I was watching this video from Sorted Foods. Two chefs try to guess 4 spice blends by smell, taste and looks. Then they get to eat something made with the spice blend. I had only heard of one of the spice blends. Some of the ingredients were unfamiliar as well.
The only spice blend I recognized was garam masala. I’ve eaten it but not used it.
Do you use spice blends?
I use the simple ones like curry, chili powder and lemon pepper.
Yup, I use loads. How do you make curry without Garam Masala?
Use a jar of curry paste?
Some of the brand that I use for a quick ruby - cheap’n’cheerful from Home Bargains … 
Ooh Omar!!!
Party’s at yours is it?!!
Shall I bring the Poppadoms and beer?
Those pictures look so good! 
The real thing looks even better … 
… and mango chutney please … my jar’s almost empty … 
I have the minty yogurt one…
Will that do?
Yes please!
Raita … good for the Vindaloo … 
I love spices and use them a lot - but never buy ready blended ones - always blend my own.
I love my spices too, and I’ve got loads in my kitchen. I like blends for quick sometimes though
The ones I keep in are:
Garam Masala
Chinese 5 spice
Lebanese 7 spice
Baharat
Shawarma
Japanese 7 spice
I use spices a lot and love mixing them, but I also have some ready made blends, which are useful for quickness, such as Harissa spices, Ras-el-hanout spice mix, Cajun and Jerk seasonings, lemon and dill fish seasoning.
no one has yet divulged their mental technique for selecting mixed spice for a particular dish that is the challenge?
‘Mental Technique’, Gumbud? That sounds more exotic than the spices! I just know - after years of experience - what goes well with which.
To make a Curry I use.
Gram Masala (if not use Fenogreek).
Curry owder.
Tumeric.
Cumin.
Fresh Corriander.
Chilli, Salt.
I’m not keen on spicy hot food , I also dislike the smell of curries.
However I use a lot herbs indeed I grow pots of herbs.
Yes, that’s pretty much how I make mine.
It might be because I’m tight!
It’s cheaper than buying jars and pastes cos your paying mostly for water and once you’ve opened them you’ve got to use them up but with jars of spices you can make small amounts
Forgot I like Dunn’s Spice Mix and Dunn’s Caribbean Curry powder for Caribbean style curries, it’s real hard to reproduce those by mixing spices
I just don’t like the Jars, they are always sweet for me.
