Yo, south central Kansas here. Take a look for don't buy at big box stores, next time you're anywhere with a population of +10k look for Asian markets or Hispanic markets, if you're extra lucky you may find middleastern or Indian grocers. You can get all the stuff you from one of those for comparable prices to most big stores. I buy everything but garlic there now because it's cheaper and often stronger.

I personally suggest starting with the snack isle, look for the the Dragonfly brand chips and take a gamble on any of the fat cakes. After that, give yellow or massaman curry a try. It's Thai, not Indian, but it has a similar profile. Shoot me a DM and I'll give you a recipe and literally walk you through making it if you need.

I'm a strong supporter of the value of American culinary culture, we do actually have some amazing recipes, but we've all been absolutely shafted by the ubiquity of it. Everyone deserves a chance to experience the madcap world that is food.

Damn, you got aggressive real fast. Never mind then.

"Spices too expensive." Definitely sounds like America. My condolences.