Indian starter kit

[Alf]

I'm trying to put together a starter kit for someone to begin experimenting with indian cuisine. What spices / products would I need to make the most common curries etc from scratch? Thanks.

[Buenchico]

Coriander, Cumin, Ginger (possibly ground), Garam Masala, Chilli (powder will do), Garlic (granules are OK), Fennel, Cardamon and Turmeric are amongst the most common ingredients. Some people might want to add Fenugreek and Bay leaves to the list.

Obviously, you won't get very far with Indian cooking without such things as cream, ghee, some form of tomato product (puree is commonly used), black pepper, cayenne pepper, salt, etc. Creamed coconut is also useful.

Chris

[hammerman]

Following on from Chris's superb reply, I'd always have tins of chopped tomatoes, tins of coconut milk, long life double cream, greek yoghurt, brown sugar, lime juice, honey and lots of ginger.

Don't forget that curries are basically stews so use tough meat such as mutton and cook for a long time.

The best time to eat a curry is 3 days after cooking. leave in the fridge to soak up the spices and reheat.

[tiger104]

Me too, me and my mum made a fantastic curry by scratch last week...Started of with frying onions, then browning of the meat, then added all the spices to the dry meat, then we put it in the slow cooker along with the spices the others (following a recipe of course) have mentioned and cardamon pods, coconut milk and a tin of tomatoes, also almond powder is good if you just need to add a bit of thickness at the end... We was at my mums house, it was that nice, i went out the next day and bought a slow cooker of my own !!!!!!