The Magic of Indian Cooking

The Magic of Indian Cooking

The Magic of Indian Cooking

Indian cooking

Traditionally, most if not all Indian dishes other than sweets from all parts of the country are embellished with what is called ‘Tadka’, in the northern part of the country, ‘Bhagaar’ or ‘Vagaar’, in the western parts of the country and ‘oggarane’ in some areas of the southern region of the country. Though the name may vary, the process remains more or less the same. It is the tempering of an assortment of spices in hot oil and pouring it over the cooked dish or adding the different ingredients of the dish to this hot concoction for further Indian cooking.

This process not only adds the aromas and flavors of the spices to the main dish but also serves a deeper purpose which many are not aware of and not much has been written about Indian cooking.

Each Indian spice which is added has a specific role to play in addition to adding taste and flavor to the dish. Below are some of the common Indian spices used in this process and the specific benefits they come with. This list is in no way exhaustive but will surely give you an idea of spices used in Indian cooking.

Indian spices

Mustard Seeds
The Magic of Indian Cooking

The presence of compounds like glucosinolates and myrosinase in mustard seeds are known to use phytochemicals to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. This is definitely a major mustard seeds health benefit.

Cumin Seeds

The Magic of Indian Cooking
Being an excellent source of iron, it aids in digestion, boosts the immune system and has anti-carcinogenic properties.

Asafoetida

The Magic of Indian Cooking
It is an anti-flatulent which aids in digestion and also is a helpful remedy for asthma and bronchitis

Powdered Turmeric
The Magic of Indian Cooking

This boosts immunity and also has powerful Anti-inflammatory and Anti-oxidant properties.

Cloves

The Magic of Indian Cooking
They offer multiple health benefits, include providing aid in digestion, having antimicrobial properties, fighting against cancer, protecting the liver, boosting the immune system, controlling diabetes, etc..

Cinnamon

The Magic of Indian Cooking
It helps in controlling blood sugar levels as well as reduces the risk factors leading to heart disease.

The Magic of Indian Cooking

24 thoughts on “The Magic of Indian Cooking”

  1. Indian cooking has ruined me to all other food (in a good way). The staple spices our Ayah uses is turmeric, coriander, garam masala, salt, and kitchen king blend.

  2. This is really interesting and comes at the right time for me: an Indian friend of mine has taught me a couple of recipes and now my kitchen has all of these spices and more! The result is always delicious but I am still very much in need of following the recipe to the dot as I don’t really know what combinations work unless told very clearly

    1. Interesting. Glad to know you are trying out some recipes. Do let us know if you wish to try out something and may be we can share some recipes. 🙂

  3. We love to make a good curry probably not in the traditional way in our house a good jar of patak’s sauce some meat, veg and nan breads go along way in our busy house lol.

    1. Glad you like Indian food and it is your favorite. The spices have health benefits. The list in our post is small but in reality there is a huge list of spices used in different dishes which have health benefits.

  4. Indian is definitely some food I need to try more of. I was always scared of it being to spicy, and having been a picky eater in the past Indian was a no-no on my list. Now I think I’d enjoy a lot of the dishes!

  5. This post brought a smile to my face, we are in an era where we (Indians) are becoming to health cautious, cutting down on the spices in our food..sometimes I get into this debate with my mom and then she explains me the benefits of these spices..I am going to show her your post, she is definitely going to love it

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