Indian Spices

Cumin seed is a spice with a flavour profile a little like caraway or dill, and is a staple of Indian cooking and curries. Generally cumin seeds are best used whole, and fried in oil at the beginning of a dish (the process called taarka). At a higher heat, cumin seeds will turn brown quickly, in 15 or so seconds. Make sure you don’t burn them, and when they start to pop, you know they're done. Ground cumin powder is also an essential spice used in India, and is one of the key ingredients in garam masala spice mix.

Indian food needs turmeric. Turmeric, a ground spice, has an earthy supporting flavour. Of all the spices used in Indian cooking, this one has huge health benefits, and an astounding yellow colour. Usually only a teaspoon is used to flavour and colour a dish for a family of four. If used for health purposes, make sure to include at least a dash of black pepper in your recipes. Turmeric is a great anti-inflammatory, but without the piperine from black pepper, its effects are diminished.

India's most famous seasoning is Garam masala. It's actually a combination of dried spices including pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, cumin, coriander, tej patta, pepper, and some others. It is the used in many dishes, including Chana Masala. Some contain mustard, some contain a lot of fennel, some just a little, but no matter what food you're eating in India, this spice, rather this mix of spices will likely be an ingredient.