Quote from: failsafe on March 18, 2013, 07:42 PMThis maybe a big ask but could anyone supply me with ans essential ist of spices/herbs i would need for most of the curry's posted on here, please??

Hmm essential.

This would be on my list:

Ground

Turmeric
Coriander
Cumin
Paprika
Chilli powder (which one would be up for discussion)
Fenugreek
A Mild Madras Curry powder

Less essential but handy

Garlic
Ginger

Whole Spices

Cassia bark
Indian Bay leaves
Green Cardamons
Cloves
Kasoori Methi (dried Fenugreek leaves)

Less essential but handy:

Cumin seeds
Coriander seeds
Fenugreek seeds
Fennel
Star Anise
Black Cardamon

Those are the ones that spring to mind at the moment, no doubt I've left something out

I generally buy most ground spices in 100g bags for the simple reason of freshness, the only one I'd consider getting a larger bag of would be turmeric, simply because turmeric gets used a lot. Once a packet of ground spices is opened, you're ticking down their freshness and they don't stay fresh for long and should be used ideally within 1-2 months.

Whole spices are slightly different in the sense that they don't go stale as fast as ground so I tend to buy larger bags of them, particularly cassia bark, coriander and cumin seeds. The others generally smaller 100g bags.

I assembled my store cupboard spices by listing the ingredients required for my favourite recipes. That way, I was sorted for my mix powder, base gravy, pilau rice, breads, chicken tikka and the various curries.