Apart from our dry masala tins, I’m sure most Gujarati cooks will agree.. fresh masalas are an essential building block of our cooking. ‘Leelo masalo’ as we call it, a blend of green chilli garlic and ginger a staple for many dishes! I have a few others essentials that I always keep.. crushed green chillis, garlic paste & a blend of ginger/garlic.. these four jars set me up for many different cuisines, they simplify and make my weekday cooking very quick and easy.

I make it a point once a week to stock up my masala’s for the fridge and always have a supply in my freezer as back up!

Alongside the fresh masala’s I’m obsessed with making sure there is always plenty of coriander and curry leaves.. fabulous aromatic flavours.

What fresh ingredients do you keep as staples in your home?