🌿 Items to Prepare Before Cooking

A great dish starts with preparation! Before you begin cooking, it’s always helpful to have some basics ready in your kitchen. These save time, add depth of flavor, and make the whole cooking process smoother. Here are some essentials I recommend:

1. Masalas (Spice Mixes)

• Garam Masala – A blend of warm spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and pepper that adds aroma and richness to curries.

• Curry Masala – A mix of cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder that forms the base of many Asian dishes.

• Homemade Spice Blends – Customize spice mixes for your favorite dishes so you don’t have to measure every time.

2. Fresh Pastes

• Ginger-Garlic Paste – A must-have in most recipes. Pre-make a batch by blending fresh ginger and garlic with a little oil. Store in the fridge for quick use.

• Onion Paste – Smooth onion paste gives gravies a silky texture. Make in advance for faster cooking.

• Green Chili Paste – Perfect for adding heat without chopping chilies every time.

3. Pre-Cut & Stored Ingredients

• Chopped onions, tomatoes, and coriander leaves can be stored in airtight containers for quick use.

• Soaked lentils and beans (kept in the fridge) are always handy for curries and dals.

4. Homemade Condiments

• Chutneys – Tamarind, mint, or coriander chutneys add instant flavor to snacks and meals.

• Pickles – Traditional pickles bring tang and spice to everyday food.

5. Basic Stock or Broth

• Vegetable, chicken, or beef stock made at home can be stored and used to enhance soups, gravies, and rice dishes.