Originally Posted by
pinkcat
I cant get on with pre made pastes, this is what I use
• 2 cups of cut cauliflower (cut into small florets) or 2 large tomatoes cut into small wedges
• 2 medium potatoes (cubed into bite sized pieces)
• 1 inch shredded ginger
• 3 teaspoons coriander powder (dhania)
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric (haldi)
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper ( lal mirch)
• 3 tablespoons water
• 3 tablespoons oil
• Pinch of Asafetida (Hing) or 4 garlic cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)
• ½ teaspoon coriander seeds
• 2 green or red chilies, sliced in long pieces
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro (green coriander)
• 1/4 cup water as needed
1. mix the shredded ginger, coriander powder, cayenne pepper, turmeric, and 3 tablespoons of water to make a paste.
2. Heat the oil in a pan Add hing and cumin and coriander seeds to the oil after seeds crack add the bay leaves and chilies and stir for a few seconds. add the spice paste and stir for a minute until spices start leaving the oil.
3. Add cauliflower, potatoes, 2 tablespoons of water and salt. Mix well. Cover the pan and cook on medium for about 15 minutes until the vegetables are tender
An uncanny resemblance to
http://www.ifood.tv/recipe/aloo-gobi-1 
"Cut and paste" but not "Pataks paste"!
I guess if you find the pastes unsuitable but can used the spices once opened fairly quickly then they'll always be an understandable preference some have for the fresh spice route.
And I can smell your Aloo Gobi now from my position up the A303 .....