Sanmugam - Mini Sambals, Dips and Marinades

They are never eaten raw but ground and cooked with other seasonings. Store candlenuts in a cool, dry place. Chillies come in many shapes and sizes. Fresh green and red finger-length chillies are moderately hot. Tiny red, green or yellow-orange chili padi are very hot. Dried chillies are usually cut into lengths and soaked in warm water to soften before use.

Chilli powder is made from ground dried chillies. It is a good substitute for dried chillies teaspoon chilli powder for 1 dried chilli. Coconut cream, mostly used in desserts, is made by adding cup (125 ml) water to each grated coconut, then squeezing and straining for the juice. To obtain thick coconut milk, add 1 cup (250 ml) of water for each grated coconut, then squeeze and strain. Thin coconut milk is obtained by adding another 2 cups (500 ml) of water to the already squeezed grated coconut. Coconut cream and milk are now widely sold canned and in packets.

They come in varying consistencies, and depending on the brand, you will need to adjust the thickness by adding water as needed. In general, you should add 1 cup (250 ml) water to 1 cup (250 ml) canned or packet coconut cream to obtain thick coconut milk, and 2 cups (500 ml) water to 1 cup (250 ml) coconut cream to obtain thin coconut milk. These mixing ratios are general guides and you should adjust the consistency to individual taste. Coriander is a pungent herb and spice plant that is essential in southeast Asian cooking. Coriander leaves, also known as cilantro,are sold in small bunches with the roots still intact. They are used as flavouring and a garnish.

Small, round coriander seeds are slightly orangy in fragrance and are used whole or ground in curry pastes or spice mixes.