Frequently Asked Questions
Before contacting us, take a look at our Frequently Asked Questions as you may be able to find an answer to your query.
Top 5 FAQs
How can I make the Butter Chicken less spicy?
The best thing about cooking from scratch is that you can adjust things to your preference. As this is the unmodified version of the original Indian recipe, it can feel a bit spicier than usual. To make a milder sauce, cook everything as per recipe, then at the very end add a dollop of cream or yogurt to individual serves who prefer it less spicy.
Can I make it vegetarian or vegan?
Of course. Indian food is great for vegetarians and vegans. In fact Paneer Makhani is the official vegetarian version of Butter Chicken made with paneer (cottage cheese) instead of animal protein. Vegans can substitute light coconut cream for the dairy. Roasted cauliflower, baby potatoes and mushroom make an excellent veggie alternative to the chicken. The recipe booklet in the Meal Kit includes handy tips on adapting the instructions for vegan and vegetarian versions.
My spices seem to have hardened into lumps. Can I still use them?
Yes you can use them. Just crush the lumpy bits back into powder, or mix with some water to make a paste and use as normal. As we do not use harmful additives or anti-caking agents like E341 or E551, the spice mixes naturally becomes lumpy due to the hygroscopic nature of the garlic powder in them. This has no affect on the flavour or quality of the cooked dish as long as the sachets remain unopened and stored in a cool, dark place.
Can you deliver overseas?
We deliver all across Australia. Due to import and freight restrictions, it can be difficult to ship overseas. We have sent kits to Singapore, NZ, US, UK, the Netherlands and Germany. Contact us and we’ll let you know.
How do you make the spice mixes?
Different spices and ingredients come from different parts of the world depending on where they grow best. We source whole or ground spices, then roast grind and blend them into mixes here in Sydney.
Kit Contents
What is inside the kits?
Spicecraft Meal Kits and Spice Kits contain all the dry ingredients you need to cook a traditional Butter Chicken from scratch, a shopping list for fresh ingredients and instructions on how to cook it all. In the Spice Kit you get 4 colour coded sachets containing a combination of 13 herbs and spices pre-portioned for the Butter Chicken recipe. The Meal Kit has the 4 sachets, plus raw Basmati Rice, a small jar of saffron and a Mango Rose Lassi Mix.
What is not inside the kits?
There are no fresh ingredients inside the kits. The cooking instructions include a shopping list for fresh ingredients that you need to buy when you are ready to cook. This means the kits do not require refrigeration, and we do not need to add any preservatives or additives to keep them tasting great for a long time. All Spicecraft kits are gluten and nut free.
Ingredients
Where do Spicecraft ingredients come from?
Different spices and ingredients come from different parts of the world depending on where they grow best. We source whole or ground spices, then roast grind and blend them into mixes here in Sydney. Our Saffron is from Iran. Sargol Grade 1 saffron is the deepest coloured part of the stamen of the crocus flower, packed with flavour and fragrance. It is considered to be the most expensive spice in the world, more expensive than even gold. Our cardamom is sourced from the hills of Kerela in India. Once of only two regions in the world with the right terroir to grow top quality cardamom. The Basmati rice in the Meal Kits is the premium 1121 long grain variety that is grown in Northern India. The rice is additionally aged for upto 2 year for better flavour and aroma. As Australian soil and climate is not conducive to growing spices, most of our spices come from highly trusted overseas producers. We do use Australian produce when possible including CSR sugar in the Mango Lassi Mix and Australian garlic in the spice blends.
I am allergic to nuts, gluten and preservatives.
No problem at all. Spicecraft kits are entirely nut free, gluten free and preservative free. However trace amounts may be present as our mixes are processed in third-party facilities that also process these substances.
I am allergic to garlic, tomatoes or chilies.
The spice blends do contain garlic and chilli. It is impossible to make Butter Chicken without tomatoes. If the above ingredients do not agree with you, unfortunately these kits are not suitable.
Do the kits contain any animal products?
No, Spicecraft kits contain no animal products and can be safely consumed by vegans and vegetarians. Just substitute fresh ingredients like animal proteins, dairy and honey for their vegan and vegetarian equivalents as per the included recipe.
Do the kits contain any animal products?
No, Spicecraft kits contain no animal products and can be safely consumed by vegans and vegetarians. Just substitute fresh ingredients like animal proteins, dairy and honey for their vegan and vegetarian equivalents as per the included recipe.
Cooking
Can I make the Butter Chicken milder?
The best thing about cooking from scratch is that you can adjust things to your preference. As this is the unmodified version of the original Indian recipe, it can feel a bit spicier than usual. To make a milder sauce, cook everything as per recipe, then at the very end add a dollop of cream or yogurt to individual serves who prefer it less spicy.
How long does it take to make the Butter Chicken?
It takes about 45 mins plus any additional time for marinating the chicken.
How long should I marinade the chicken?
At least 15 mins, but overnight if you can.
My Butter Chicken does not taste like what we tried at your stand. What can I do?
Try the following tips
1. If the sauce feels too thin, cook uncovered for another 15-20 mins until it reduces down to a thick creamy consistency. The longer you cook, the richer it gets.
2. Be sure to use light thickened cream (not full cream or light cream). This gives the correct balance of flavour and consistency.
3. There is no substitute for tomato paste. Avoid using tomato puree, tomato sauce, fresh tomatoes or passata.
4. If you have the time, cook the day before. Butter Chicken always tastes better the next day.
5. Add a dash of salt to lift the flavours.
In case you are still not happy with the results, contact us for a chat. We are always happy to help.
Storage
How long do the spices keep?
Properly stored spices will keep for 6 months after the best before date. If they feel lumpy, crush back to powder form and use as normal.
What is the right way of storing spices?
Store unopened in a cool, dry place away from any light. Use within 2-3 days after opening.
My spices seem to have hardened into lumps. Can I still use them?
Yes you can use them. Just crush the lumpy bits back into powder, or mix with some water to make a paste and use as normal.
As we do not use harmful additives or anti-caking agents like E341 or E551,the spice mix naturally becomes lumpy due to the hygroscopic nature of the garlic powder in them. This has no affect on the flavour or quality of the cooked dish as long as the sachets remain unopened and stored in a cool, dark place.
Do the kits need to be kept in the fridge?
No. Just store them in the pantry in a cool dry place away from light.
Shipping And Delivery
Where do you deliver?
We deliver all across Australia. It can be difficult to ship overseas due to various import restriction. But please get in touch with us and we'll do our best to work something out.
I did not recieve my item
Dealing with courier companies and Australia Post is one of the most challenging aspects of running an online store. Please let us know if your delivery does not arrive in time. We are usually able to track it down.
What is your returns policy?
If you are unhappy with your order for any reason, please contact us within 14 days. We will refund or replace the product if we are not able to reach a mutually satusfactory solution.
