Tandoori Chicken Wings with Tamarind & Chilli

Whisk equal weight thoroughly with cold water before stirring into hot sauce; thickens well, but imparts an earthy, nutty taste and pale golden colour.

Use about 60–70% of the weight for thickening; for coatings use the same weight but the crust is denser.

Use the same weight for coatings; contains gluten, browns faster and is less crisp.

Use the same weight for crisp coatings; coarser texture and needs a short rest.

Use 1:1 by weight; behaves identically in spice blends and dry rubs.

Use 4 to 5 times the weight; fry gently in oil to cook out raw moisture, adjusting for added liquid in dry preparations.

Use the same weight. A drumstick is meatier, so allow 5–10 minutes longer and check it is cooked through.

Use the same weight, cut into wing-sized pieces. Skinless thigh cooks faster, so reduce the time by about 5 minutes.

Use the same weight in small pieces. Bone-in chicken needs 10–15 minutes more than wings.

Use the same weight; heat and flavour are very close.

Use 1.5 to 2 times the weight; deseed for less heat. Larger chillies are more watery.

Use 1.5 to 2 times the weight; chop finely and adjust heat by tasting.

Use the same weight; it is drier and slightly less molasses-rich, so taste and add a little more if needed.

Use the same weight; it is stronger and more mineral, so dissolve it first and reduce any other sweetener.

Use the same weight; it is less moist and less dark. Add 5 g cane molasses per 100 g if you have it.

Grind deseeded dried pods to an equal weight of powder; gives identical vivid red colour and gentle warmth.

Use 25% of the weight mixed with sweet paprika for colour; straight red chilli powder is substantially hotter and will make the dish fiery.

Use one-third of the weight; the sauce will be less intensely red and notably sharper in heat.

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.

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.