What are the 7 essential spices for cooking in India
India is a land of diverse cultures, traditions, and cuisines. The country is known for its rich spices that are used in almost every dish. The right blend of spices can make a dish taste heavenly. If you're someone who loves cooking Indian food or wants to experiment with Indian spices, you must know the essential spices used in Indian cuisine. In this blog, we'll discuss the seven essential spices for cooking in India
Turmeric is a bright yellow spice that is widely used in Indian cooking. It has anti-inflammatory properties and adds a lovely color to the dish. Turmeric is commonly found in curries, stews, and rice dishes. Turmeric can be purchased at any Indian grocery store or while visiting India.
Cumin: A must-have spice in any Indian kitchen. It is used in curries, dals, and soups and has a nutty, earthy flavor. Cumin seeds can be roasted and ground into a powder. This powder can be used to add flavor to a variety of dishes.
Coriander: Another essential spice in Indian cooking is coriander. It has a citrusy, slightly sweet taste and is used in curries, chutneys, and other dishes. You can buy coriander seeds and grind them to make a powder or use fresh coriander leaves in your dishes.
Garam Masala: Garam Masala is a blend of various spices like cumin, coriander, cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon. It adds warmth and depth to the dish and is used in almost every Indian recipe. You can buy garam masala from any Indian grocery store or make it at home by roasting and grinding the spices.
Mustard Seeds: Mustard seeds are used in Indian pickles, chutneys, and curries. They have a pungent flavor and add a unique taste to the dish. You can buy black or yellow mustard seeds and roast them before using them in your recipe.
Red Chili Powder: Red chili powder is used to add heat and spice to Indian dishes. It is made by grinding dried red chili peppers and is used in curries, dals, and stews. You can buy red chili powder from any Indian grocery store or make it at home by grinding dried red chili peppers.
Cardamom: Cardamom is a sweet and aromatic spice that is used in Indian desserts, tea, and curries. It has a floral flavor and is used to add depth to the dish. You can buy green or black cardamom pods and crush them to release the flavor.
In conclusion, these seven essential spices are a must-have in every Indian kitchen. They add flavor, depth, and complexity to the dish. You can buy these spices from any Indian grocery store or buy spices from India during your visit. Experiment with these spices and create delicious Indian dishes that will tantalize your taste buds.
Buying spices in India is a great idea for spice lovers. You can explore the rich flavors of Indian cuisine by visiting bustling spice markets or buying spices online. You can get rare and unique spices at a reasonable price and elevate your dishes to a new level.