Close your eyes and take a deep breath. Can you smell it? That tantalizing aroma of cumin, coriander, and turmeric, wafting from the kitchen of Sizzling Grill who is one of the Indian restaurants in Calgary.
People have to remember that spices are the backbone of Indian cuisine, lending their warmth, depth, and complexity to every dish.
But with such a wide array of spices to choose from, how do you know which ones to use?
Fear not for we have unlocked the secrets to the top five spices you simply can’t live without when it comes to Indian flavor. So prepare to be dazzled by the rich history, bold flavors, and mouth-watering recipes that await you on this spice journey of a lifetime.
Here are 5 spices that you need to add if you’re making Indian food or are trying some at Indian restaurants in Calgary:
Best Indian Restaurants in Calgary: 5 Spices You Can’t Live Without At All
1. Cumin
Cumin is an essential spice in Indian cooking due to its distinctive, warm, and earthy flavor. It is a common ingredient in Indian curries, soups, stews, and spice blends. Cumin adds depth and complexity to dishes, and enhances the overall taste and aroma.
It is also believed to have several health benefits, including aiding digestion and reducing inflammation.
2. Coriander
Coriander is another essential spice in Indian cooking, with a fresh, citrusy flavor that adds brightness and depth to dishes. Both the seeds and leaves of the coriander plant are used in Indian cuisine, with the seeds being used to create spice blends and the leaves used as a garnish or to flavor chutneys, soups, and stews.
Coriander is also believed to have several health benefits, including aiding digestion and promoting heart health. Overall, coriander is an important spice that adds a unique flavor and aroma to Indian dishes.
3. Turmeric
Turmeric is a bright yellow spice that is widely used in Indian cooking, especially in curries, rice dishes, and spice blends. It has a warm, slightly bitter taste and is known for its vibrant color.
Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a popular ingredient in many health foods and supplements. In Indian cuisine, turmeric is used not just for its flavor and color, but also for its potential health benefits.
4. Cardamom
Cardamom is a highly aromatic spice that is used in both sweet and savory Indian dishes. It has a strong, fragrant flavor that is slightly sweet and spicy, with notes of citrus and floral. Cardamom is often used in spice blends like garam masala, as well as in sweet dishes like desserts and chai tea.
In addition to its flavor, cardamom is also believed to have several health benefits, including improving digestion and freshening breath.
5. Mustard seeds
Mustard seeds are a key ingredient in Indian cooking, adding a pungent, sharp flavor to dishes. They are commonly used in spice blends, marinades, and pickles, as well as in curries and stews. Mustard seeds come in different varieties, with black and brown seeds being the most commonly used in Indian cuisine.
Along with their flavor, mustard seeds are also believed to have several health benefits, including aiding digestion and boosting metabolism.
These are the 5 spices that you should always add when you’re making Indian food! There are a number of Indian restaurants in Calgary who offers one of the best and mouth-watering taste