Curry: 1 - Tapa dura

We asked reader Jenny Smith, from Kent, to try out Sunil Vijayakar's new book Curry. 'The Goan prawn curry with fresh ginger, chillies and tamarind was mouthwatering, yet so simple to make,' she says. --Essentials Circ ('000) 73 September 2008

Mumbai-born Sunil Vijayakar opens up the world of curries and inspires you to make your own Indian, Thai and Vietnamese favourites at home. Chicken curries are some of the most popular. Make Chicken Tikka Masala Sunil's way and you'll never buy it ready-made again. With so many meat curries to choose from, it can be hard to decide what to have. Beef Madras is a fiery dish from southern India, guaranteed to set your pulse racing! A milder, creamier option is Kofta Curry, which can be made with lamb, beef or pork. If you crave a curry but without the meat, fish is the perfect choice. Goan Prawn Curry and Tandoori Fish offer an irresistible taste of eastern shores. Vegetables and pulses & lentils provide some of the most spectacular flavour combinations - there are curries to please both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. For perfect complements to main dishes, there's plenty to choose from in rice & breads and accompaniments.