What spices should a beginner have?

I currently have the following and need some new suggestions:

Garam massala
Cumin seeds
Chili powder
Green Cardamom Pods
Turmeric
"curry powder"
Cloves
Ginger powder

Any recommendations? I want to try making a Dhansak next. Also i dont have curry gravy yet any good recipes for it?

There are so many spices and they go off quite quickly, so I never buy more than I need. I start with the recipe for the dish I want to make. There are several good dishes for Dhansak on this site. They list the ingredients. Deduct what you have. Go out and buy the rest.

Regards
George

HI,

I think all you need is the following to start with, this will make the basic Chefs Curry Powder and give you the individual spices needed to create a base curry sauce for use in cooking any curry dish.

Curry powder
Coriander
Cummin
Paprika
Turmeric
Chili Powder :

Hope this helps, ps i also use this ratio and spices to create the Chefs Curry Powder

2 curry powder (any brand)
1 coriander
1 cummin
2 paprika
1 turmeric

Enjoy,
Stew

I would save your ginger powder for making cakes and biscuits and nothing else! 

Don't be tempted to use it as a substitute for fresh ginger in curries because it has a completely different flavour and it just doesn't work.

You pretty much have everything you need with the exception of coriander powder.  Black mustard seeds are also very good to have as lots of recipes call for them.

I have to agree Nessa, on the Ginger powder