Murgh Biryani

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.

Use the same weight and heat to just below boiling. This is the plainest direct swap.

Use the same weight, warmed gently. It gives a richer result than ordinary milk.

Use the same weight, warmed gently and not boiled hard. It adds coconut flavour and more richness.

Use the same weight. It is neutral and behaves the same in frying and tempering; no noticeable change in flavour.

Use the same weight. Neutral and good for high heat; the dish will taste virtually the same.

Use the same weight. It has a mild nutty flavour and is good for Indian cooking; heat until just hot, not smoking, so the nuttiness does not dominate.

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 equal weight. Sauté in hot fat until the raw allium smell disappears; slightly wetter, but provides identical warmth and pungency.

Use 20% to 25% of the weight (1 g for every 4 to 5 g fresh). Stir into the gravy; adds peppery heat and warmth, though it misses the crisp, zesty kick of raw root.

Use the same weight; about 1 clove weighs 3 g, so 3 g paste per clove.

Use the same weight; crush just before adding so the flavour stays fresh.

Use one-third of the weight, about 1 g powder for 3 g fresh clove; add a little water if the recipe needs moisture.

Use 10 to 15% of the weight (about 1/4 teaspoon per chilli); imparts dry pungent heat and reddens the dish without the grassy crunch.

Use 1 dried pod per fresh green chilli; snap in half and temper in hot oil for a deeper, toastier heat.

Use equal weight, whisked thoroughly until smooth before adding to hot dishes to prevent curdling.

Use equal weight with 1 teaspoon lemon juice mixed in. Provides rich creaminess in curries, but adds a noticeable coconut flavour.

Use 80% of the weight plus a squeeze of lemon juice for acidity. Enriches sauces nicely, though it is richer and less tangy.

Use 100% of the weight, cut into equivalent bone-in or boneless pieces. Simmer for an extra 5 to 10 minutes; flavour and texture are very similar.

Use 100% of the weight. Cut into bite-sized pieces and extend simmering time by 35 to 50 minutes, adding extra liquid to allow the meat to tenderise.

Roast raw cashews at 160°C for 8–10 minutes or fry gently; use the same weight.

Blanch, then roast at 160°C for 8–10 minutes; use the same weight — firmer and slightly less sweet.

Use the same weight; stronger, earthier flavour, so reduce any added salt.

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 the same weight or juice amount; sharper, so taste before adding all the juice.

Use about 45–50 ml for 1 lemon; add off the heat to keep the freshness.

Use 1 tsp for the juice of 1 lemon; add early. Sourness is flatter and less fresh.

Use equal weight finely chopped; this is the exact same fresh herb.

Use half the weight finely chopped; provides vibrant green freshness, though the flavour profile becomes noticeably cooler and sharper.

Use about 30% of the weight of fresh mint. Rub between your palms to crush before stirring in; the flavour will be more intensely herbal and less bright.

Use equal weight, finely chopped. Adds fresh citrusy green notes, but lacks the cooling menthol lift.

Use 50% of the weight mixed with equal parts ground coriander and a pinch of ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and ground green cardamom. Sprinkle near the end for a warming finish.

Use 75% of the weight. Simmer briefly in the gravy; imparts roasted warmth and complexity, though it adds a slight tang and earthy lentil undertone.

Use 2.5 times the weight if substituting pre-cooked rice. Fold in gently at the end of the recipe; grains will be shorter and less fragrant.