I leave them whole. I love mild curries as well as 'spicier' ones. If you crush them it shouldn't make a lot of difference to the heat of the dish. it's quite nice to leave them just to show and add a bit of texture to the dish. This is my own opinion of course . I'm sure it will be fine. Enjoy................any snow with you yet?I Lived in the highlands for 20 yrs!!
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Celtic cook
Life is like good wine.......best taken with friends x