India is known for many things and food is undeniably one of those. Indian cuisine is very popular and respected all over the world for its unique flavors and styles of cooking. The secret behind the mouthwatering aromatic flavors of Indian delicacies is the range of ingredients that are used to prepare the foods. Spices and herbs predominate Indian dishes and due to these ingredients, Indian foods get their appetizing aroma, flavors, and tastes. The good news is if you are a fan of Indian cuisine and want to cook some delicacies for your loved ones, you can buy herbs and spices online from the popular Indian spices online stores in the UK like TajSpices. This e-store offers all kinds of Indian spices and herbs that are indispensable in traditional Indian cooking as well as offers quality Indian grocery items.
In this blog, we will discuss the most popular and commonly used ingredients that are fundamental to Indian cuisine.
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Turmeric (Haldi)
Both whole and powder forms of turmeric are widely used in most Indian dishes, especially in the spicy curries – this healing spice adds a peppery flavor and a rich golden color to the dishes. The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric make it a must-have in several Indian foods and drinks.
- Mustard Seeds (Sarason)
Mustard seeds have a strong flavor and smell and hence, are used in many Indian dishes in the powdered form as well as a whole, especially in the vegetable dishes like pumpkin, cabbage, carrots, as well as in fish curries.
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Ginger and Garlic (Adrak and Lahsun)
Ginger and garlic are the two most essential herbs that are commonly used in Indian cuisine – both in the non-vegetarian and vegetarian dishes. Both these herbs have many medicinal properties and they provide a rich taste and fragrance to the dishes they are added to.
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Lentils (Masoor)
Lentils are an edible legume and India is a chief producer of the same. There are several varieties of lentils – red, brown, green, and black. They are rich in protein and fiber and different types of Indian dishes can be prepared using lentils, which are among the staple foods of the people in this country.
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Curry Leaves
Curry leaves are known for their toothsome aroma that is vital to Indian spicy curries. They are commonly added to various curry sauces.
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Jaggery or Palm Sugar
Jaggery is not used in the refined form to retain its naturalness. In India, it is often treated as a substitute for sugar for its natural sweetness and is used in various delicacies like desserts, chutneys, etc.
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Dried Fenugreek Leaves (Kasoori Methi)
For that restaurant-style flavor in your curry dishes, you need to add this fragrant dried Indian herb. The leaves should be crushed between the palms to release the fragrance and flavor and added to the dishes.
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Coriander (Dhania)
This is a versatile Indian spice and here lies its uniqueness. It adds earthy notes to the traditional Indian dishes (especially the South Indian recipes) and is often paired with cumin – another vital Indian spice.
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Cumin (Jeera)
It has a nutty flavor and earthy notes that makes it essential in different Indian dals, curries, soups, and also added to the “tadka”, which is integral to several Indian dishes.
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Pepper (Kali Mirch)
Both black pepper and white pepper are widely used in Indian dishes and black pepper is native to the Western Ghats and Malabar region in India. Pepper can be used in different ways but for the best results, it is freshly grounded and added directly to the dishes.
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Kashmiri Red Chili (Sukhi Lal Mirch)
Both whole and ground Kashmiri red chili are used in Indian cooking to add rich color and a hot and spicy taste to the delicacy.
Other than the above-mentioned commonly used ingredients, there are several other ingredients like Asafetida (Hing), Indian Bay Leaves (Tej Patta), Fennel (Saunf), Cloves (Laung), Carom (Ajwain), Cinnamon (Dalchini), Cardamom (Elaichi), Caraway Seeds (Kala Jeera), Nigella Seeds (Kalonji), Mint (Pudina), Tamarind (Imli), Saffron (Kesar), Nutmeg and Mace (Jaiphal), Star Anise (Chakra Phool), etc. that are widely used in preparing scrumptious Indian cuisine.
You can buy most of these vital Indian ingredients in the UK online from the e-store of TajSpices – it is one of the most reputable Indian spices online stores. So, buy these Indian herbs and spices online and cook the most lip-smacking Indian delicacies that efficiently portray the richness and greatness of India to the world.
