Global Pantry
The Global Pantry brings globally-inspired flavors to your account using a small set of versatile ingredients, carefully-curated to help boost engagement, introduce new cuisines, and keep execution consistent.
Explore a World of Ingredients | India SPOTLIGHT ON: INDIA Indian cuisine is one of the world’s most diverse and influential culinary traditions. Consumer interest continues to grow as diners seek bold flavors, plant-forward options, and globally-inspired menu experiences. Indian flavors align closely with current trends around wellness, spices, and vegetable-forward cooking. The cuisine offers tremendous versatility, ranging from street food and snacks to rich curries, grilled specialties, and vibrant vegetable dishes. Indian cuisine is gaining momentum—and for good reason. It delivers layered, aromatic flavor built through spice, technique, and balance, transforming simple ingredients into complex and delicious dishes.
KEY FEATURES OF INDIAN CUISINE Every dish brings together: •
Spice: Complex spice blends (like garam masala) create depth, not just heat.
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Aromatics: Onions, garlic, and ginger form the foundation of most dishes.
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Legumes & Grains: Lentils, chickpeas, and rice serve as key protein and carbohydrate sources.
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Acidity: Yogurt and tamarind are used for tartness and balance to offset heat.
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Fresh Herbs & Citrus: Cilantro, mint, and lime provide brightness and balance.
• 5% annual growth in the U.S. restaurant market • Top 5 most popular global cuisines in the U.S.
TREND ALIGNMENT
CHEF SPOTLIGHT
This cuisine aligns directly with key dining trends:
PLANT-BASED & LEGUME-FORWARD
CHEF ALEX ULRICH Marshfield Medical Center
INCORPORATES FUNCTIONAL SPICES
To cook is to share my identity unapologetically. Being able to draw on my Asian American roots, I’m able to translate my personal taste memories and experiences into a vehicle for cultural exposure. There is no greater gratification than watching a guest embrace and appreciate the stories and traditions put forth on their plate.
UNLOCKS REGIONAL FLAVORS
FEATURES HEAT + BALANCE
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CORE BUILDING BLOCKS Every activation should use at least 2–3 of these elements: BASMATI RICE (grain)
CARDAMOM (spice)
TURMERIC (spice)
GARAM MASALA (spice blend)
Fragrant, long-grain rice known for its light, fluffy texture and subtly nutty aroma Uses: serves as the base for composed dishes or as an independent side
Earthy, vibrant spice that adds color, warmth, and depth Uses: coloring curries, seasoning vegetables, flavoring rice dishes, enhancing lentil preparations
Sweet, floral spice that adds warmth and aromatic complexity Uses: flavoring rice dishes, enhancing curries, seasoning desserts, infusing beverages
Finishing spice blend typically including cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, cumin, and coriander Uses: finishing curries, seasoning vegetables, flavoring dal, enhancing marinades
ONION, GARLIC, GINGER (aromatic)
Often deeply caramelized to create a layered, aromatic foundation that supports and amplifies spices Uses: dals, marinades and sauces, tandoori, chicken or lamb curry, and rogan josh
SUPPORTING INGREDIENTS Cauliflower
Cumin
Mustard Seed
Chickpeas
Curry Leaves
Naan
Cilantro
Ghee
Spinach
Coconut Milk
Green Chilies
Tamarind
Coriander
Lemon/Lime
Tomatoes
TRAIN YOUR TEAM Ensure frontline teams understand the featured flavors, ingredients, and talking points so they can confidently communicate the experience to guests. Q: WHAT IS TANDOORI? A: A traditional Indian cooking style using a clay oven; meats or bread are marinated in yogurt and spices and then roasted. Q: WHAT IS GARAM MASALA? A: A finishing spice blend typically including cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, cumin, and coriander. Q: WHAT IS TAMARIND? A: A sour fruit pulp that delivers deep, rounded acidity and balances rich, spiced dishes. It’s often added to chutneys lentil-based stews (like sambar), curries, and sauces to provide a tangy, slightly sweet acidity. Q: WHAT IS PANEER? A: A fresh, non-melting cheese commonly used in Indian cuisine, made by curdling milk and pressing it into a firm, sliceable block. Q: WHAT IS RAITA? A: A cool, creamy yogurt accompaniment featuring crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, and warm Indian spices. Raita delivers a refreshing, tangy flavor and smooth texture that balances the heat of curries, biryanis, kebabs, and grilled meats.
YOGURT (cultured dairy)
Adds tang, tenderness, and cooling balance Uses: curries, soups, creamy sauce applications
FEATURED RECIPE Makhni Butter Chicken and Chana Bowl (234723) A traditional Indian pairing featuring tender chicken in a mildly spiced tomato cream sauce alongside chickpeas simmered with onions, garlic, ginger, and aromatic spices. Served over fragrant basmati rice, this dish highlights the layered flavors, warming spices, and culinary traditions that make Indian cuisine one of the world’s most celebrated food cultures. We’ve partnered with Passport Global Flavors to help you and your team create these bold flavors with more ease than ever before.
WANT TO DO MORE? Level up your Tandoori Modern Indian Kitchen Crafted station with easy-to-use authentic Indian sauces, now available through broadline. Will require buy smart special-order request if not stocked at your local DC. • Chana Masala, Passport, Frozen (83558) • Sauce, Makhni, Passport, Frozen (56692) • Marinade, Tandoori, Passport, Frozen (56686)
PURCHASING To support global menu innovation, teams should first review their broadline catalogue to identify existing options before partnering with approved specialty vendors and leveraging Morrison’s procurement and culinary resources. For guidance on sourcing and product availability, connect with your CEC and procurement team to identify solutions that align with your menu needs.