Indian foods are famous for their unique taste and distinctive flavor. They can be best described as hot and spicy. The cooking is a perfect blend of spices, herbs, and condiments. Speaking of spices, it is the story of every Indian household to have different jars for keeping them. So much so, that India is known as the land of spices.
Without these secret ingredients, it is impossible to imagine cooking the curries and stews. While some can be used in the form of powder, other spices can be used in the form of the paste only after blending it in a powerful mixer grinder. Let’s take a look at 7 spices that are an integral part of the best Indian food.
Cardamom
Cardamom is an expensive spice that is used for cooking an exotic range of Indian dishes. Green and black cardamoms are indispensable for cooking biryani, basmati rice, various curries, and desserts.
The flavor of green cardamom is sweet and light while the taste of black cardamom is powerful and smoky. Besides Indian cooking, cardamom is extremely popular in Middle Eastern cuisines.
Cinnamon
For adding a distinct flavor and tantalizing aroma to many Indian meat and rice dishes, cinnamon has no substitute. It is mainly used in preparing chicken curries, cakes, sweet dishes, and apple pies. However, it is always removed before serving.
Turmeric
The yellow-colored spice is commonly used for enhancing the flavor of the Indian dishes. It is also used for marinating meat. It contains a medicinal compound called curcumin.
Since ancient times and centuries, it is being used in Indian cooking and considered the basic ingredient for cooking Indian food. A top Indian restaurant in Colorado Springs includes turmeric in their dishes for enhancing the taste and flavor.
Nutmeg
An extraordinarily potent and unique spice from secrets of the Indian kitchen, nutmeg is loaded with essential nutrients and wellness properties. Right from savories to sweet dishes, nutmeg is an integral part of Indian cuisine.
If we trace back the history and evolution of nutmeg, then it shows that it was mainly used in Mughlai cuisines and Biryani preparations.
Cloves
If you want to get that rich and spicy flavor in any preparation, then adding cloves is mandatory. In North Indian cuisine, cloves are extremely popular and used in every side dish for enhancing the flavor.
Cumin
Cumin is the most ubiquitous of spices in the Indian spice category. It has an intense, warm and rich flavor and goes well with coriander. The spice tastes best when it is freshly minced in a mixer.
However, many people also prefer to use it in the form of a powder. In a top-notch Colorado Springs fine dining restaurant cumin is used in almost all the curries and stews.
Black Pepper
Black pepper is a popular Indian spice and is known for its nice aroma and distinct pungent flavor. It is used in both whole and powder forms for lending flavor to a dish. Besides, it contains piperine that works wonders for the body by providing vital vitamins, selenium, and beta-carotene.
Here was our list for the best 7 spices used in Indian cooking. Pick your favorite one and let us know whether you want to add more in the comments section.