7 Must-Have Indian Spices for Every Kitchen

If there’s one key ingredient to preparing any scrumptious Indian meal, it is the spices. Indian food is widely known for the spices and condiments used in the recipes. They add to the flavor of any dish and can transform a boring meal into a tangy and aromatic one.

However, while shopping for Indian spices in Chicago, it is advised not to go into a frenzy and only choose those you require daily. This may include common spices that add to the taste and enhance the zest of the food.

Essential Indian Spices to Look For

Here’s a list of a few essential Indian spices that you can purchase from Quicklly, an Indian grocery and food website based in Chicago.

• Turmeric (Haldi)

Turmeric is considered a prime and a superfood of the kitchen. It has an earthy, slightly bitter flavor, and a peppery aftertaste. Turmeric has been admired in Ayurveda and Indian households for centuries.

Why it’s used: Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties and an allergen thus making it a powerful natural remedy. Plus, it’s a natural food colorant that adds liveliness to curries, rice, and soups. Not to forget it is used during the “Haldi Ceremony” an auspicious time during the Indian marriage to represent pureness and provide prosperity to the couple. 

Significance: Turmeric has been admired since ancient times for its medicinal benefits, believed to boost immunity and digestion.

Recipe idea: One of the easiest and most comforting - is Golden Turmeric Milk, it is an antioxidant-rich drink or try a hearty Turmeric Rice Pilaf for dinner or Warm Poha with Coconut Garnish for breakfast.

• Cinnamon Sticks

Cinnamon sticks have multiple uses in Indian cooking. They are one of the key ingredients in Garam Masala, the spice mix that adds flavor to the majority of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Cinnamon stick is also known for its calming aroma when added to food. Moreover, this spice is also used in cakes, sweets, and even curries.

Why it is used: Cinnamon powder and sticks (resembling tree bark) have a sweet, woody aroma that enhances both savory dishes and desserts. They're also known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Significance: Ancient Indian texts mention cinnamon as essential for balancing blood sugar levels and improving digestion.

Recipe idea: Add a cinnamon stick to a pot of Biryani for a nutty aroma or infuse it into Masala Chai for an aromatic twist. 

• Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek seeds can be a little bitter, but they have ample qualities that make them a must-have spice for Indian meals. Whether you want to use them to temper your dal or  enhance the flavor, fenugreek seeds are essential. Besides, fenugreek powder is also widely used to make Indian pickles.

Why it is used: It balances sweet and savory notes and is known for its health benefits, including regulating blood sugar.

Significance: Traditionally, people value fenugreek for its ability to enhance milk production in nursing mothers and its rich fiber content.

Recipe idea: Add fenugreek to creamy Butter Chicken or sprinkle dried leaves (Kasuri Methi) on naan for an extra burst of flavor.

• Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is the spice that adds life to any Indian meal. If you want to add that deep red color to your food,  this should be your go-to spice. For people who love a little extra spice in their food, cayenne pepper can be sprinkled on top.

Why is it used: Beyond its fiery kick, it's a natural preservative and metabolism booster.

Significance: Since ancient times, people have used cayenne pepper to add heat and enhance flavors in recipes.

Recipe idea: Sprinkle it in Chili Garlic Noodles for a fusion twist or a traditional Spicy Paneer Tikka.

• Coriander Seeds

An Indian dish is quite incomplete without adding coriander to it. The fresh green leaves are included in chutneys and soups to enrich the flavor, while the seeds are added to a majority of dishes for their aroma and taste.

Why is it used: It provides a delicate flavor that balances stronger spices while helping in digestion.

Significance: People value coriander's cooling properties and have used it in traditional remedies to combat heat and indigestion.

Recipe idea: Whip up a refreshing Coriander Leaves Chutney for snacks or add it to a zesty Chicken Curry.

• Cumin Seeds

Cumin seed is a spice that has diverse benefits. Not only is it a great source of flavor for dishes, but it also aids in better digestion of meals. A popular dish prepared from cumin seeds is the jeera rice which is quite appetizing. 

Why is it used: Cumin's nutty aroma helps with digestion and enhances the overall flavor of dishes. 

Significance: During ancient cultures, people used cumin for their digestive and anti-bloating properties. 

