Vegetable oil is the one you buy in volume and stop thinking about. Neutral, stable, and suitable for everything from tempering to deep frying.

It is the sensible default when a recipe just says oil and you have no reason to make a statement.

Use it for frying, for the onion base of a curry, for tempering spices, and for greasing tins and tawas. Keep it away from heat and light and it will last.

In the pantry aisle at Curry Corner in North Melbourne.