Spices are the building blocks of any curry. Each one has is its own distinct flavour and perfume and, added at the right time and in different combinations, they will transform your dishes from one-note to complex and flavourful. Having a well-stocked selection of spices is like having a flavour bank in your kitchen, where you can easily make withdrawals of fire, earth, sweet and sour at a moment’s notice, so it is worth keeping track of those that you have and restocking any that are running low or are past their best.