Another thing I just do not buy anymore is pre-made spice/seasoning mixes and curry pastes. Often they are high in salt or have lots of additives and preservatives. They are also expensive compared to the outlay of various spices which then make lots of meals.   Making your own is quick, easy and delicious.

My good friend introduced me to her curry mix spice mix and now I always have some made up in a jar in my cupboard.  I make it up in big batches so its simply a spoon or two to make a curry or a dahl.  Here it is:

Curry Spice mix for Dahl or Rogan Josh (multiply to make bulk quantities)

• 1 teaspoon of cumin
• 1 teaspoon of coriander
• 1 teaspoon of fenugreek
• 1 teaspoon of ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon of chilli powder
• 1 teaspoon of garam massala

For Dahl-

• Fry 1 onion, 1 garlic, and (double quantity above) spices in oil until onion is golden
• Add 1/2 pack of red lentils and add water to 1.5 times depth of ingredients
• Simmer mixture for 30 minutes, string every could of minutes
• season with tomato paste and butter/cream to taste.

For Rogan Josh-

• Fry 2 onions, and 4 cloves of garlic in butter. Add the above spices and fry off until fragrant
• add 1 kg of diced lamb or beef to brown
• add 1 cup of plain yogurt, 4 dessert spoons of tomato paste and a little beef stock to cover
• bring to the boil
• cover and simmer for 1-1.5 hours

For a creamy comfort food curry (courtesy of Coles):