Quote:
Originally Posted by Wetdogeared
The ingredients are the key. I have one whole cupboard section dedicated to curry spices. I like to buy whole spices, pan roast them then grind them in a mortar and pestle or coffee grinder. (yes that's right to the basics)
It has taken me quite a while to source out these spices and other ingredients that you don't find in your regular grocery store. There are about 10 basic spices and many more exotic ingredients. I've included a pic of some of my basic spices in my curry spice container.
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I haven't tried making any of the flat breads yet, although I did make regular bread from scratch yesterday after reading about the Zelda's and Patricia's coffee date.
I may post a favourite on the recipe board if I find the time.
WDE. (This is making me hungry)
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Do you find the spice container helpful? I keep thinking about getting one, but am not sure if I'm attracted to it just cos the spices look pretty in it, and I'll still end up just using them straight from the tubs in my cupboard.
I'm very lucky in where I live - there are a lot of Indian and Asian shops nearby, my local supermarket carries a reasonable selection, anda health food shop I visit a lot also does. Plus I've found a very good mailorder place on the web, too!
I've been pan-roasting my spices for years now - I far prefer the taste and texture! And I've finally found a pestle and mortar that works well for me. One thing I have recently starting doing, mostly for tadka dhal (aka tarka daal and many other variations along those lines!) is heating up a couple of tablespoons of oil in a tadka pan (but any very small pan will work), then dumping the whole seeds in there, in the order it takes them to cook (mustard, coriander, cumin I think...), then dumping the hot, spiced oil onto the lentils.
I made regular bread on Sunday, and stripped the gears on my mixer
Do try making the flat breads - the basic ones are easy to make (haven't tried paratha), and very quick to cook!