Core Spices in Indian Cuisine
The most commonly used Indian spices are cumin, coriander, turmeric, red chilli powder, and garam masala. Garam masala includes cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves.
The 10 Basic Spices for Indian Cooking
- Dried Red Chiles
- Black Pepper
- Garlic Powder
- Cinnamon Sticks
- Fenugreek Seeds
- Cayenne Pepper
- Coriander Seeds
- Cumin Seeds
- Cardamom
- Dried Mango Powder
Black pepper owes origins to Kerala – a state in South India.
The Essential Five Spices
- Cumin seeds
- Coriander seeds
- Black mustard seeds
- Cayenne pepper
- Turmeric
Spices not only make food delicious but also offer health benefits. They stimulate senses with their fragrance and color and are often used with ingredients like onion, chili, garlic, and ginger.
Combining Flavors
The art of combining flavors and notes has been perfected over time. A good example is serving a cooling raita alongside a biryani full of warm spices, offering a taste of perfection.
Starting with Indian Dishes
If you are new to Indian cooking, begin with cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. The balance of spices is essential, whether they are dry roasted or oil fried.
Aromatics and Flavors of India
- Cardamom
- Black Pepper
- Turmeric
- Coriander
- Red Chili
Garam Masala: An Essential Blend
The fragrant garam masala typically includes black pepper, cinnamon, cumin, nutmeg, and coriander. However, blends can vary by region and even by family.
Understanding Cardamom
Cardamom comes in two varieties:
- Green Cardamom – Common in desserts and spice mixes like garam masala.
- Black Cardamom – More powerful and smoky, normally only the seeds are used.
Regional Spice Differences
Indian spices can vary by region, but top commonly used ones include:
- Green Cardamom
- Tamarind
- Turmeric
- Coriander
- Cumin
Ten Essential Indian Spices
- Cumin
- Coriander
- Cloves
- Cardamom
- Red Chili Powder
- Ginger
- Mustard Seed
- Fenugreek
- Turmeric
- Saffron
Health Benefits and Usage
- Turmeric (Haldi) is rich in color and offers health benefits from its curcumin content.
- Fresh spices can improve digestion, cleanse the mouth, and prevent infections.
- Turmeric acts as a liver detoxifier, while dry chilies are used for tempering.
- Ginger has known medicinal properties.
Maximizing Flavor
Grinding spices fresh maximizes their flavor. For a start, try essentials like cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves.
Spices by Region
Leading spices by region include:
- Green Cardamom
- Tamarind
- Turmeric
- Coriander
- Cumin
Tangy spices like citrus peels, tamarind, and amchur help to balance out spice blends.