Belachan
The Malay name for dried shrimp paste. It is a dense
mixture of fermented ground prawns that must be toasted
before use, either wrapped in foil and dry-roasted or
toasted over a gas flame on the back of a spoon.
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Candlenuts
Waxy, cream-coloured nuts similar in size to macadamia
nuts wich make a good substitute. they are never eaten
raw but ground and cooked with other seasonings. store
candlenuts in a cool, dry place.
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Chillies
Fresh green and red finger-length chillies are
moderately hot. tiny red, green or orange chili padi are
very hot. Dried chillies are usually cut into lengths
and soaked in warm water to soften before use. Chilli
powder is made from ground dried chillies. It is a good
substitute for dried chillies (1/2 tsp chilli powder for
1 dried chilli).
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Coconut Cream
Mostly used in desserts and Southeast Asian cooking such as curry.
There are different type of coconut milk.
Learn
how to make a coconut milk.
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Coriander
Pungent herb and spice plant that essential in Southeast
Asian cooking, also known as cilantro, are sold in small
bunches with the roots still intact. They are used as
flavouring and a garnish. Small, round coriander seeds
are used shole or ground in curry pastes or spice
mixes.
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Cumin Seeds
Pale brown to black and usually partnered with coriander
seeds in basic spice mixes. They impart an intense
earthy flavour to foods. They are often dry-roasted or
flash-cooked in oil to intensify their flavour, which
are often likened liquorices.
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Curry Leaves
Sold in spigs of 8-15 small, green leaves with distinct
fragrance often associated with Indian curries. There is
no substitute for curry leaves.
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Curry powder
Commercial spice blend that generally includes cumin
seeds, coriander seeds, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon and
cloves. Different combinations vary in colour and
flavour and are used for different types of curries
(meat, fish or chicken). Use an all purpose blend if a
specific curry powder is not available. Store curry
powder in an air-tight container in the refrigerator.
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Custard Powder
A thickener used as a quick and easy way to make
custard. It is sold in boxes or tins in the baking
section in supermarkets.
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Dhal
Covers a variety of dried lentils. Blackgram dhal also
known as urad dhal, is sold either with the black
skin on (substitute with white lentils). Sold in Indian
stores, supermarkets and health food stores.
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