One of the most popular things about Indian cooking is the wide range of spices we Indians often use. In the Indian cooking style, you can witness the delicious combination of ground and whole spices. Once you learn to recognise these spices with their textures and qualities you can easily understand why Indian people value species in cuisines. Here are 10 essential Indian spices every cook should know.
Using Indian Spices┬а
In India, some spices are roasted to release their oils, meanwhile some can be blended using a mortar and pestle, but a spice grinder is the best way for an excellent result. At Farmonics spices are available in ground and whole forms. LetтАЩs explore these Indian species in detail.
1. Cumin Seeds (Jeera)┬а
Cumin is widely used in Indian cuisines as it's a popular Indian spice to add a smoky perk. Their intense fragrance is enough for you to distinguish them from other Indian Spices. Jeera or Cumin seeds are easily identified but if you are new to Indian cooking then fennel and Cumin might be confusing for you. Focus on its ridged brown colour whenever you puzzle between cumin and fennel. Need to be extra careful while roasting as they burn easily and burnt cumin tastes bitter.┬а┬а
2. Turmeric (Haldi)
Turmeric is another ordinary Indian spice. Turmeric can be used in both ways fresh or dried and packed with several health benefits. Indian curries are incomplete without a pinch of turmeric as it is mostly used for its texture and beautiful golden colour. Ensure to be extra careful while using as this healthy spice leaves stubborn stains so easily. Turmeric possesses a very earthly fragrance as it grows as a rhizome.┬а
3.┬а Cardamom (Ilayachi)┬а
Commonly, two types of cardamom are used in Indian cooking: green and black. Green cardamom is widely used in every home. It has a very unique, light, and sweet taste that can be added to teas and lassis. Black cardamom is stronger in comparison to green cardamom. You'd better use seeds instead of the whole pod of black cardamom to prevent a spicy taste.
4. Cinnamon (Dalchini)
This spice is the bark of the cinnamon tree, and Indian people use it for a mild flavour in their cooking. Cinnamon has a rough, tree-bark-like texture, and it has a sweet fragrance. It is widely used in combination with other Indian spices.┬а
5. Coriander (Dhania)
Coriander or Dhania is the most common spice you can easily find in every Indian kitchen. Also, this Indian spice is the oldest spice in the world. It's not hard to recognise it among other spices due to its golden yellow colour. It has a strong aroma that spreads all over the space while cooking. Similar to cumin, you need to be careful while roasting to prevent it from burning.┬а
6. Mustard Seeds (Rai)
Yellow, black, or brown-coloured mustered seeds are well known for their oils. By using mustard seeds in your dishes, you can add a smoky, nutty flavour of mustard oil. In North India, mustard oil is very commonly used to prepare everyday meals.
7. Fenugreek (Methi)
Fenugreek is a yellow-coloured Indian spice, and in India, not only seeds but also their leaves are used as a spice. It has a strong aroma similar to clove in some ways. In ancient times, Fenugreek was used as medicine. This spice is well known for its musky curry flavour and fragrance.
8. Red Chilli┬а
Red chilli or Red Chilli Powder has been available in every Indian kitchen for ages. It gives a hot and spicy flavour to Indian cuisine. You can find a wide range of variety of chillies in India. It not only has a hot flavour but also gives a red colour to curry and other dishes. We should use this spice in a balanced quantity for good health otherwise it can cause many serious diseases.
9. Garam Masala┬а
Garam Masala is the most popular seasoning in Indian cuisines. It is not any spice itself but a combination of many spices including pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, cumin, coriander, and other spices. This can be used to bring a rich and strong flavour to dishes, especially Indian curries.┬а
10. Star Anise (Chakra Phul)
Anise is similar to fennel in taste and is mostly used in garam masala. This Indian spice is commonly used in street-type foods like dipping sauces, samosas, tamarind chutney etc. This is used for seasoning as well.┬а┬а
How to Store Indian Spices┬а
This is the crucial part you should never skip, so here are some essential tips to store your spices carefully for a long time-
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Always store the spices in an air-tight container.
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DonтАЩt keep them in direct sunlight; store them in a cool place instead.
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Ensure not to open containers frequently.
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Place a small portion of spices in a box for daily use.┬а
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Use a spoon for enough quantity.
Do Spices Expire?
Spices can be stored for a long time of period but they lose their flavour and potency with time. Ground spices tend to lose their taste faster than whole spices. Therefore, you are suggested to buy whole spices in case if you are willing to store them for a long time of period. After 4 to 6 months, ground spices fade away, meanwhile, whole spices are good for a year.┬а┬а┬а
Some Frequently Asked Questions about Indian Spices (FAQ)
1. Are Indian spices good for health?
Yes, there are many Indian spices with many medical properties, such as┬а
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Turmeric is anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
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Cumin is good for digestion.
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Fenugreek may help with blood sugar.
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Cloves are natural antiseptics.
2. Can I use Indian spices in non-Indian cuisines?
Surely, Indian spices can be easily used in any non-Indian dishes to enhance the flavour.
3. Are Indian spices suitable for vegan or gluten-free diets?
Yes, almost every Indian spice is vegan and gluten-free. Still, ensure to check the packaging details to avoid any additives.
4. Where can I buy authentic Indian spices?┬а
Indian spices are easily available at Indian grocery stores or online marketplaces such as Farmonics.┬а
5. Why are some spices roasted before use?
Roasted spices increase the aroma and flavour of any dish by releasing their natural oils while cooking. Roasted spices are often ground to prepare powders.┬а
Conclusion
Indian spices not only add to flavour, but they also represent Indian cooking culture and play a crucial role in every Indian kitchen. These spices are not popular for their rich flavour and aroma, but also for their health benefits. Spices like cumin, coriander, mustard seeds, and cardamom etc. can change the whole flavour even if added to a simple dish. We discussed on 10 essential Indian Spices every cook should know with some tips. Hopefully, if you are new to the Indian kitchen, you could understand the value of Indian spices.