5 Hot Indian Spices you will find in any Indian Household

We are going to talk about the top 5 essential and hot Indian spices without which Indian cooking is incomplete. The addition of a simple spice takes the flavor of the dish to another level. So every Indian household has a typical round box in which are assorted 5-7 spices.

Owing to the diverse cultures and traditions followed, the consumption of spices is no longer region-specific. Cultivation and production of spices also have been quite native to India. Hence spices are used to make Indian Curries, Rice items, Rotis, etc. It adds a spicy and savory taste to anything it is added to. Though the spices are numerous, there are some must-have Indian spices not only for taste but also for health benefits.

Which are the most common spices available in almost every Indian household?

Here is the hot Indian spice list:

• Cumin
• Mustard Seeds
• Coriander
• Clove
• Cinnamon
• Bay Leaf
• Red chilli
• Turmeric
• Mace
• Cardamom
• Carom Seeds
• Fenugreek
• Fennel
• Black Pepper
• Asafoetida
• Nigella Seeds
• Sesame Seeds
• Nutmeg

And the list is still long.

Today let’s talk about 5 extremely beneficial spices.

Fenugreek Seeds or Methi

Yellow mustard color Fenugreek seeds have a slightly bitter flavor but it gives immense health benefits.

Fenugreek seeds soaked overnight in water help regulate blood sugar. It is a little hot in nature hence it needs to be consumed in limit. Usually used in tempering and it is also added to many types of pickles. By dropping them in oil and waiting for them to turn brown they are ready to release their flavor. Fenugreek is known to cure hair-related issues like hair fall, dandruff, and frizz and is an excellent conditioner. Hence is known as a superfood in the truest sense.

Nigella seeds or Kalonji

These seeds are mostly used in tempering and are one of the spices of Panch Phoron(five-spice mix) popular in Bengali cuisine(Eastern India). It has numerous health benefits. Hence in the Middle East, it is used as traditional medicine.

Fennel Seeds or Saunf

Fennel seeds are cooling by nature and hence are added to various health drinks. Often eaten after a heavy meal as a mouth freshener since it eases digestion. The concoction of Fennel seeds and Cumin Seeds in hot water is given to women after delivering a baby considering its benefits in curing bloating and aiding weight loss.

Sesame seeds or Til

Sesame seeds are nutty in flavor and are consumed in moderation due to their allergic nature.

It has the highest oil content and is pressed to extract oil which is often used for cooking in many regions. Sesame crop survives in extreme conditions of drought. So it is cultivated in a region where other crops failed. Sometimes Sesame seeds are heated with jaggery to make bars or balls, sometimes added to bread as well and sprinkled on salads as well. Due to its high-heat nature, it is often consumed in moderation.

Black pepper or Kali Miri

As the name says it is black in color also known as a peppercorn. Also known to be the most common spice used in cuisines around the world. It is placed with salt on the dining table. Mostly produced in the Malabar coast or now Kerala. Historians often refer to it as black gold owing to its high traded value in ancient times.

There are numerous health benefits of Black pepper. Since it is hot by nature it is used to cure colds, coughs, and sore throat. A concoction also known as ‘Kadha’ made of black pepper and some other spices like Cinnamon, Clove, Basil, Ginger, etc. is used to improve immunity during these pandemic times. Also added to golden milk to improve the efficacy of turmeric which helps in deep sleep.

Indian 5 Spice mix

Indian 5 spice mix consists of Cumin, Nigella Seeds, Mustard Seeds, Fennel Seeds, and Fenugreek Seeds. It is also known as Panch Phoron or Indian 5 spice mix popularly used in Eastern India.

Different types of Masala

There are different types of masalas or spice mix as per the region, and the dish it is added to.

• Sambar Masala, Rasam Masala, and Chettinad Masala( which is added to Sambar curry made up of lentils and vegetables often consumed with idli, and dosa) are typical to South India.
• Goda Masala(Check out a spicy drumstick curry recipe using this homemade spice mix), Malavani Masala which is added to different curries consumed with Flat Bread or Rice) typical in the Maharashtra region.
• As per the dishes, there is Chole Masala, Biryani Masala, Rajma Masala, Pav Bhaji Masala, Pani Puri Masala, etc.

How to Store the Spices?

• Spices have a great shelf life if they are sun-dried.
• They need to be stored in an airtight container.
• If you are storing them in normal plastic containers they won’t stay fresh for long and taste would also be compromised.
• Don’t store them in the refrigerator they will lose the essential oils in them.
• Store them at room temperature in an airtight container and they will easily last for 4-6 months.

The dried and powdered version of all the Indian spices is known as Garam Masala. This masala is made differently in every household depending on the preferences in taste and health. It is also available in small packets in the Indian market. Indian curries and dishes have gained popularity around the world and people can easily differentiate them from other cuisines by the taste and amount of spices added. Considering the health benefits of these spices during these pandemic times it is no more exclusively Indian anymore.

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Poornima