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The substance that makes your meal tasty and flavorful is spices, usually obtained from plants, such as their roots, seeds, leaves, etc. Spices are an essential element in cooking for a list of reasons, not only for flavour and taste; they also provide health benefits. So, one should stock up on a few of them, which are really essential.
1. Cumin:
The most important spice of all is cumin, known for its slightly sweet and warming flavour. Cumin is commonly used for tempering dishes like dal and curries. Also used as powder for the aroma and enhances the taste of several dishes. This spice is also used in garam masala, a well-known spice blend. Exceeding its contribution to taste and flavour, cumin is also known for its digestive benefits and contains antioxidant properties, as per a study published in the Journal Nutrients in 2021. This is a must-have spice in all Indian kitchens, as it covers a wide range of dishes, from vegetarian to non-vegetarian. Thus, cumin is the fundamental spice of Indian cuisine.
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2. Turmeric:
Indian kitchens are incomplete without turmeric, which is sought after mostly for its earthy flavour. Turmeric is not only limited to cooking but it is also used in many curry powders or spice mixtures to boost their flavours. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of this ingredient, besides immunity promoting and good health strengthening, are well known, as per a study published in the Journal Food in 2017. Turmeric is used for the colour and adds a light, small and earthy flavour. It is also used in marination along with salt and is also used in almost all dishes, like dal and curry, with a golden colour.
3. Coriander Powder:
The fragrance of the spices in Indian kitchens is incomplete without coriander powder, which is appreciated for its nice scent and benefits. It is a main constituent of many spice mixes and it is the very ingredient that gives curries, stews and marinades that zesty, earthy flavour as well as the richness they need. Moreover, in addition to being a taste improver, coriander powder has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and is of great value for the digestive system, as per a study published in the Journal Molecules in 2023. Coriander powder, which is admired for the unique and various health benefits it offers, is a key part of Indian cooking and takes up the authenticity and body of all the dishes.
4. Mustard Seeds:
Mustard seeds are unavoidable in Indian kitchens as they are considered the core ingredient of many dishes, which are largely characterised by their unique bitter and pungent flavour and variety that is yellow and black. The spices are commonly used throughout the world for flavour, spicy heat and preservation. They can be in their whole form, crushed or as mustard oil. Besides the flavour aspect, mustard seeds have properties that reduce inflammation and oxidation, which are essential for our health, as known from a study published in the Journal Molecules in 2020. They play a great role in sweetening bland foods or enhancing the taste and fragrance of fragrant Indian curries.
5. Hing:
Hing, or asafoetida, is a unique spice owing to its strong flavour and medicinal attributes, which explains why its use in Indian cooking is inevitable. In addition to its role as a spice, hing imbues many vegetarian or lentil menus with a "something is missing” taste, making their preparation a very delightful process by tempering it in oil. There are two main types of hing, Punjabi and Malvar. Hing is prized for its digestive and anti-flatulent qualities, as per a study published in the Journal Pharmacognosy Review in 2010, in addition to its culinary uses. The nourishing properties of hing and its numerous applications make it an indispensable part of Indian households.
6. Black Pepper:
The main spice in our Indian cuisine is black pepper. The flavour signature of nutty, warming and sweet compliments the mouthfeel of many important food products to add more depth. Often, it is black pepper that vegetables are served with or without when it comes to food since it promotes flavour and health significance. The effect is that it behaves like an anti-inflammatory agent and an antioxidant, as per a study published in the Journal Pharmacognosy Review in 2012. Black pepper is a multi-purpose spice that is used by most Indian cooks in varying types of dishes, be it a string of curries or just a snack.
7. Cloves:
Every Indian kitchen has a must-have clove that is popular for its strong and commonly adored aroma. Cloves also seem to have health advantages beyond just making the dish tasty by showing that they can fight bacteria and be anti-inflammatory, as shown by a study published in the Journal Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine in 2014. Cloves are also extensively used in Ayurveda to maintain digestion and oral health. Clove earned such a place in Indian cuisine due to its multiplicity and sound taste; it makes the food better and is also a part of a different spice mix. Cloves are almost a part of every dish, both sweet and savoury.
8. Nutmeg:
As per Indian cooking, nutmeg is adored for its heady and sweet, spicy fragrance. This is the spice that adds deep undertones to curries, sweets and drinks that are most often used in savoury as well as sweet dishes. The nutmeg is yet another health benefactor, but in addition to enhancing flavour, it is also effective in fighting inflammation and digestive diseases, as mentioned by a study published in the Journal Molecules in 2020. It indeed enriches the fabric of Indian dining. Nutmeg takes biryanis and curries to another level, and that's why this spice becomes a must for all those who like enriching their taste buds.
9. Cinnamon:
The antic Indian spice is cinnamon, which gives a comforting, warm smell to the dishes. It should be mentioned that due to its attributes, it has a broad usage, as most often it is the main ingredient in hot and cold dishes, as well as providing just the right level of flavour needed for curries, desserts and other types of beverages where it is a very crucial ingredient to make the meal stand out. In addition to its characteristic flavour and aroma, cinnamon has also frequently been found to have some health benefits, including antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, as per a study published in the Journal Iran Journal of Basic Medical Science in 2016. It is a traditionally known method from the olden days, as it is a kind of helping tool to resolve knee-related ailments and improve immunity and digestion, according to what is understandable from Ayurveda.
10. Cardamom:
Cardamom can rightfully be considered a keystone spice in Indian cuisine. Thus, it results in a distinctive mixture of two tastes that is warm and slightly pungent, which makes these foods different from any other sweet dish by bringing a feeling of warmth to them. Not only does cardamom enhance the sense of taste, but this spice has benefits by aiding the digestive system and as such, it becomes a remedy for bloating, stomach gas and indigestion, as per a study published in the Journal Plants (Basel) in 2021. Cardamom is a culinary stockpile that sweetens Indian cuisine on the whole and provides multi-sensory enjoyment by incorporating a delicate flavour in different food types, from tea to biryanis.
