Best Indian grocery staples

Start with the rice and the ghee — they carry most Indian home cooking.

• India Gate Classic Basmati Rice — my top pick. Extra-long grain aged two years, so it cooks up separate and fragrant; the classic choice for biryani and pulao.
• Royal Naturally Aged Indian White Basmati Rice — suits a household that goes through rice fast; a big aged bag for everyday meals.
• Tilda Basmati Rice — suits anyone who wants a familiar, reliable brand in a mid-size bag.
• Original Ghee, Grassfed & Certified Organic — suits anyone who wants a clean-tasting, high-smoke-point ghee for tadka and frying.
• Great Value Grassfed Ghee — suits a first jar or a backup; plain, everyday clarified butter.
• Desi Gir Cow Cultured Ghee — suits someone chasing the nutty, cultured A2 flavour; note it ships from India, so duties may apply.

Spices, dal and atta are the next staples to stock — say the word and I'll line those up too.