Easy Indian Recipes

Whole and ground, nutmeg has a sweet, nutty flavor.

Whole black mustard seeds are added to hot oil to release a nutty flavor. They are used with vegetables and pulses.

mustard seeds

Fresh mint has a very refreshing flavor and is used for making chutneys and raitas.

Fresh mint

Both fresh and ground ginger have sharp refreshing flavor. Fresh root ginger should be peeled before use.

Ground ginger

Fresh Ginger

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