All about Indian Spices and how they are used-Learn to cook with indian spices
By: Kavita Mehta
photo credit Kavita Mehta
Spices are the soul of Indian food. Simple ingredients come alive with the special use of spices and herbs.
1. Many Indian vegetables are made with simple bland spices so the flavor of the main ingredient can stay pure and the spices provide a supporting taste. These are the more bland and delicate spices such as fennel, cumin, mustard seeds and coriander powder and turmeric.
2. Then there are the stronger spices. In India we use strong, pungent spices like garam masala in small amounts. It is safest to use whole spices in garam masala when new to these spices. Use 1 each for 4 servings as a start.
These whole spices are natures very own Bouquet Garni: In India whole spices are used in many recipes and they keep releasing their flavor over time in a dish. This natural use of whole spices is more popular in North Indian cuisines.
3. Fresh herbs like mint, coconut, fresh green chilies are combined with spices to make fragrant concoctions for cooking. Indian cooking involves the use of fresh herbs and it is easy to overlook this important aspect in our cooking with all the fragrance and charm of spices. Fresh herbs help balance spices.
4. In our store you will also find spice blends and ready made pastes and sauces. These are time saving ideas making it even easier for you to enjoy authentic flavors in your own kitchen.
Indian Spices and how they are used
1. In India we use strong, pungent spices like garam masala in small amounts. It is safest to use whole spices in garam masala when new to these spices. Use 1 each for 4 servings as a start.
These whole spices are natures very own Bouquet Garni: In India whole spices are used in many recipes and they keep releasing their flavor over time in a dish. This natural use of whole spices is more popular in North Indian cuisines.
2. More delicate seasonings like fennel, cumin, mustard seeds and coriander powder is used in larger amounts. When trying a new idea, it is safest to begin with 1/2 teaspoon to a dish that serves 4.
3. Fresh herbs like mint, coconut, fresh green chilies are combined with spices to make fragrant concoctions for cooking. Indian cooking involves the use of fresh herbs and it is easy to overlook this important aspect in our cooking with all the fragrance and charm of spices. Fresh herbs help balance spices.
4. In our store you will also find spice blends and ready made pastes and sauces. These are time saving ideas making it even easier for you to enjoy authentic flavors in your own kitchen.
About The Book
About the Author
Ruta Kahate teaches regional Indian cooking from her home-based school in Oakland, California, which has been featured on the Fine Living Network.
Susie Cushner is a Boston-based photographer whose work can be found in many cookbooks, including Martha’s Vineyard Table and The New England Table.
You can have this kit that include most of the Indian spices needed for delicious cooking; this traditional spice box (masala dabba as it is known in India) is a must have in every Indian kitchen. It is to an Indian cook what a color palette is to an artist. The large, round stainless steel box contains one spoon to use with the spices and seven stainless steel spice cups. The box has two lids – an inner plastic lid to keep spices fresh and an outer lid that serves as the cover.The box comes with the following spices: Cumin seeds, Turmeric, Mustard seeds, Whole garam masala, Red Chile powder, Fennel seeds, Coriander powder.
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