Recipe idea: A pinch of cumin in Roasted Vegetables or a Cumin-Spiced Lentil Soup (Dal) can transform these dishes into something extraordinary. Jeera rice is one of the most savored dishes, with great aroma and warmth.

• Asafetida

Asafetida is known for its strong fragrance that when added to a meal develops a delightful taste. It is a spice that can be used as an alternative to garlic or onion because it tastes more or less like it.

Why is it used: Known for its intense umami flavor, asafetida is a staple in Indian kitchens. It mimics the savory depth often provided by onions and garlic and is also praised for its digestive properties.

Significance: Asafetida has been used since ancient times in Ayurvedic medicine to help reduce gas, bloating, and respiratory issues.

Recipe idea: Add a pinch of hing while tempering lentils for Dal Tadka or mix it with warm ghee to flavor flatbreads like Ajwain Paratha.


These are some of the spices that you should definitely have in your kitchen if you want to prepare mouthwatering Indian meals. All of these spices are just a click away as they are available at Quicklly, so what are you waiting for? Order now and enjoy preparing tasty Indian dishes.

Tips to Identify Genuine Indian Spices:

As Indian spices have been in great global demand, it is essential to authenticate them. Here are some of the things that will help you recognize genuine Indian spices:

• Smell: Spices that are not tampered with have a deep smell. If the scent is weak or synthetic, that's typical of a poor-grade spice.

• Color: Understanding that naturally occurring spices such as turmeric and chili powder are typically rich, deep colors. If the color is abnormally bright, then it is probably artificial.

• Look for Packaging: Verify the packaging is intact and bears the words "100% natural" or "pure." 

• Buy from Genuine Sources: Buy from reputable Indian internet spice sellers and Indian spices and grocery shops. 

How to use Indian spice in cooking: 

Cooking with Indian spices can seem confusing initially, but with these few tips, you can get inspired and get the best flavors in your dishes:

• Understand the Function of Spice: Spice brings one of the most fundamental elements - flavor, heat, aroma, or color. For example, add cumin seeds to hot oil at the start to infuse a muted nutty aroma.

• Build Layered Flavors: Indian cooking often requires that several different spices be added at various stages during the cooking process to create a layered complexity of flavors. For instance, put in the turmeric at the beginning for a light infusion, but add in the garam masala just before the end to have a more potent, punchy flavor.

• Mix and Match: Garam masala or curry powder blends provide versatile seasoning. Toast whole spices, such as cumin and mustard, before grinding or adding them to dishes; toasting always mellows and enriches their flavor.

Where to Source These Spices:

The best online place to stock these spices is Quicklly. You can buy Indian spices online anytime or search for "Indian spice near me" in local stores. Quicklly usually specializes in Indian spices and groceries, and it has curated spice lists to help you find everything you need in one place.

These spices are either for those looking to experiment with flavors or to recreate traditional Indian dishes. Begin today and allow your kitchen to become a world-famous culinary hotspot.

Storage Tips for Indian Spices:

It is equally important for you to store spices properly so that the flavor and potency remain intact. A few tips to keep the spices healthy:

• Airtight containers: Glass jars work best for sealing in freshness, BPA-free plastic containers also work.

• Cool, dark place: Heat and sunlight break the delicate flavors and oils in spices before cooking them.

• Keep moisture away: For example, turmeric and chili powder can clump up when exposed to humidity

• Label and date: Always label with the date of purchase and the name of the spice to avoid using expired spices.

FAQs About Indian Spices:

1. Do spices expire?

Yes, Checking the expiration date before buying is always good. Some whole spices can last up to four years, while powdered spices are best used within two years of manufacture. 

2. Can I freeze my spices?

Freezing spices is generally not recommended as this can affect their texture and aroma. But for rare spices, keeping them in an airtight container and then freezing can work, but only in small quantities.

3. How can I conform if the spices have gone bad?

Checking best before a date also helps to understand the spice's expiration date. You can also try to smell the spice; if it gives off a faint smell or tastes bland, it's time to replace it. Check for changes in color, aroma, or flavor.

4. Can I reuse spices?

Spices in powdered form can be reused if preserved well. Whole spices, like cinnamon sticks, can sometimes be reused in teas or slow-cooked dishes. Avoid using if the spices have caught any moisture, as the quality of taste and smell may deteriorate.