Kurry Kits

[Ham]

A few of months ago, Waitrose were clearing out some curry spice kits ("Simply Cook" versions) at half price. Despite being a purist (I've got a masala dabba and I'm not afraid to use it) I was very pleasantly surprised with the effectiveness of these kits, so much so that I thought I'd try some of the "Spice Tailor" ones which I found less appealing and won't be repeating, although they are apparently popular.

The concept is an interesting one, selling small quantities of spice at a large markup, but the overall cost is low and convenience high, slashing preparation time and allowing you to make a good approximation of a real curry ultra fast.

Anyone use these? Any other recommendations? The "Bang" ones any good?

[ian]

I like the Spice Tailor Keralan curry, makes for a nice and quick fish curry and the biryanis aren't too bad - the others, less impressive.  The Holy Cow ones are also OK, though I imagine what is in the packets is no different to what you get in jars, minus the mark-up.

I'm also happy for alternative suggestions – generally, I use these as an alternative to takeaways when I'm feeling lazy (all the takeaways around here are pretty dire and I resent paying for them since they're no better than something that comes out of a packet or jar).

[fboab]

My friend has these in her shop

https://www.mazzehspice.com/shop

and they are bloody gorgeous.

[Woofage]

Rafi's Spice Box is good. Also Curry With Love (a bit cheaper, I think, but possibly only local to EA).

In the past we've made up gifts for family members consisting of a curry kit together with a few bottles of beer, all presented in a brown paper bag. Went down very well, ISTR.

[bhoot]

A friend of my niece trades as Hemas kitchen, and I was given some as a Christmas present. I was a little sceptical given we have quite a lot of spices at home, but these were definitely better than I usually do. I am about to order more but currently there is a security issue with the website.

[jiberjaber]

We use these ones and it's as good as our takeaway.

https://groceries.aldi.co.uk/en-GB/p-ready-setcook-thai-green-curry-kit-253g/4088600294285
https://groceries.aldi.co.uk/en-GB/p-ready-setcook-red-thai-curry-kit-253g/4088600294292

But in terms of British Indian Restaurant style, I've never found a kit/sauce etc that gets to it. I've done all the make your own base, cook your own meat, fry it all together stuff and there's always something missing I can't put my finger on.  So I was truly pleased when the above turned out just like out Thai takeaways. 

[ian]

My friend has these in her shop

https://www.mazzehspice.com/shop

and they are bloody gorgeous.

That looks nice. I had tried Rafi's Spice Box and have not been especially impressed. We used to live near a very good Indian restaurant, so got spoiled.

We actually used to get jars of stuff from a woman in Walton, but she's retiring. Also the place next to Silent Pool when we're buying industrial quantities of gin.