Indian at home

Rasa spice blends capture the authentic flavor of traditional Indian cooking because they’re blended by Indian women who know how a terrific curry should taste. Introduced this year, the spices are produced in West Bengal under the auspices of Ruro Agro Services Assn., a trust founded to promote cottage industries. Each packet contains a recipe and enough of the spice blend for several batches of the dish. The four flavors are murgh musallum (to make chicken in Mughal-style gravy), tandoori chicken masala, mutter paneer/potato masala (spicing for Indian cheese or potatoes with peas) and vegetable kebab masala.

Rasa spice blend packets, $3 to $5. The spices are shipped from India to a distribution point in Portland, Ore. For information on how to order, go to www.mauryausa.com.