Are you new to Indian cooking and don’t know what spices to keep in your pantry? Don’t worry! You have come to the right place. Indian cuisine is famous for its diverse use of spices and seasonings. Spices and seasonings are the heart of Indian cooking and their presence is quite evident in all Indian cuisines. Some spices are region-specific yet they have made their way into almost every Indian household. Furthermore, Indian spices are loaded with various health benefits that set them apart from the rest of the world. Here we have compiled a list of seven essential spices that are commonly used commonly in Indian cooking.
Here are 7 everyday Indian spices that you must have in your pantry:
1. Turmeric
Turmeric also known as haldi in Hindi, turmeric is a major spice used in almost all Indian curries. It adds a bright yellow color and earthy flavor to the dish. Apart from this, turmeric is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties and has many health benefits.
Turmeric has many health benefits. photo credit: iStock
2. Red Chilli Powder
Red chili powder or red chili powder, made from sun-dried red chilies, is used to add pungency to Indian cuisine. It also imparts a vibrant red color to the curry.
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3. Cumin
Cumin, known as Jeera in Hindi, is an important spice used in Indian cooking. They are generally used whole and added to hot oil to bring out their strong flavor.
Cumin is used mostly in Indian curries and vegetables. photo credit: iStock
4. Coriander
The seeds of the coriander plant are known as coriander seeds and are widely used in Indian cuisine. To make it easy to use, it is recommended to grind coriander seeds into a fine powder called coriander powder.
5. Green cardamom
Green cardamom or elaichi is an aromatic spice used in Indian tea and various non-vegetarian dishes. Just two cardamoms are enough to add a strong aroma to the dish.
Cardamom has a refreshing and earthy aroma. photo credit: iStock
6. Asafoetida
Popularly known as hing, asafoetida is a highly aromatic spice that must be used in the right proportion to get the desired flavor. Just a pinch of asafoetida added to hot oil can work wonders in a dish.
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7. Bay leaf
Bay leaves or bay leaves are used to enhance the flavor of Indian curries and boiled white rice. They are usually used as whole leaves to impart an earthy flavor to the dish.
These seven basic spices are a must have in your Indian kitchen. However, Indian cuisine also uses many other spices and seasonings such as garam masala, mustard, fenugreek, and more. So, feel free to experiment with different spices and seasonings to create unique and delicious Indian dishes.