Role of Indian spices in Indian cuisine

The two greatest inventions in the history of human civilization: wheel and spices. One has helped in the evolution of transport and other in food. Primitive men have started using spices to make their food taste better.

Fact about spices which you won’t believe!

Spices changed the course of Indian history when Mughals invaded India, they started trading of spices. There were many wars among the rulers in history for the domination over spice trade. In olden days, paan was used as an ayurvedic medicine which helps in the increase of saliva and aids digestion. Apart from food, spices were used in medicine, preservation and even in warding of evil spirits.

As our current topic is about usage of spices in Indian cuisine, so let’s have some discussion here regarding it!

Indian food is famous across all the countries for its finger licking taste. The secret behind the aroma and taste of Indian dishes are spices. India is the one largest producer and user of spices and hence known as “Land of spices”. Other than adding taste to dishes, some spices have also been used in medicines since ancient times. While some others are used in preservatives too. Every spice has their part and own flavor in the taste of curry. We import spices from Gujarat, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala as these are the biggest hubs of spices produced in India. We personally take care of the hygiene and quality of spices.

Ajwain is one of the spices that gives a good aroma when used in cooking and is beneficial to health. It can be used as a seasoning in samosas, roti’s. They are used to keep our digestive system on track. Gujarati’s mostly use them in dals and pakoras.

Biryani is one of the favorite dishes of every Indian and we Indians who stay away from India will be missing the flavor and aroma of it. The main reason behind the taste of biryani is using the right quantity of spices like Bay leaf, cloves, cinnamon, fennel seeds and anise.

Other than in curries, spices like cardamom and saffron are even used in making of Indian sweets like Rasmalai, kheer, kesari, phirni, etc... Saffron is used mostly to give a color to the dish. Whereas, cardamom gives a special kind of flavor. Cardamom can also be used in flavored drinks and can be added to tea too.

Some essential oils derived from cloves, cinnamon are used in cooking who love to have a strong flavor of dishes. Using them in cooking is completely our choice and it can also be used for dental hygiene or even in baking pastries.

Garlic and ginger are one of the common and must use ones in most of the Indian cuisines. Mostly everyone makes a paste and uses them in making curries as they have strong taste and smell. Other than in curries, some people use ginger in making coffee or tea. It helps in treating cough and cold.

We Indians are always keen on having spicy foods and it’s hard to think of the taste of food without spicy powder in it. India is the largest producer of spices and famous for having separate chilly markets in a few places. We import spices directly from the yard to give the taste of Indian chilli for the Indian’s who are living here.

Since olden times turmeric has been used in medicines and to cure many diseases. It is one of the important spices used in cooking for color and flavor in curry. Turmeric plays a vital role in all Indian cuisines because it has anti-inflammatory properties and boosts the immune system.

Tips while cooking:

1. If stronger spices are added in first, then whole flavor will be absorbed by the curry. Lighter spices can be added in the end.
2. Spices like red chillies, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, cloves, fennel seeds if toasted on stove for 2 minutes and grinded then that powder can be used in curries as garam masala which give a good flavor and taste.
3. If little amount of turmeric is used in the start while sauteing onions, then the raw flavor can be avoided.

From ancient times to modern times, spices have a key role in Indian foods. Using the correct quantity of spices in Indian food is an art and that's the magic which made fans all over the world for Indian food. The experience of having tasty food elevates our soul and it also improves our health system. You can buy spices in raw or in grounded powder form at MyHomeGrocers with just one click away and start casting your magic on your family members.