6 Most Widely Used Flavorful Spices in Indian Cuisine

Spices play a significant role in the preparation of traditional Indian dishes and are utilised in a variety of ways. This helps give Indian food its distinctive flavour. Exploring Indian cuisine would undoubtedly help you considerably broaden your arsenal of cooking techniques.

The art of combining different types of traditional spices to create exquisite dishes is practically a symbolic act. Because of this, the spice rack, in addition to the restaurant’s recipe book, is typically considered the most valued property in most Indian restaurants.

Continue reading to learn more about the spices used in Indian cooking.

1. Turmeric (Haldi)

Turmeric is the most commonly used spice in Indian cuisine. Traditionally, it is used to flavour curry powders and curry pastes. Many curries rely heavily on this unique spice to give them their characteristic yellow hue.

The versatility of turmeric is another one of its many admirable qualities since it is included in a wide range of culinary preparations. It can be used to add colour to salad dressings, can be used to enhance the taste of yogurt and can also be used for spicy sauces.

2. Ginger (Adarek)

Ginger is another type of spice that is utilised frequently in Indian cooking. It is widely used in the preparation of a variety of curries, sauces and chutneys. It is frequently used in making the popular Indian spice mixture, garam masala, which is added to most Indian dishes. 

3. Cumin (Jira/Jeera)

Cumin is another spice that is used to flavour traditional Indian dishes. A wide variety of sauces and hot curries can be flavoured using it. Garam masala, a popular Indian spice blend, also includes cumin. The aroma of cumin is usually earthy yet aromatic.

4. Garam Masala

Garam masala is a spice mixture that is used to provide flavour to Indian cuisine. It is a combination of several distinct kinds of spices. In many cases, it is included in the final step of food preparation and added to various delicacies. It provides a nutty, sweet taste to every dish it is added to.

5. Fenugreek (Methi)

Fenugreek is a spice that is commonly used in desserts prepared in the Indian subcontinent. It is also commonly used in traditional dishes, such as fenugreek soup, fenugreek chutney and pakoras.

6. Cardamom

Cardamom is the most popular spice in India, especially amongst the Hindus. It is essential to mention that the cardamom pod seeds are used to flavour Indian dishes, whereas the skin is utilised as a flavouring agent. It is believed that cardamom can aid in digestion, relieve bloating and treat nausea. 

Conclusion

There are plenty of Indian spices which are used to add flavour and colour to every dish. If you are a true fan of Indian cuisine, you should consider adding the abovementioned spices to your spice rack.

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