spices: recipe substitution help needed please

[Anonymous]

my lentil and rice recipe calls for:

• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil

The end notes say this:

var #1: To change the flavor of this dish, substitute the oregano and basil for cumin and chili powder and add some frozen corn.
var #2: To make an Indian inspired dish substitute the oregano and basil for curry powder, cumin and garam masala and add carrots and cauliflower.

For variation #1, what measurements of cumin and chili powder should I use?
For variation #2, what measurements of curry powder, cumin and garam masala should I use?

Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Hard to say without knowing the amounts of the others ingredients. I would use more chili powder than cumin--it kind if depends on what kind of chili powder you have (heat level, regular vs chipotle, etc). I'd start with 2 t chili powder and 1 t cumin.

I have a curry recipe that uses a lot of curry and haram masala and it's great. Tablespoons. Garam masala can be hard to find--had to get mine at penzeys.

[Anonymous]

Agree with PP 2:1 ratio of chili to cumin, start with a small amount, you can always add more.
I would guess the second one more 1:1:1.

[Anonymous]

For the second one, you want significantly less cumin than curry powerder or garam masala. I'd try 3:1:3

[Anonymous]

Thank you all so much!