Essential Spices for Indian Cooking
Do you want to diversify food, emphasize the dignity of the ingredients and add new notes to familiar dishes? We have selected the top 8 most popular species from India. Indian Ayurvedic specialists have been using them in healing for the past several thousand years. So, using Indian species, you can not only have a tasty dinner and surprise the guests but also take care of your health.
Top 8 Essential Spices for Indian Cooking
Turmeric is a recognized leader among spices that have a medicinal effect. This spice is considered a natural antibiotic. It treats arthritis and dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract – stomach pain, heartburn, intestinal upset. Indian Ayurvedic specialists use it for skin inflammation and for healing wounds. Turmeric is a popular Indian spice, which gives the dish a wonderful golden color and exquisite refined taste. A mixture of oil and this spice is used for Indian massage.
Ginger. Ground root ginger has a wide range of uses. First of all, it has good taste. In Indian cuisine, the spice is added to the soups and meat dishes, dough products and drinks. Ginger is also widely used by healers. After all, it is a cure for many diseases. Spice stabilizes the work of the stomach and intestines, lowers cholesterol, has a positive effect on the work of the kidneys and thyroid. Ginger root is used in both fresh and dried form.
Coriander. Coriander seeds are used almost everywhere in India. They are valued for their mixed (lemon and pepper) flavor. It is used by Indian chefs when cooking soups, beans, fish and meat dishes, salads, curries. Spice is known for balancing body and mind. Coriander is an excellent choleretic agent, it increases appetite and alleviates the suffering of allergies.
Cumin. Bitter cumin seeds “can” enhance the taste of food, which is why it is added in small quantities. Cumin is the second most popular Indian spice in the world. Black pepper takes the first place. Ayurveda experts believe that cumin is able to rid the body of digestive toxins. Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and liver recede with proper inclusion of this spice in the diet.
Carnation. A small dried bud gives aroma and an acrid taste to dishes from any kind of meat. Carnation is also good in sweets and drinks. This Indian spice is a natural antiseptic, it cures nausea, whets the appetite and is effective for colds. Carnation perfectly interrupts odors and has a spicy taste, so you need to use only in small doses.
Red and black pepper. These two spices are present in every kitchen, and not only in India. So, black pepper is the most demanded Indian spice in the world market of spices. Pepper is able to adjust the digestion and help with colds. Topical use of black pepper can stop small wounds from bleeding. Pepper red copes with circulatory disorders and strengthens the skeleton. It “spurs” the digestive system, while getting rid of toxins. Due to the content of beta-cryptoxanthin, which neutralizes the action of tobacco, spice is strongly advised to smokers.
Cardamom. Due to its soft and mild taste, cardamom is indispensable in a variety of recipes of Indian cuisine. It is added in the main dishes, sweets, traditional Indian tea. Several centuries ago, healers believed that the king of spices is effective in treating almost all diseases. Modern scientists claim that this Indian spice reduces the risk of melanoma, stimulates the heart and digestive system.
Cinnamon is probably the most popular sweet spice on the planet. Cinnamon is made from the bark of an evergreen tree. Thanks to cinnamon, confectionery and drinks become much more fragrant and tastier. Many people use cinnamon as a sugar substitute. This Indian spice has antiseptic and detoxifying properties. It is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Also, cinnamon is successfully used to restore blood circulation, with the flu and colds.
Of course, the list of popular Indian spices is far from complete. They also have curry leaves, basil, anise… Experiment! And enjoy your meal!
Category: General Issues
Tags: cuisine, india, indian