This week is officially National Curry Week and with the colder nights drawing in, we think there’s no better way to warm yourself up then with  Britain’s favourite spicy dish. Of course there are many fantastic Indian restaurants to try around the UK but why not try your hand at making something yourself. But fear not readers, The Spice Tailor have come up with a super range of ‘cheat’ sauces which are packed full of all the authentic spices and flavours to recreate your own authentic curry at home. Perfect for the most discerning cook, modern lifestyles and if you’re wanting to whip up a quick family meal which will impress your diners in less than 15 minutes. 

Developed by Anjum Anand in 2011 she set herself a mission to re-create the authentic flavours of India in a simpler, healthier and more accessible way. There are over 8 sauces to try in the range with something for each taste from Delicate Korma to Fiery Goan Curry. We tried our hand out at the Keralan Coconut Curry and not only were the directions incredibly easy to navigate, the flavours were out of this world and miles apart from any pre-made sauce we’ve tried before. The main difference is that the packet comes with not only a sauce but you are also provided with a sachet of the all important spices for toasting, the thing that really provides the depth of Indian flavour.

You might even fool yourself into thinking for a minute that you are a top chef with the flavours and aromas which emanate from this while you are cooking and the refined and complex flavours. The Spice Tailor sauce kits are priced from RRP £2.90 and available from most large retailers. Whats more, if you wanted to create an Indian feast, The Spice Tailor also has a range of Chutni’s, Naans, Daal and Street Food Kits. 

We paired our Keralan Coconut Curry with the Villa Maria Private Bin Gewürztraminer which was simply a marriage made in heaven. If you’re a fan of the Gewürztraminer you already know that the subtle hints of lychee and rose flavours are perfect with spice and the combo of the sweetness of the wine is just the antidote to the heat kick of the curry. This particular offering from New Zealand Winery Villa Maria was excellently balanced with a unique and rounded flavour due to the fact that the grapes are crushed and soaked for a time with the skins on to extract every bit of flavour. The only trouble I had with this wine was that it was over a little too quickly. Priced at only RRP £11.75 per bottle and available from Majestic wine we’re just off to buy ourselves some more. 

For more information on The Spice Tailor visit thespicetailor.com 

Villa Maria visit villamaria.co.nz