5 Spices You Need to Start Cooking More Indian Food (2024)

FAQs

5 Spices You Need to Start Cooking More Indian Food? ›

These types of varieties are known as the seven whole spices of India, which are cumin, coriander, turmeric, clove, cinnamon, cardamom and fenugreek. These whole spices are used for both cooking as well as health purposes, and many are used in herbal medicines.

These types of varieties are known as the seven whole spices of India, which are cumin, coriander, turmeric, clove, cinnamon, cardamom and fenugreek. These whole spices are used for both cooking as well as health purposes, and many are used in herbal medicines.

The seven spices include - Dhaniya Powder (Coriander Powder), Garam Masala (Whole Spice Mix), Haldi (Turmeric Powder), Hari Elaichi (Green Cardamom), Lal Mirch Powder (Red Chili Powder) and Sabut Jeera (Cumin Seeds or Shahjeera).

A common mix for ground five-spice powder (center) is (clockwise from top left) cinnamon, fennel seeds, star anise, Sichuan peppercorns and cloves. While there are many variants, a common mix is: Star anise (bājiǎo 八角)

Chinese five-spice powder, combination of five dried spices—fennel seeds, cassia (Chinese cinnamon), cloves, star anise, and Szechuan pepper, though many variations exist—that is of Chinese origin.

Five spice is a mix of fennel, clove, anise, cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorn (some Chinese add several other spices, considering “five spice” more of a concept than a hard rule). Allspice is ground up pimento berry… while it reminds of several other spices it's actually just a single spice.

Five spice is a blend of star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns and fennel seeds. If you don't have Sichuan peppercorns to hand, you could substitute them for black peppercorns – the flavour will still be nice, although it won't have the same heat.

5 spice is a combination of cinnamon, star anise, fennel seeds and cloves – the 5th ingredient can vary across recipes, we use sichuan peppercorns. But ginger and white pepper are also commonly used as the fifth component.

What is it about this ancient spice that so haunts the senses? Europeans in India called it Devil's Dung.

Allspice is the dried fruit of the Pimenta dioica plant. The fruits are picked when green and unripe, and are traditionally dried in the sun. When dry, they are brown and resemble large, smooth peppercorns. Fresh leaves are similar in texture to bay leaves and similarly used in cooking.

What is the main spice in curry? ›

The primary ingredient in most Indian curry powders is bright yellow turmeric. Turmeric is earthy, musky, and warm, and delivers great depth to curries with no heat. Indian curry spices are usually a blend of: Kashmiri Chile Powder – this chile has a terrific, rich flavor without much heat.

Red Chili Powder for Its Fiery Color

Most homemakers produce this spice combination with regional red chillies, which is hotter than Kashmiri chilli powder. It's the only spice combination that truly defines the amount of pungency in any curry or similar meal made in the kitchen.

"What makes Indian food spicy?" And the answer to the question is just two words - "Thai green chili" and "Chili powder". You might be wondering why an ingredient used in Indian cuisine is named "Thai green chili".

Black Pepper is considered the 'king of spices' and rightfully so. Unlike its perennial companion, salt, which is easily available in any nook and corner of the world, the black pepper owes its origins to Kerala – a state in South India.

Garam masala is a spice blend widely used in Indian cuisine, from curries and lentil dishes to soups. Whole spices of cinnamon, mace, peppercorns, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, and cardamon pods are toasted in a pan to release their aromatic flavors, then ground to a powder.