour plus baking powder with the same weight of self-raising flour; omit added baking powder and reduce salt slightly.

Use the same weight. Neutral flavour and behaves the same in frying and tempering.

Use the same weight. Slightly nutty, good for Indian cooking; fine for most dishes.

Use the same weight but heat to smoking first and cool. Strong pungent flavour; not for delicate dishes.

For binding, use about 10 g chickpea flour mixed with 20 ml water per egg and rest for 10 minutes. Denser and nuttier; not suitable for baking or coating in the same way.

Use about 30 g per egg for moisture and binding in koftas or fillings. Adds tang and softness; will not set or glaze like egg.

Use the same weight, mashed, for egg-like bulk in curries. Soft and bland; add extra spices and do not expect it to bind.

Use the same weight and whisk smooth; same thick consistency.

Use 1.25 times the weight and strain through muslin for 30 minutes; looser if not strained.

Use the same weight; virtually identical.

Use the same weight; blanch and peel for a brighter green paste. This is the closest match.

Use the same weight; blanch and peel. It is firmer and less sweet, so grind a little longer.

Use the same weight; soak in hot water for 15 minutes for a smooth paste. It is sweeter and softer.

If using kewra water, use 50% of the volume specified; it is intensely floral and pungent, so add drop by drop to avoid overpowering.

Use 0.5 g ground spice for every 5 ml rosewater. Adds warm, perfumed top notes, shifting the aroma from floral to sweet spice.

Steep 1 g dried petals in 15 ml hot milk or water for 10 minutes, strain, and stir in for a subtle, natural floral note.

Use small pieces; no weight needed. Apply at the end for shimmer, not sparkle.

Use small pieces; expensive but gives a similar decorative finish.

Use small pieces; closest shimmer, though not true glitter.

Use 30–40% of the fresh weight; soak in warm water for 10 minutes before use.

Use the same weight if edible and unsprayed; check for bitterness.

Use about 1 tsp per 100 g of petals for aroma only; it gives no texture.