Curry and Spice Blends.

What are spice blends and why are they so important in a curry?

That's because a curry is solely dependent on a spice blend!

Spice Blends are the heartbeat of a good curry. They not only define it but add flavor and color to it. Specific blends from specific regions give a name to the curry...Vindaloo, Korma, Chettinad, Xacuthi etc.

At times, they can be strong, the first flavor as you taste it, the top notes bursting in your mouth, filling your nostrils, and at other times, they can be very delicate with just a smooth after-taste that lingers in your palate, long after you've enjoyed the curry.

In India, spice blends are curated measures of spices that are ground and blended, ready to use in every day cooking. They are family-owned, passed on from generation to generation, and since they are peculiar to each household, they give an exclusive flavor to curries from that household.

I learned very early into my marriage, to weigh whole spices in accordance to the measures in the family recipe and take them to the local mill to grind and blend them. This soon became a ritual I repeated twice a year.

It meant that I could be sure I used safe and pure spices blends when I cooked for my loved ones. It also meant a continuity of flavors that were set by the recipe, resulting in a curry that would consistent in it's flavor. Success each time I prepared a curry!

The Mohan Spice Blends are a hand-me-down from my mother-in-law and her side of the family. That's what I bring to you.... time-tested, artisan spice blends made in small batches.

Spice Blends need to be at hand, ready to use at any time, quickly and efficiently, in every day cooking.

The " Masala Dabba" or the " Masala Box" is a familiar feature in every Indian home.

I simply love it! It was the first "buy", as I set up my kitchen 40 years ago. A simple aluminum or stainless steel container with smaller containers within, holding spice blends and whole spices used in daily cooking. Ready to use in a quick and easy way!

My "Masala Box" always has "The Mohan Curry Blend" and " The Mohan Chile Blend" for its versatility in rustling up a quick and delicious dinner!