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 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
Being an excellent source of iron, it aids in digestion, boosts the immune system and has anti-carcinogenic properties.
Asafoetida
It is an anti-flatulent which aids in digestion and also is a helpful remedy for asthma and bronchitis
Powdered Turmeric
This boosts immunity and also has powerful Anti-inflammatory and Anti-oxidant properties.
Cloves
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
It helps in controlling blood sugar levels as well as reduces the risk factors leading to heart disease.
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.
Wow, that’s interesting. What is your favorite?
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
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. 🙂
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.
That’s interesting!
I love the Indian use of cumin as it renders such a different flavor than Mexican cooking does. And tumeric too.
Same here. Cumin gives a crunchy taste and adds a nice flavor.
One of my absolute favourite spices is cumin! I should really try more blends. Thanks for sharing the magic!
We too love cumin tempered in clarified butter.
Love our spices, we use similar in Bengali food, my favourite is cumin, love the smell!
We too love the dal with cumin seeds tempering in clarified butter.
I LOVE Indian food. I need to learn more about using these spices while cooking at home.
That’s nice to know. These spices have great medicinal value.
Jeera and Coriander Seeds – adding them to your list. 😀
Jeera is there (Cumin seeds). There are innumerable variety of spices that goes into Indian cooking. 🙂
As a vegetarian, I love Indian food–so much selection! I’d like to learn more about the spices that go into the dishes I love. This article was a great primer.
Thank you Vicky. Great to know that. I will soon write one more post in detail about this. Hope that will help. 🙂
Indian is my favorite food of all (love all those amazing flavors) but did not know what they all were or the health benefits. thanks for teaching me that. 😉
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.
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!
I know Indian food is spicy and unless you are used to it, it may not be easy. Which are your favorites?
One of my favorite food! Been hard to find real traditional Indian food where we live. Too bad, I miss it!
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