An essential ingredient in curry and masala mixtures. Strongly aromatic, spicy and slightly bitter in taste. Cumin has a distinctive, slightly bitter yet warm flavour. Replace every 6 months or so. Net Weight: 100g

Stuffed curried Patra leaves are a Gujurati speciality dish. The Patra leaves are stuffed with a spicy mixture of gram flour, tamarind and spices to make a rich and delicious vegetarian starter or snack - but you need to know how to serve this!

A tropical herb of the ginger family. A colourful, mildly aromatic and versatile spice used in most Indian dishes. Use sparingly. Turmeric keeps for only a few months so replace regularly. Available in 100g bag.

A convenient alternative to seeds. Can be added to soups. Keeps well, replace every 12 months or so. Available in 100g bag.

Bay Leaves have a mild and sweet taste. Use bay leaves to flavour pilaus, biryanis, meat curries, pasta sauces, casseroles and stews Bay leaves are grown in the Mediterranean region and are mainly used in soups, stews, meat and vegetable dishes. The leaves also flavour classic French dishes such as bouillabaisse and bouillon. Bay leaves are pungent and have a sharp, bitter taste. In ancient times, the leaf was symbol of honour, health and good fortune. Bay leaves can be added for a more pungent flavour in bean, split pea and vegetable soups, meat stews, spaghetti sauce and chilli. Be sure to remove bay leaves before eating a dish that has finished cooking. Available in 20 x 50g pack.

Urid Dal, Urad Dal or Ulutham Paruppu are black lentils that have been split and skinned.