You just know it's going to be darn hard to get that curry recipe right...all those spices, all those pastes. How much chilli powder should I use to avoid an eye-watering catastrophe? What exactly is turmeric and do I really need it? Preparing Indian meals can be quite daunting, perhaps because you probably don't have all the necessary ingredients in your store cupboard to make it worth cooking from scratch. As everyone tells you, all the spices, powders (and, to a novice what look like potions) should be bought fresh as they quickly lose flavour and potency. And with a list of ingredients and processes as long and complicated as a sari, is it any wonder the best option is the local curry house and a tidy kitchen?
Well, all that might be about to change. There's a brand new concept just launched that sends you by post the exact spice blends, pastes and fresh herbs needed to create two main and two side dishes for up to 8 people, for £10.99 (be quick, there's an introductory offer of £4.99 for your first box). It's a new flexible subscription service called Tyga, created by curry enthusiast Matt Griffiths that includes recipe cards and step by step videos on Tyga.tv. All you'll need are a handful of ingredients and Tyga will be there to hold your hand while you cook up an Indian storm. For further ideas, you can try some recipes here that use spices and chilli.
Go on, be brave - it's time to stare the masala spices in the eye and bask in the (hopefully not too fiery) glow of an Indian dinner well cooked!