Meethi Lassi

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; grate or shave finely so it dissolves rapidly, giving a warm, caramel-like sweetness and slightly darker sauce.

Grind freshly extracted inner black seeds finely; use equal weight (1:1). Greatly superior aroma with potent eucalyptus and citrus notes.

Lightly crack whole pods and simmer them in the gravy; use 150% of the weight of ground cardamom. Fish out the pods before serving.

Use 50% of the weight. Delivers warm, sweet aroma, but lacks cardamom's cooling, citrusy top notes.

Use the same weight in savoury dishes; it adds body, so adjust salt.

Use the same weight only in doughs or creamy dishes; it makes the result richer.

Use the same weight in curries or rice; it adds sweetness and a faint coconut taste.

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 15% of the saffron's weight. Replicates the bright yellow colour well, but lacks the floral, earthy depth; use sparingly to avoid bitterness.

Use a few drops combined with a tiny pinch of ground turmeric to mimic both the regal floral aroma and the golden hue.