READ THIS FIRST
The primary function of the NC recipes is to inspire you to explore and experiment with Indian-style spicing techniques.
However, once you attempt a recipe, you must follow it EXACTLY when it comes to the spices. When it says to pre-roast the cumin seeds, DO it. When it says to add the tamarind toward the end of the cooking process, FOLLOW it. To do otherwise may be avant-garde, but it courts disaster. Take it from us.
We've made sure to keep the directions straightforward, geared toward folks who haven't attended a culinary institute.
A 'masala' is a spice mixture. For the purposes of the NC. it should be readied in advance, perhaps in a small cup, so it can be added AT ONCE. Spices are usually grouped together when they are to be treated in the same way with the same time frame (i.e. roasted, not-roasted, etc.).
Timing, when it comes to spicing, is critical. It will influence the outcome.
Play ball.


