Dry, ground spice mixes and aromatic pastes are an easy way of packing flavour into food. They are not time-consuming or difficult to make, mostly involving whizzing together ingredients in a blender. And, if stored correctly, they will keep for weeks or months. Make several jars of curry paste at a time, and conjure up a delicious curry at the drop of a hat on a busy weekday. These recipes are all free from gluten, dairy and the nasty preservatives that find their way into shop-bought jars.