Indian cuisine is famous for its rich and vibrant flavours, thanks to the spices that are essential in cooking. Spices add layers of taste and aroma to dishes, making them delicious. If you want to try Indian cooking, knowing about the most common spices is a good start. Here's a list of essential spices you'll find in an Indian kitchen:
Red Chilli
Red chilli is a staple in Indian cooking and is available in different forms like fresh, dried, or ground powder. This spice adds heat to dishes, ranging from mild to very spicy. It enhances the flavour of curries, chutneys, and spice blends.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a bright yellow spice made from the root of the turmeric plant. It has a warm, earthy taste and is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric adds depth to curries, dals, and rice dishes, while also giving them a rich golden colour.
Cardamom
Cardamom is a fragrant spice that comes in green and black types. It has a sweet, floral, and slightly citrusy flavour that adds complexity to both sweet and savoury dishes. Cardamom is a key ingredient in biryanis, chai tea, and desserts such as rice pudding.
Cumin Seeds
Cumin seeds are small, brown seeds with a strong, earthy aroma. They can be used whole, roasted, or ground in Indian cooking. Cumin is essential for making flavourful curries, spice blends, and rice dishes.
Coriander
Coriander, known as dhania in India, is a versatile spice used in its whole seed or ground form. The seeds have a slightly citrusy, sweet taste and are a key ingredient in spice blends, curries, and marinades. Fresh coriander leaves (cilantro) are also used as a garnish.
Fenugreek Leaves
Fenugreek leaves, also known as methi, have a slightly bitter taste. They can be used fresh or dried (kasuri methi) and add an aromatic, earthy note to dishes such as curries, lentils, and breads like methi paratha.
Black Pepper
Black pepper is one of the most commonly used spices around the world. In Indian cooking, it can be used whole, cracked, or ground to add a sharp, pungent flavour to dishes. Black pepper enhances the taste of spice blends, marinades, and curries.
Garam Masala
Garam masala is a mix of spices like cardamom, cumin, cloves, and cinnamon. This warm, aromatic blend adds depth and complexity to curries, rice dishes, and soups. Each family or region may have its own variation of garam masala.
Fennel Seeds
Fennel seeds have a sweet, licorice-like flavour and are used in both savoury and sweet dishes. They add a refreshing touch to curries, spice blends, and desserts. Fennel seeds can also be used as a mouth freshener.
Why Choose Mothers SPPL ?
When you're exploring Indian cooking, using fresh, high-quality spices is key to achieving authentic flavours. We offer a wide range of spices, sourced from reputable suppliers, to give you the best quality for your kitchen.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced cook, our selection of spices has something for everyone. By choosing us for your spice needs, you are choosing quality and authentic flavours for your cooking.
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