Substitutes to Top Indian Spices & Ingredients

Indian food is popularly known all across the globe for the spices used in it. Cooking Indian dishes is all about creating that perfect blend of spices that brings out the taste of a particular meal. If you live in the USA, you might know the struggle to gather all the ingredients to prepare a specific desi dish. Not all grocery stores in the USA offer Indian spices so it can surely be difficult to gather them all.

However, you might be surprised to know that various essential Indian spices can be substituted with other ingredients and will give out a similar taste. If you are finding it difficult to get your hands on specific ingredients and spices, then hang on as we provide you with the top substitute for Indian ingredients and spices that you can use to prepare your authentic Indian food.

• Celery Leaves for Kasuri Methi

Kasuri methi or fenugreek leaves are used in various curries and Indian vegetarian dishes for their flavor. In case you do not have Kasuri methi available, you can substitute it with celery leaves or other bitter ingredients like small amounts of dandelion greens or radish and it will do the work.

• Garlic or Onions for Asafetida

Asafetida is widely used in Indian food for its amazing benefits for digestion. This spice is also used for its unique taste and pungent aroma for various meals. Although asafetida cannot be totally substituted with other ingredients, garlic and onions can be used when asafetida is out of your reach.

• Roasted Cumin Seeds or Dried Thyme for Carom Seeds

Carom seeds or ajwain is commonly used in Indian bread and parathas. This spice is also added to various vegetarian and non-vegetarian curries to enhance the taste. You can substitute carom seeds either with dried thyme or roasted cumin seeds and it will not make much of a difference in your recipe.

• Jalapeno Pepper for Green Chilies

Green chilies are used in any and every Indian dish prepared. They make the dish zesty and are used abundantly by people who love consuming spicy food. Green chilies are also often used as a seasoning for various Indian dishes. If you do not find these at an Indian grocery store, then you can substitute them with jalapeno pepper. Add an equal amount to the dish you are preparing and you will be good to go.

So the next time you are unable to find a specific spice when shopping for Indian groceries, don't worry and use its substitute and you will be able to cook your Indian meal just perfectly. Make sure you browse online for Indian spices as various online stores like Quicklly offer a range of Indian groceries in the USA.