My advice...
What I’ve learnt
Lefttoright:
Chillis;allthe
ingredientsfor
Rheka’scurry
powder;
a turmericplant
comingonin
thegreenhouse
Start small. Just a few small containers and
pots are all you need to test the ‘grow your
own’ waters, before tackling a big patch. I’d
say if you’ve never grown before then grow
just three things: a vegetable, a herb and a
f lower. And most importantly grow what
you like to eat! This is how you know what
that vegetable or herb looks like when it’s
ready to harvest. Trust me, after that you’ll
be growing even more adventurous things.The most important thing for me is to be
patient and actually listen to the plants.
The plants really do speak to me. I know
I’m not alone in this: many gardeners say
they talk to their plants, and I know why.
We may wish to grow things a certain way,
but Mother Nature is always right and
corrects us. I’m always learning from her.I grow coriander, and the harvested
seeds go into this curry powder. I also
add cayenne chillies, which I grow on
the plot, then dry. Curry powder is not
so much a flavour but a combination of
at least seven warming spices. I like to
make it into a paste with salt, a pinch of
dried coriander leaves and olive oil and
spread on both sides of sliced halloumi,
then lightly fry and serve with salad.Makes 1 jar
3 tbsp coriander seeds
1 tbsp cumin seeds
1 tbsp black peppercorns
1 tbsp turmeric powder
1 tbsp white mustard seeds
5 cloves
Small stick of cinnamon
¼ tsp cardamom seeds
1 tsp chilli flakes
(from homegrown chillies,
if possible)1 Heat a dry, heavy-bottomed pan on
the hob. Add all the ingredients except
the chilli flakes, tossing all the time to
stop the ingredients from sticking.
2 When you hear a few ingredients
starting to pop, turn off the heat.
3 Add the chilli flakes and keep stirring
until the pan feels cool to touch.
4 Tip the spices into a coffee grinder
and pulse to a fine powder.
5 Empty into a bowl and set aside for
about 15–20 mins to cool.
6 Transfer the spice mix to an airtight jar
and store in a cool, dark cupboard. Use
as and when required.Curry powder
GROWING»