Coriander Leaves

Coriander Leaves

Coriander (Cilantro in the USA) (Dhaniya – Urdu translation) From the Cori plant that is native to the Mediterranean.  We have already covered the seeds and powder in a separate post but thought it would be covering the leaves separately as well as they are one of the most common ingredients in curry making. Garnishing…

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Tamarind

Tamarind

Tamarind is a long, pea pod shaped fruit that contains a sour pulp and seeds and is a mid-brown colour. It has a strong, tart flavour and a little goes a long way. It is sold as a paste, in a pressed block (cake) or as whole pods and tastes similar to a date but…

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Curry Leaves

Dried curry leaves

Curry leaves (also known as sweet neem leaves) are added to dishes near the beginning of cooking, and are fried in ghee, which may turn then from their usual green colour to black, but this is normal. They release a nutty aroma when fried. Curry leaves do not taste like the curry we are used…

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Bay Leaves

bay leaves

Bay leaves come from the laurel tree and are used as a herb in cooking. They are dried for this purpose. The leaves are oval, pointed and smooth, dark green and shiny on top and lighter underneath when fresh. Dried leaves are duller and lighter in colour. If a leaf is brown in colour, then…

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Coriander

Coriander for curries

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) (Dhaniya – Urdu translation) From the Cori plant that is native to the Mediterranean.  Both the seeds and the leaves are used for cooking but each have different flavours, aromas and uses. Seeds The seeds produce a sweet, woody aroma and a mellow, warm flavour.  They can be used whole, crushed or…

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