Subzi Panchmel

Use the same weight. Scrub and leave whole or halve if large; they cook in about the same time and give a similar waxy bite.

Use the same weight. Peel only if the recipe needs it; cut to the size of new potatoes so they cook evenly. The flesh is slightly more floury.

Use the same weight, cut into even walnut-sized pieces. It may break down a little more in long cooking, thickening the gravy.

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 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. Fry gently in oil or ghee with the ginger; incorporates smoothly into curries without visible minced bits.

Use 15% to 20% of the weight (about 1 g for every 5 to 6 g fresh cloves). Whisk into sauces; gives a savoury, toasted garlic flavour without raw pungency.

Use 1.5 times the weight, very finely minced. Sauté until golden; provides savoury allium sweetness, though it lacks garlic's pungent sulphur bite.

Use the same weight; add 2 minutes later. It is sweeter and softer, with no crunch.

Use the same weight, drained; add at the end and simmer 2 minutes. Softer and less sweet than fresh.

Use the same weight, cut into 4 cm lengths; cook 2 minutes longer. Less sweet but keeps a crunch.

Use the same weight, wipe and slice; cook 5-7 minutes. They release water, so reduce the sauce if needed.

Use the same weight; treat as button mushrooms, slicing thickly so they do not collapse.

Use 20-30 g dried for 100 g fresh; soak 20 minutes, rinse well and use the soaking liquid. The flavour is much earthier.

Use the same weight; any colour works. Slightly less sweet if green.

Use the same weight; similar sweetness and texture, only colour changes.

Use the same weight; it is softer and more acidic, so reduce other souring agents. Good for body, not crunch.

Use the same weight and cook the same way. It is sweeter and turns the dish red rather than yellow.

Use the same weight. It is grassier and slightly bitter, so add a pinch of sugar and cook 1–2 minutes longer.

Use the same weight; halve and deseed if large, and add 3–4 minutes later as it releases water. Texture will be softer.

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 75% of the weight; stir in along with wet masala or tomato purée rather than frying in hot oil, as the fine powder burns instantly.

Use 50% of the weight for tempering in hot oil. Lacks the floral, sweet citrus flavour of coriander, introducing warm, pungent earthiness instead.

Use 50% of the weight in tempering; provides pleasant aromatic sweetness, though noticeably aniseedy rather than citrusy.

Crush whole peppercorns roughly in a mortar or under a heavy skillet; use equal weight. Yields the exact same fiery heat and crunchy bite.

Use 70% of the weight. It disperses heat much more aggressively through sauces and can darken the dish, lacking the crunchy specks of coarse pepper.

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 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.