11 Essential Indian Spices You Need to Know

Get ready to spice things up with these Indian spices that are as healthy as they are flavorful!

Indian food is as much about taste as it is about spices that add life to all dishes. From the deep color of turmeric to the sweet smell of cardamom, Indian spices, along with taste, also have several health benefits.

If you're missing that really genuine Indian flavor in your food, you should get acquainted with basic Indian spices. Also, with so many options available to order Indian groceries in USA, you can easily get your hands on these spices, no matter where you are.

Here are some of the best essential Indian spices that you should know.

Essential Spices for Indian Food Just for You

1. Cardamom

It is the queen of Indian spices, which gives a refreshing flavor to sweet dishes. It is also the secret ingredient in tea and is sprinkled on desserts. However, it is not only tasty, but it is also healthy. That means the next time you brew chai or any dessert, you are giving yourself a health boost as well.

Quick Facts-

Boosts digestion
Freshens breath naturally
Adds depth to chai and desserts

2. Clove

The clove is a small but powerful spice of India. It has a sharp taste that is excellent in curries, meats, and rice dishes. But do you know clove is also a natural remedy? It is full of antioxidants and antibacterial aspects and can help with oral health. Also, it is a one-stop spice both in terms of taste and health, and rightly so, it is found in most Indian kitchens.

Quick Facts-

Full of antioxidants
Helps with oral health
Adds bold flavor to curries

3. Black Pepper

It is the spice that you likely have in your kitchen, and it is certainly one of the most important Indian spices. Black pepper gives any dish a hint of spice and makes dal and meat curries delicious. Similarly, it helps improve your health by offering several benefits. So, whether it's in your curry or a simple vegetable, black pepper is a must-have.

Quick Facts-

Aids digestion
Better absorption of nutrients
Natural antibacterial properties

4. Cumin

Cumin is the slightly bitter and earthy spice that is present in nearly all Indian curry and rice recipes. Its flavor is also difficult to match, and hence it is primarily used in tempering. Along with taste, it is also good for your digestive system. It aids in bloating, soothes indigestion, and detoxifies body. And in case you wish to add that touch of authentic Indian taste to your food, then you must include cumin in your essential Indian spices list.

Quick Facts-

Great for digestive health
helps with bloating
Helps detoxify the body

5. Fennel Seeds

These little seeds are sweet and taste good in vegetarian meals while improving digestion. Similarly, they keep your skin healthy. So, next time you add fennel to your curry or stir-fry, you know it is also doing amazing things for your health.

Quick Facts-

Supports digestion
Reduces inflammation
Keeps skin healthy

6. Coriander Seeds

These coriander seeds are necessary in cooking, though they are not very tasty. Their flavor is citrusy and they enrich the flavor of chutneys and salads. But coriander offers some pretty cool health benefits as well. Therefore, it is a superb spice to use in your foods for taste and to improve your health.

Quick Facts-

Helps control blood sugar
Boosts digestion
Lowers cholesterol naturally

7. Fenugreek Seeds

They are bitter, but they bring a tasty flavor to pickles and curry powders. The seeds are nutritional and good for maintaining blood sugar levels. So when you are looking to maintain balance in your body, fenugreek is your friend.

Quick Facts-

Supports blood sugar levels
Great for reducing inflammation
Adds unique flavor to Indian pickles

8. Turmeric

You’ve probably heard a lot about turmeric, and it’s hard to miss. Thanks to its bright yellow color and health benefits. While it makes curries and rice dishes beautiful in color, it is also full of curcumin, a substance with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It helps in digestion and gives your immune system a boost.

Quick Facts-

Reduces joint pain
Boosts the immune system
Improves digestion

9. Saffron

Saffron is one of the most luxurious spices, but it’s totally worth the price. Apart from its use in fancy dishes, it also has medicinal benefits. Saffron improves mood and memory and reduces inflammation. A little goes a long way, but it’s worth adding to your spice collection.

Quick Facts-

Improves mood and memory
Reduces inflammation
Adds richness to dishes

10. Nutmeg and Mace

They are obtained from the same plant but have different tastes. Nutmeg is sweet and spicy, whereas mace is light in flavor. They are typical in Indian desserts, rice pudding, and chai. Nutmeg is stress-relieving and promotes good sleep and even muscle pain. So when you're in the mood to make your desserts or drinks a bit more interesting and want to give your health a small bonus, these two are the ones to use.

Quick Facts-

Helps with stress relief
Promotes better sleep
Reduces muscle pain

11. Cassia Bark

It is commonly used in place of cinnamon in cooking Indian dishes and has a bit spicier flavor. You’ll find it in everything from meat dishes to biryanis. It also contains antibacterial agents, which makes it useful in your cooking.

Quick Facts-

Supports blood sugar levels
Excellent for digestion
Natural antibacterial agent

To Sum Up

Indian spices are the secret to a tasty and healthy meal. By stocking them in your pantry, you can enjoy the flavors and improve your health.

So, whether you visit stores or order Indian grocery online, it’s easier to get authentic ingredients. Quicklly is a go-to platform if you are looking to order Indian grocery online in USA. While providing authentic Indian spices & groceries, they also deliver them right to your door.

Order online Indian grocery now and make your food more interesting as well as improve your health!

FAQs

What are the basic spices needed for a curry?

The basic spices to make a curry are cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, and cloves. These spices form the foundation of most Indian curry dishes, which are well-balanced and tasty.