Herbs

Coriander leaves are called dhania or hara dhania in Hindi and kothimbir or kothamalli in other Indian languages, known in German as Koriander. The delicate green leaves have a bright, fresh, slightly citrusy flavour and are used raw rather than cooked for long.

They are used as a finishing garnish over dals, curries and chaat, blended into green chutney, and mixed into salads and raitas.

How to use

• Wash well in a bowl of water to remove grit, as it grows close to the soil.
• Chop just before use, including the tender stems, which carry a lot of flavour.
• Wrap loosely in a damp cloth or paper and store in the fridge; use within 3 to 5 days.

Curry leaves are called kadi patta in Hindi and karivepaku or kariveppilai in South Indian languages; they are known in German as Curryblätter, though they are unrelated to curry powder. The small, glossy green leaves have a distinctive aromatic, slightly citrusy flavour that is released when they hit hot oil.

They are used almost everywhere in South Indian cooking: tempered in hot oil at the start of sambar, rasam, and dal, or added to chutneys and vegetable stir-fries.

How to use

• Strip the leaves from the stem before use, or add small sprigs whole.
• Fry briefly in hot oil with mustard seeds at the start of cooking to bring out the aroma.
• Store in the fridge in a sealed bag or container, where they keep for one to two weeks; they can also be frozen for longer storage.

Mint is called pudina in Hindi, sold in German as Minze. The small, bright green leaves have a strong, cooling, sharp flavour and are almost always used fresh rather than cooked for long.

It is blended into mint chutney served with samosas and snacks, added to raita, and used in drinks such as mint-flavoured lassi or lemonade.

How to use

• Pick the leaves off the tougher stems before chopping or blending.
• Add towards the end of cooking, or use raw, since heat dulls its flavour quickly.
• Store wrapped in a damp cloth in the fridge and use within a few days, as it wilts quickly.