Indian spices are available aplenty throughout the country. Each region specializes in its own set of spices and has a set of unique dishes that employ these spices. Their remarkably unique flavours and aromas are not easy to substitute. A primary reason for the immense popularity of Indian dishes on a global scale is the apt use of these spices. These recipes are those that have been passed down for generations. Some of these dishes only give the full flavour when the right spices are used in the perfect quantities.
These spices may be native to the region and are hard to find anywhere else. This is why there is a sudden rise in the popularity of online masala stores. People from all over the world can purchase Indian spices online, with guaranteed quality of produce. The availability of these spices helps propagate the spread of culture and is also a digital method of conducting the Spice trade, which is beneficial to the country’s economy as well.
Essential Indian Spices
There are a variety of Indian spices. Some of these spices are available in only certain locations, and some of them are used in only a few select recipes. But apart from these spices, There are a set of essential spices that are used in a variety of dishes and often define the essence of Indian Cuisine. They are the pillars of the iconic flavours associated with Indian food and can be used in a variety of ways. These spices are available at a much larger scale than the unique and rare variety but must be the freshest and most authentic in quality to get the best flavours. A majority of these spices are grown and harvested in Southern India, more specifically Kerala. Thanks to the advent of technology there exist online stores from where you can buy South Indian Spices online.
Some of these essential spices include cardamom, cumin, turmeric, coriander, asafoetida, fenugreek, bay leaf, mustard, cinnamon, star anise, nutmeg, mace, cloves, pepper, and curry leaves. Any Indian Spices website with its salt would have these spices for sale without a fail.
Ways to Use Indian spices
Just like the different methods of cooking, there are different ways spices can be utilized to get the maximum flavour from them. These spices are used in different methods and put into dishes at different cooking times to vary the taste of the food. These are tried and tested culinary skills that ensure that the most are made out of the smallest spices.
Marination
A very popular method of preparation, marination includes ground and powdered spices being mixed. From here on, either the powdered mixture can be rubbed directly onto the meat or vegetables, or this mixture can be added to an acidic medium such as curd to make a paste for marination. A popular ground mixture is Garam Masala. It is a combination of several Indian spices, including pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, cumin, coriander, and Bay leaves. It can be made at home as well as brought from a store.
Dry Toasting Spices
Another popular method is to lightly toast spices on a hot skillet. Once roasted they give a smoky intense flavour. One spice that is commonly associated with this method is the Kaali Elaichi which is known for its eucalyptus-like aroma and unique taste. Once the spices have slightly darkened, or in the case of mustard and cardamom, the seeds begin to pop, and the toasting is done. Overdoing it can result in a burnt flavour and ruin the spices.
Frying Spices in Oil/ Tempering
Better known to locals as Tadka another popular method of using spices is frying them in boiling oil or ghee. In this process, all the flavours of the spices are absorbed by the oil. This oil is then poured into curies or on top of chutneys to spread the flavour throughout the dish. This method is popular because it manages to extract all the essential oils of the spices which may be otherwise missed while grounding.
Wrapping in Cloth
While spices can truly enhance the flavour of any dish, biting into these spices can be a very unpleasant experience. These spices, when used directly in dishes may be hidden among the food, and be accidentally bitten into, resulting in an unwanted burst of strong flavour. This is why when preparing dishes like Biriyani, the spices are wrapped in a muslin cloth, that allows the flavours and juices to pass through, while still holding the spices. Once the food has been prepared, this muslin cloth can be taken out without a hassle and give you an enjoyable eating experience.
Thus, it is not far-fetched to say that the fame and popularity are all owed to Indian Spices. These spices can add more rich flavours to a dish, and to get these high calibre spices, check out the website https://thottamfarmfresh.com/ which offers the best wholesome and healthy Indian spices Online to every Indian household.
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