Easy Indian Recipes

Available fresh,  dried and powder - Fresh and dried, garlic is used for its strong flavor. The powder is mainly used in spice mixtures.

Garam Masala This is the main spice mixture of Indian cooking. It is a hot and aromatic powder and is added at the end of cooking.

Garam masala ingredients:
15 Peppercorns
8 Cinnamon
8 Cardamom
2 tsp Cumin
2 tsp Coriander
8 Cloves
2  Bay leaf
1 Mace flower

The making of Garam masala
Heat up a frying pan with low heat. Toss all the ingredients, and stir till fragrant.
Remove from heat, and place onto a plate. When it turns to room temperature, add all to a blender, grind it till fine powder.
Keep it to an air tight container, use when needed.

Fenugreek Seeds - These small pungent seeds are used in spice mixtures.

Fennel seed is similar in smell and taste to aniseed. They are used in many vegetable and meat dishes. Roasted fennel seeds are also eaten after a meal to freshen the mouth.

Dried Chilies – These red chilies are often fried in oil to release their strong flavor. The small ones are the most pungent.

  

  

Curry Powder – There are many variations of this spice mixture, varying in both flavor and color.

Curry Powder

Curry Powder with spoon

Curry Leaves – These are the Indian version of bay leaves.

Curry Leaves

Curry leaves on plate

Cumin – Available as whole dark brown seeds and ground. The whole seeds are often friend in oil, releasing a strong musky flavor and aroma.

   

Coriander - one of the most popular spices, these small beige seeds are used whole and ground, giving a slightly sweet flavor. Coriander leaves are used for flavoring and as a garnish.

 

      

Cloves are used in spice mixtures such as garam masala and in meat and rice dishes.