A guide for spices used in flavorful Indian cooking

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A guide for spices used in flavorful Indian cooking

India is known for its culture and its lip-smacking food. Every Indian state has its own style of cooking and some famous dishes. Every Indian dish is different from each other. All of them have a unique flavor. Most of these dishes can even be recognized by their smell only. The reason behind this is different ingredients and different cooking styles. Some dishes are cooked in steam, some are deep-fried and some are shallow-fried. Spices are also equally important in Indian cooking.

Spices play an important role to cook an Indian dish. All the spices have to be used in an appropriate quantity or it can spoil the whole dish. If you are new in Indian cooking then here is a little guide for you about Indian spices:

1. Mustard Seeds: Black mustard seeds are very common in Indian kitchens. It gives a peppery flavor to any dish. These seeds are being used in the initial stage of cooking by adding in hot oil. These have to be used safely as they pop and split by adding in the hot oil. It gives a rich flavor to your dish.

2. Cumin Seeds: This Indian spice is known for its strong aroma. It is mostly being used in curries and pan-fried dishes. It can be used in whole and ground forms. It adds a warm and earthy flavor to any dish and makes it more delicious. Cumin seeds can be used for Tadka just like the mustard seeds.

3. Coriander: Along with the leaves, Coriander seeds are so much popular in Indian cooking. Most Indians use it in ground form. It has various health benefits as well. It is good for digestion. It is being used in almost all the regions of India and easily available in the market.

4. Turmeric: Turmeric is known for its yellow color and it does the same for the dishes. It gives a good appearance to the dishes. It also has a strong flavor which can be recognized in the dish easily. Turmeric is an ancient spice that also has many health and skin benefits.

5. Garam Masala: The finest blend of various spices, Garam Masala is the king of all Indian spices. It can make any simple dish tastier and flavorful. It is likely to be added when the dish is almost cooked. Do not add it in the initial stage of cooking or it can burn and taste bitter.

6. Asafoetida: This one is also very common in every Indian household. It is known for its strong fragrance. You can smell it even after finishing cooking.

Most vegetarians use this for their cooking. You have to preserve it well in an airtight container or it will diffuse the rest spices.

7. Saffron: So far, it is the most costly spice you will find in an Indian kitchen. It is because it has to be picked by hands and this process includes a lot of labor. It comes in deep red color. It gives a rich flavor and aroma to any dish. A very small quantity is enough that too by dissolving in warm water or milk.

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