Gota Siddho

This is the same bean under another name; use the same weight and soak as directed.

Use the same weight; no soaking is needed and it cooks 10–15 minutes faster, so add it later and expect a softer dal.

Use the same weight; it has a similar bite but an earthier flavour and needs 5–10 minutes longer.

Use the same weight; peel or scrape and cut to new-potato size. Allow 3–5 minutes longer, as it is flourier and may break up.

Use the same weight; halve any large ones. Cook as the recipe says, adding 2–3 minutes if needed.

Use the same weight; leave whole or halve. Slightly flourier, so simmer gently to avoid breaking.

Use equal weight directly from fresh or frozen. Toss into the pan near the end of cooking to preserve sweetness and bright green colour.

Use 70% of the weight, boiled until tender but holding shape. Adds pleasant body and starch, though it lacks the juicy sweetness of fresh peas.

Use the same weight; it is less starchy, so cook 2–3 minutes less and adjust salt.

Use the same weight; it is leaner and quicker-cooking, so add it later in the recipe.

Use the same weight; they are sweeter and softer, so reduce cooking time and adjust sugar.

Use the same weight, cut to the same size. It is less sweet and holds shape better; add a pinch of sugar if the recipe relies on sweetness.

Use the same weight, peeled and cut to size; it is drier and starchier, so cook a little longer and add extra liquid if needed.

Use the same weight, cut into chunks; it is softer and sweeter, so add it later and cook briefly to avoid collapsing.

Same vegetable under another name; use the same weight, peel and grate or slice. Salt a little less if very pungent.

Use the same weight; red radishes are smaller and sharper, so grate and squeeze out excess water.

Use the same weight; milder and less peppery, so cook 3-5 minutes longer until tender.

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 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 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 equal weight; scrape off the skin and grate or finely julienne according to the recipe.

Use equal weight; stir straight into the sizzling aromatics, taking care as the extra moisture may spit.

Use 15 to 20% of the weight; add alongside ground spices, noting it imparts warm, dry heat rather than zesty freshness.

Use the same weight; exactly the same leaf, so no real change except trimming stalks.

Use the same weight; wilts faster and is slightly milder, so cook briefly.

Use 80% of the weight and blanch first; stronger and peppery, so it will change the flavour noticeably.

Use 120% of the weight; melt gently over low heat to avoid burning the milk solids, which will yield a softer, creamier richness rather than a nutty aroma.

Use 85% of the weight; holds high cooking temperatures without smoking, but the final dish will lack traditional dairy depth.

Use equal weight; heat to smoking point and cool slightly before cooking, bearing in mind it introduces an assertive, pungent edge.

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.