Khatta Mitha Barhe ka Salan

Use the same weight; softer molasses flavour and darker colour.

Use the same weight; sweeter and cleaner, with less molasses.

Use 90% of the weight, grated; stronger, earthier and more mineral.

Use 120–150% of the weight and strain; pulp is less concentrated, so simmer a little longer to thicken.

Use 150–200% of the weight and reduce gently; extract is already diluted.

Use 60–70% of the weight with a pinch of jaggery; sharper, so add near the end off the heat.

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.

Use 70–75% of the weight; Indian chilli powders vary, so taste as you go. It gives similar heat but less clean brightness.

Use up to twice the weight for colour, but expect much less heat. Add a little ordinary chilli powder if heat matters.

Use 1.5–2 times the weight; it is mild and sweet. The dish will be redder but much less hot.

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; press firm tofu for 20 minutes, marinate and sear 5–8 minutes. Much quicker and softer, with no beef flavour.

Use the same weight; cut a thick slab, marinate and sear 2 minutes each side. Firm and milky, so cook briefly.

Use a thick slab of the same weight; blanch 3 minutes, marinate and roast 15 minutes. Meaty in look but not in texture.

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 70% of the weight; add with ground spices or sauce bases rather than hot oil tempering, where it scorches quickly and turns bitter.

Use equal weight for oil tempering. Delivers an earthy profile with an additional musky, smoky, and slightly bitter edge.

Use 60% of the weight for tempering; offers comparable warm aroma, but leans sweet and liquorice-like rather than savoury and earthy.

Use equal weight, finely sliced. Shallots soften and brown faster, giving a slightly sweeter and more delicate base to curries.

Use 80% of the weight, finely shredded and browned slowly with a pinch of asafoetida. Replicates the bulk and natural sweetness in gravies without allium.

Use the same weight, add 10–15% more water and rest the dough for 20 minutes; the result is heavier and nuttier.

Use the same weight for crisp coatings; for doughs use no more than half rice flour with wheat flour, or it will be crumbly.

For thickening use half the weight, mixed with cold water; it is not suitable for bread or chapati dough.

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 40% to 50% of the fresh tomato weight mixed with a splash of water. Imparts a deeper red colour, thicker sauce, and slightly sweeter cooked flavour.

Use 60% of the weight, whisked smooth and added on low heat. Provides rich body and sourness, though the gravy becomes paler and creamier.

Use the same weight. Lighter and less gelatinous; add a pinch of turmeric or extra bay leaf for colour and savouriness.

Use the same weight; check whether it is meat or vegetable. Adjust salt as brands vary.

Use the same weight and add a bay leaf and a few black peppercorns. Much thinner; reduce salt and expect less body.