Welcome to Spice Lab: Master the Art of Homemade Spice Blends
Welcome to Spice Lab, your gateway to bold, fresh flavours made from scratch! Over the next five weeks, we’ll guide you through creating your own spice blends with ease using the Cuisinart Spice Grinder. Plus, we’ll pair each blend with a delicious recipe to showcase just how versatile and rewarding homemade cooking can be.
From grinding whole spices to crafting unforgettable dishes, Spice Lab is all about showing how homemade truly is better - with a little help from Cuisinart. Let’s elevate your cooking, one spice at a time!
Week 1
Homemade Curry Powder
We’re diving into the world of curries with this blend packed with warm, earthy flavours that can transform any dish into something extraordinary. Whether it’s a cosy curry, a flavourful marinade, or a spiced dip, you'll love this blend!
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp cumin seeds
- 2 tbsp coriander seeds
- 1 tbsp turmeric powder
- 1 tbsp mustard seeds
- 1 tsp fennel seeds
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- 1 tsp chilli powder (adjust for heat)
- 2 dried curry leaves (optional)
Instructions:
- Toast the Spices: Heat a dry pan over medium heat. Toast cumin, coriander, mustard, fennel, and peppercorns for 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until aromatic.
- Grind the Blend: Allow the spices to cool slightly, then grind them to a fine powder using the Cuisinart Spice Grinder.
- Mix & Store: Combine the ground spices with turmeric and chili powder. Store your curry powder in an airtight jar for up to three months.
How to Use It:
This curry powder is incredibly versatile! Here are a few ideas to get started:
- Sprinkle 1–2 tsp into your favourite chicken or vegetable curry for an instant flavour boost.
- Mix it with yoghurt or oil for a flavourful marinade that’s perfect for grilling.
- Stir it into hummus to create a spiced dip that’s perfect for entertaining.
Dish of the Week
Comforting Chicken Curry
We’ve paired our curry powder with a recipe that truly lets it shine: Homemade Chicken Curry. This easy, restaurant-quality dish is rich, satisfying, and full of flavour - ideal for a cosy dinner at home.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 large onion, roughly chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, peeled
- 1-inch piece of ginger, peeled
- 500g chicken (thighs or breast), cut into pieces
- 2 tsp homemade curry spice blend (see above)
- 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
- 120ml coconut milk, chicken stock, or water (optional, for creaminess)
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh coriander, for garnish
Instructions:
- Add the onion, garlic, and ginger to a food processor and pulse until finely chopped.
- Heat oil in a pan and sauté the chopped aromatics until golden and fragrant.
- Add the chicken and cook until lightly browned on all sides.
- Sprinkle in 2 tsp of your homemade curry powder and stir well to coat the chicken.
- Pour in the chopped tomatoes (and coconut milk/stock if using). Simmer for 15–20 minutes until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened. Add some yogurt for extra creaminess, if desired.
- Season with salt and garnish with fresh coriander.
Serve your chicken curry with steamed rice, naan bread, or even roasted cauliflower for a lighter option. It’s a dish that tastes better than a takeaway and shows off just how incredible your homemade spice blends can be!
Ready to take your spice game to the next level?
Get the Cuisinart Spice Grinder for just £40 (a special discounted price!) with the code SPICELAB. This must-have kitchen tool makes grinding fresh spices a breeze and ensures your blends are as aromatic and flavourful as possible. Don’t wait - this offer is only available for a limited time!
Stay Tuned for Next Week’s Blend!
This is just the beginning! In week two, we’ll share a spice blend that combines sweetness, warmth, and a hint of spice. It’s perfect for stir-fries, marinades, and more.
Clue: It’s a blend that’s fantastic for five - sweet, spicy, and a little mysterious! Can you guess what it is?