Indian cuisine is all about different spices, herbs, seeds, and many more miscellaneous items which are important to provide your meal the extra edge. You can get more than 100 + spices in the Indian market, each of which has a dedicated use.
But, the core question comes - how do you stock these spices so that they can last longer? This would also help you to prepare a fabulous dish every time you use them. It is quite understandable that if you are new at cooking, then understanding what spices you should use can be daunting.
The only solution is to properly arrange these spices in your kitchen cabinet. This can help you to get the spices easily without anybody's help. If you love certain spices, such as tadka masala or any other spice blend, then it's time to stop and arrange them properly.
If you are confused, then we are here to guide you. Simply follow the ground rules set by us.
What are the basics of Stocking Spices?
If you are a beginner, then let’s start with the basics. The most interesting fact about Indian spices is that they can go a long way without getting spoiled. The trick is that you can add a little sodium, sugar, or fat to the container where you are going to store the spices.
Always choose air-tight containers for stocking the spices to keep their flavors and aroma intact for a long time. Other than that, do not stock your kitchen cabinet with too many spices, but try to order online as much as you require for a month.
It is understandable that it looks quite tempting when your favorite tadka masala, tandoori masala, or maybe chat masala is up for sale. But stocking them without any reason is of no good, and these can start giving a foul smell eventually.
Spices that are essential for an Indian Kitchen
Spices should be ordered only if you need them. Because if you stock them for a very long time, then it might happen that these spices are losing their aroma, flavor, and taste and are unable to leave up to the mark while you are cooking any kind of meal.
Here’s how you should arrange the spices so that you can easily reach out to them while cooking a scrumptious meal.
Herbs
When it comes to herbs, you can get Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme. These are essential for cooking any Indian dish. Other than this, you also need Dill weed, Basil, and Oregano which are equally important and go well with Italian or Mexican dishes.
- Parsley is an everyday herb and helps to round out other flavors.
- Sage is also an important herb that also goes well with chicken, egg, and other poultry items to give it a more distinct flavor.
- Rosemary has an acidic smell and goes great with non-veg items.
- Thyme is an equally important herb. If you want a little earthy flavor or add aroma to your food, then Thyme has a long way to go with your dish.
- Dill weed is usually used for dressing or seasoning purposes.
- Basil can be used to create different kinds of sauces and Italian dishes.
- Oregano is the most used in Italian dishes.
You need to arrange them in the exact order given so that you can cook your meal without any trouble.
Seeds
There are various kinds of seeds that are used in the form of spices. The two most important seeds that you must stock in your kitchen cabinet are celery seeds and fennel seeds. You can use them while preparing soup, stew, or any sauces.
- Celery seed can be used to create a vegetal and grounding flavor.
- Fennel seeds can be used to make any kind of Italian dish, and it has a licorice flavor, according to some.
- However, you must not put too much of it because it has an overwhelming flavor and can cover up other spices.
Sweet and savory spices
This range of spices is counted among the most important spices that cover up all your senses and taste buds. The list starts with cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, and cardamom. These are the most basic spices that every Indian cuisine must have. They have a sweet, savory, and tangy taste and can be used as a seasoning or while cooking a meal.
You can also get them in blended, grounded, or whole forms. Indian recipes such as biriyani, tandoori, curries, chicken, and lenticels require a small proportion of these spices to impart an authentic Indian taste.
Try to use them with oatmeal, or you can also use these while baking. They have a distinct smell and aroma, which can help you to distinguish them from one another.
Other important spices
These spices can be used as seasoning or dressing and are known as a core element of every Indian food. This includes paprika, curry powder, tadka masala, tandoori powder, garlic powder, mustard, and cumin.
This falls among the list of spices that you have to reach out to more reach out for most often, and the fun fact is that you must learn how to pair up these spices while cooking. Other than this, you can order these spices online if you are trying to experiment with Indian cuisine.
It is often being said that while preparing a meal, it all depends on how well you are preparing it. Also, how well you can distinguish the flavors and aroma of the spices. So, it is quite essential to have a well-organized kitchen where you can stock up on all the spices. Thus, you can get them easily while cooking.
