nige’s roasted curry powder 

“It’s like a hug” is how Nige describes his roasted curry powder. The smell envelopes you completely. It is the secret and hero ingredient throughout most of his cooking. It’s been a family recipe for so long that he’s not sure when it became one but now it’s firmly embedded in his repertoire. Nige’s Roasted Curry Powder is versatile, you can use it in your meat or veggie curries, as an ingredient for your marinades or simply as a finishing touch to elevate the flavour of your meal, as per the Coconut Fried Squid (p. 24). The odd ingredient making up this curry powder is basmati rice but rest assured that it is essential. Nige says it helps to balance out the myriad of flavours and acts as a thickener. 

When you’re roasting your spices, as your chillies darken and the aromas hit your nostrils expect to cough - this means you’re doing it right. Keep your exhaust fan running and maybe even open up a window, the air will fill with the potent fragrance of Nige’s Roasted Curry Powder and you want to be ready!