Darashahi Kaliya

Use equal weight; provides the standard rich dairy fat and body expected in creamy Indian bases.

Dilute 3 parts cream with 1 part water to match the weight; yields a richer, glossier gravy that resists curdling.

Whisk thoroughly and use equal weight; adds extra body and a mild pleasant acidity, best added off the heat.

Use 100% of the weight. Whisk thoroughly until smooth before stirring into warm gravies to prevent curdling.

Use 90% of the weight combined with 10% lemon juice to replicate the lactic tang and rich body in marinades and curries.

Use equal weight. It handles high-heat cooking well, but lacks the signature pungent, nasal heat of mustard oil.

Use equal weight. Neutral in flavour, so your curry will lack the characteristic Bengali or North Indian pungent punch.

Use the same weight; similar fat and bone. Cooking time is about the same.

Use the same weight; fattier and bonier. Skim the fat and allow 10 minutes longer.

Use the same weight; cut into even pieces and brown well. Keeps the richness but loses the rib shape.

Use 300% to 400% of the weight (e.g. 3–4 g paste for 1 g ground). Fry in oil alongside onions; provides a juicy, pungent kick rather than a dry, baking-spice heat.

Peel and grate finely; use 300% to 400% of the weight. Add to the hot oil early; delivers bright, peppery warmth rather than the mellow, woody heat of dry ginger.

Use 50% of the weight. Imparts a warm, spicy undertone in rich gravies, but lacks ginger's fiery, sharp zest.

Use the same weight; fennel is the closest everyday match, slightly sweeter and milder.

Grind the same weight freshly; the aroma is stronger, so add it near the end.

Use about 50% of the weight; it is much more powerful and slightly liquorice-heavy.

Use double the weight. Stir into hot oil just before adding wet ingredients; mimics the allium savoury background without the sulphurous edge.

Use 2 g for every 0.5 g of asafoetida. Sauté in oil until the raw smell clears; adds moisture and sweet allium depth.

Use 1 g ground for 4 g whole (or 1 small pinch per 2 to 3 whole cloves). Add with spice powders; disperses intense warmth quickly, so use with restraint.

Use 100% of the weight whole in tempering. Imparts a warm, clove-like aromatic profile combined with hints of nutmeg and cinnamon.

Use 1 pod for 3 to 4 cloves in whole tempering. Shares a camphor-like warmth and medicinal depth, though it introduces a distinct smoky undertone.

True cinnamon: thinner, papery quills, milder and sweeter. Use about 1.5 times the weight, and taste.

Use about a third of the weight (0.5 g ground for a 2.5 cm piece), stirred in with the ground spices rather than fried whole, since the powder burns quickly.

Use 60-70% of the weight; stronger and more peppery, so taste before adding more.

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 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 75–80% of the weight; add at the same stage. More pungent and less aromatic, so taste before adding more.

Use 75–80% of the weight; stir in off the heat. Finer powder, so it releases aroma quickly.

Use 20–25% of the weight alongside garam masala for aroma; it lacks the full spice profile.

Use equal weight, pitted and finely chopped. Lends a deeper, slightly more tart sweetness to curries and rice dishes.

Use equal weight. Fry lightly in ghee until golden; substitutes the burst of sweetness with a rich, buttery crunch.

Use 30% of the weight, finely grated. Dissolve straight into the sauce to match the intended sweetness, though without the fruity chew.

Use 100% of the weight. Soak in boiling water and slip off skins before frying or grinding; gives a lighter, slightly less sweet richness to curries.

Use 60% of the weight for gravies. Soak in warm water and grind into a fine paste to thicken royal kormas without adding heavy oiliness.

Use 100% of the weight. Roast, skin, and grind; creates a thicker, earthier texture typical of Maharashtrian and western Indian curries.