Too many spices!

Indian cooking has a lot of different spices – each dish may need 5-10. I’m often asked what spices are in our kits, so I thought it might be interesting to share some of the top Indain spices, many of which are in our kits:

1.      Cumin (Jeera) - Cumin is a popular spice in Indian cooking and is used in a variety of dishes, including curries, rice, and breads. It has a warm, earthy flavor and is often used to add depth to dishes.

2. Cardamom (Elaichi) - Cardamom is a fragrant spice commonly used in Indian desserts and chai tea. It has a sweet, floral flavor and is often ground and used to flavor cakes, ice cream, and other sweet treats.
3. Coriander (Dhaniya) - Coriander is a versatile spice commonly used in Indian cooking to add flavor to curries, sauces, and marinades. It has a citrusy, slightly sweet flavor and is often used in combination with other spices.
4. Turmeric (Haldi) - Turmeric is a spice with a warm, slightly bitter flavor and a bright yellow color. It is commonly used in Indian cooking to add flavor and color to dishes, including rice, and vegetables. Known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
5. Fenugreek (Methi) - Fenugreek is a spice with a nutty, slightly sweet flavor and is commonly used in Indian cooking to add depth to dishes. It is often used in combination with other spices, such as cumin and coriander. You will often see leaves and seeds being used.
6. Mustard Seeds (Rai) - Mustard seeds are small, round seeds with a pungent flavor and are commonly used in Indian cooking to add flavor to pickles, chutneys, and spice blends. They are often tempered in oil to bring out their flavor. Used a lot in South Indian dishes.
7. Cloves (Laung) - Cloves are aromatic, flavorful spice commonly used in Indian cooking to add depth to dishes. They have a sweet, slightly bitter flavor and are often used in combination with other spices, such as cardamom.
8. Cinnamon (Dalchini) - Cinnamon is a spice with a warm, sweet flavor and is commonly used in Indian cooking to add flavor to desserts and beverages. It is often used in combination with other spices, such as cardamom and cloves, and is commonly used in chai tea and sweet dishes as well as in garam masala too.
9. Red Chili Powder (Lal Mirch) - Red chili powder is a spice with a hot, spicy flavor and is commonly used in Indian cooking to add heat to dishes. It is often used in combination with other spices and is a key ingredient in many Indian spice blends.
10. Black Pepper (Kali Mirch) - Black pepper is a spice with a sharp, pungent flavor and is commonly used in Indian cooking to add flavor to dishes. It is often used in combination with other spices and is a key ingredient in many Indian spice blends.