Indian food is renowned for its spice levels, and for good reason! From masala chilies to cumin seeds, there’s a spice Here for every indian food lover. But what makes indian food really spicy? This blog explores the different spices that go into making indian food so flavorful and hot. From black pepper to cardamom, read on to learn about the different ingredients that make indian food so special. Whether you’re looking for new spices to add to your cooking repertoire or just want to learn more about indian cuisine in general, this blog is for you!
Ginger-Garlic Paste
If you’re looking for some flavor and heat in your food, ginger and garlic are two of the best spices to have on hand. Not only do they add complexity and depth of flavor to dishes, but their pungent aroma also makes Indian cuisine one of the most popular around the world. From curries to dals (a type of lentil dish), there is no compromising on spice when it comes to cooking up a delicious Indian meal. So make sure you have a jar or two at home – it will come in handy sooner than you think!
Red Chili Powder
Looking for a spice that can add a kick to your food? Look no further than chili powder! This blend of spices, most notably cumin, coriander and other spices is used mainly in India. It’s perfect for adding heat to your dishes – vindaloo will definitely love it! Used primarily as a condiment or seasoning, chili powder can also be added to chapatis (a type of bread) and rice dishes. For something with more flavor depth, try using chili powder in curries or chilies. Whatever you choose, make sure it has the red pepper on the label so you know you’re getting genuine chili powder!
Black Pepper
Black pepper is a main ingredient in Indian cuisine, and its potent flavour contributes to the dish’s heat. Use it sparingly though – too much black pepper can overpower other flavors and make the food taste overpowering. Add it at the end of cooking for that extra kick of flavour. It also enhances other flavors in dishes, giving them an intense flavor profile that many people enjoy.
Other Whole Spices
As Indians, we use a variety of spices in our food to give it that special flavor profile. Some of the most common ones are cumin, coriander, cardamom, and turmeric.
You can add them as garnishes or use them in sauces and gravies – making sure you have enough on hand so you can cook up some delicious Indian cuisine!
Garam Masala Powder
Garam masala is one of the most important spices in Indian cuisine. It gives food its distinctive flavor and aroma, and is often used to season dishes like chicken tikka masala or saag paneer.
To make garam masala, you will need to heat the spices until they are fragrant. You can either do this on the stovetop or in a pan over medium-high heat. Make sure to use fresh garam masala whenever possible as it will lose its potency if stored for too long.
Conclusion
There are a variety of spices that are used to make Indian food spicy, but the main spices that contribute to its spiciness are cumin, chili pepper, and ginger. While all three of these spices are essential to making Indian food taste great, cumin is the spice that gives Indian food its characteristic flavor. If you’re looking to spice up your Indian food cooking, adding cumin to your spice rack is a great way to do it!
