Feeling like you love the flavor but just don’t know where to start when it comes to cooking with Indian spices? Indian spices have an exotic aroma and flavor, unique to the culture and style of the food and, if you’re new to using them, can feel a bit overwhelming. Here’s a look at cooking with Indian spices 101 – enjoy!
Ground Cumin – Smokey and spicey, ground Cumin seed or whole Cumin seed adds a strong flavor that’s distinctly Indian. Add this to chicken curry for a flavor pop that can’t be matched.
Tumeric – This is one of the most essential of the Indian spice flavor profiles and can be used in multiple dishes. Similar to a ginger root, turmeric actually comes from the turmeric root and gives off a beautiful, but strong aroma. It turns Indian recipes that gorgeous golden yellow that’s so distinct and is a flavor that can’t really be matched. Excellent for your health and delicious on the palate, turmeric is crucial in achieving that distinct Indian flavor you’re after.
Coriander Seeds – You’d think if you love cilantro, you’d also have a palate that loves coriander seeds (the seed of the cilantro plant), but believe it or not, the seeds taste nothing like cilantro. You can grind them yourself (try toasting them in a pan first – delicious!) or purchase ground coriander – the flavor is lemony and has a strong, but lovely scent.
Paprika – You’d probably recognize paprika right away with its deep red color and distinct flavor. In some Indian cooking the heat is achieved through red chilis – you can create something similar by combining paprika (for that bold color) and cayenne (for the heat).
Garlic – Of course! Indian food is known for its strong garlicky flavor and aroma, so don’t hold back on including this delicious spice. You can include roasted garlic or make it easy with garlic powder, but definitely keep it close by.
Garam Masala – A lovely mix of spices, dependent on each cook, garam masala is often hot and can be found with cumin and coriander, which really packs a flavor punch. You can also make your own spice mix by combining your favorites – like cinnamon, cardamom, chili powder and cloves, for example. If you purchase a pre-made masala or make your own, it’s ready to go when you start cooking. Delicious and convenient!
With this mix of Indian spices, you’ll be able to whip up even the most complex Indian recipe. So skip the pre-made curry and go straight to the spice rack. Here are a couple of delicious recipes to get you started:
