An Essential Guide and List of Indian Spices
Indian cooking wouldn’t be what it is today without the array of spices that we use. The wide variety of spices used in Indian cooking often turns chefs away from learning this type of cuisine because they think it is too complicated. But, once you know the basics, it’s a breeze! We’ve complied a list of essential Indian spices and a guide to help you know which spices will best serve your flavor purpose.
Spices for Heat
Many Indian dishes have a kick of spicy heat to them. If you want to add heat to your dish, you need to add red chilies, such as cayenne. For that deep red color and exquisite taste in your tandoori chicken, add some Kashmiri chilies. If you’re looking for some added warmth (and not particularly a kick of heat) than cinnamon is your go-to.
Spices for Depth
For a complex depth added to your dish, try cooking freshly ground black peppercorns into your dish. Be sure to add them about halfway into the cooking process, giving the flavor time to steep in. Turmeric powder can create a slightly bitter flavor, and black cardamom is deep and smoky. Black mustard seeds, caraway, cloves, cumin, fenugreek and fennel can add some depth to your meals if prepared correctly, generally tempered in hot oil.
Spices for Acidity
Looking to add a hint of sourness to your cuisine? Use tamarind or yogurt. They’re great for a slight ting of sourness, and they make a dish more creamy. Sometimes, for a tangy, acidic flavor you can try amchur (made with powdered mangoes.) Try to stay away from lemons and limes, they aren’t common in Indian cooking.
Spices for Sweetness
If you’re looking to add some sweetness to your dish or dessert, green cardamom is the way to go. Saffron is highly coveted for its beautiful color and flavor, but can be pricey. Rose water, nut extracts and jaggery are also common sweeteners used in Indian baking. There are many spices used in Indian cooking, and most can be found in your local grocery store. However, if you’re looking for a quick and easy addition to your meal, check out our pre-made Indian sauces in our store. For more information on Indian cooking and cuisine, feel free to contact us. We’d be happy to answer your questions.
Alliums
Although alliums aren’t spices, we felt it only right to include them in our list. Ginger, shallots, and garlic are incredibly important to most Indian cooking. They are heavily used but can be substituted with hing.
Cooking should be fun! We encourage you to play around with your meals, add some spices and enjoy! For another yummy addition, try adding our authentic Indian sauces to your meals. They’re packed with spices and nutrients, so that your meal can be easy, yummy and healthy.
