admin Indian food is popular for its spiciness, balanced flavors, and use of different spices and herbs. Literally, you can’t imagine any Indian dish without authentic spice mix. These Indian spice blends infuse the dish aromatically, enhance its flavors, and give vibrant color to it.
The Indian spice blends are not limited to one state or two but serve a culinary map. Each state, even each city, has its own flavors. Let’s join us as we explore some of the best and most flavorful spice mixes in India today.
Below, we have curated a list of 10 must-have spice mixes for your kitchen if you love Indian foods. These will give a kick to your regular food and spice up your life.
10 Must-have Indian Spice Blends and Mixes for Your Kitchen
Without wasting much time, let’s take a look at some of the flavorful spice mixes from India that add life to your regular food.
#1 Curry Powder
Curry powder is a spice mix that originates from Southern India, where it is used in Kannada and Tamil Nadu cuisines. It consists of nine essential spices: Cumin, Coriander, Turmeric, Fenugreek (Methi), Ginger, Black Pepper, Mustard seeds, Bay Leaves (Curry Patta), and Fennel Seeds. It gives a unique flavor to various dishes, such as mixed vegetables, sabzis, curries, and more.
#2 Tikka Masala
Tikka masala is one of the most popular spice blends in North Indian cuisine, especially for tandoori dishes. It has dried ginger, Paprika, Cumin, Ginger, Turmeric, Coriander, Cinnamon, and Kashmiri Chilli as its key ingredients. It can be used to season or marinate dishes to give them a delicious flavor.
#3 Chaat Masala
Chaat masala mix is a perfect addition to drinks and dishes that need a touch of tanginess and flavor. It is also a key ingredient in chats and appetizers, as well as curries, lentils, soups, and more.
The Indian chat seasoning comes from the Indian subcontinent and has a blend of pure Indian spices such as black salt, white salt, dry mango powder, red chili pepper, and black pepper that create a savory and tangy taste for various foods.
#4 Garam Masala
Garam masala is a spice mix that is widely used in Indian cuisine. It adds flavor and aroma to various dishes, such as snacks, soups, dal, and sabzi. Garam masala has different variations in different regions of India.
Some common spices that are used in garam masala are cumin seeds, coriander seeds, peppercorns, cloves, cardamoms, and cinnamon. In North India, some other spices that are added to garam masala are fennel seeds, bay leaves, nutmeg, and mace.
#5 Dal Masala Seasoning
Enjoy the organic lentil spice mix, made with authentic Indian spices for a delicious flavor. This lentil spice blend is healthy, with no fillers, preservatives, or MSG. It has no salt, ideal for those who want to reduce or avoid sodium intake.
#6 Biryani Masala
Biryani Masala is a spice mix made with organic Indian spices such as cardamom, clove, pepper, and more. It gives the perfect spice and aroma for making biryanis, a famous rice dish from the Indian subcontinent.
This mix has everything you need to make Paneer Biryani, Vegetable Biryani, or even Chicken Biryani without any extra spices.
#7 Chana Masala Spice Mix
Chana masala powder is an Indian spice mix that is used to flavor chickpea dishes. The mix of sweet, spicy, sour, and savory flavors complement the earthy taste of chickpeas. Plus, this chana masala spice recipe is better than homemade.
#8 Kitchari Spice Seasoning
Make delicious and easy kitchari at home with Indian Kitchari Spice Seasoning. This premium powder is made with carefully selected spices for a rich taste and flavor to your homemade healthy comfort food for a natural cleanse.
This fine spice mix has Brown Mustard, Cumin, Turmeric, Ginger, Fenugreek, and Asafoetida in a balanced ratio to give your dish color and a delightful aroma of wholesome dal and rice bowl.
#9 Podi Masala
Podi is a South Indian masala that is also known as milagai podi or gunpowder masala. It is made with urad dal, chana dal, sesame seeds, red chilies, curry leaves, and sometimes asafoetida (hing) and dried coconut. Podi is different from other Indian spice blends as it can be eaten as it is. It goes well with idlis and dosas and can be mixed with a little ghee before serving.
#10 Tea Masala
Masala Tea is a traditional drink from India. The chai masala is made with premium aromatic spices, each with many health benefits. Most of the ingredients are organic, and others are ethically sourced. The spices are ground in small batches to give out fresh flavors.
The tea masala is non-GMO, gluten-free, vegan, and has no preservatives. Handmade and bottled in the USA. This Indian Chai/Tea Masala is a flavorful and delightful blend of ancient Indian spices with healing properties. A blend of these spices is carefully crafted in the right ratios to create a balance of taste and therapeutic effects.
Conclusion
So that’s it in our list of 10 must-have Indian spice blends and mixes. All in all, spices are what makes Indian food so unique and flavorful. They are not only used to enhance the taste and aroma of the dishes but also to provide health benefits and balance the doshas (the three energies that govern the body), according to Ayurveda. In this article, we have explored 10 spice blends and mixes from India that are commonly used in different regions and cuisines.
FAQs
What is the Indian Spice Blend?
An Indian spice blend is a combination of various spices commonly used in Indian cuisine to create rich and flavorful dishes. These blends often include spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cardamom, among others. The specific mixture can vary depending on the dish or regional preferences.
Which Indian Spices Go Well Together?
Indian spices that go well together include cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder. These spices form the base of many Indian dishes, providing a balanced mix of earthy, spicy, and warm flavors. Garam masala is a popular blend of several spices that work harmoniously.
What are the 7 Most Important Indian Spices?
The seven most important Indian spices are cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. These spices are fundamental to Indian cooking and are used in a variety of dishes to add depth and complexity to the flavors.
What are the Top 5 Indian Spices?
The top five Indian spices are cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, and cardamom. These spices are essential in many Indian recipes and are known for their distinctive flavors and aromatic qualities.
What is Indian Spice Mix Called?
Indian spice mix is commonly referred to as “masala.” There are various types of masalas, such as garam masala, which is a blend of ground spices used to add warmth and complexity to dishes.
Are Indian Spice Blends Healthy?
Yes, Indian spice blends are generally healthy. They often contain spices with numerous health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidants, and digestive aids. Using spice blends can enhance the flavor of food without the need for excessive salt or unhealthy additives.
Which Indian Spices Are Good for Gut Health?
Indian spices that are good for gut health include turmeric, cumin, coriander, and ginger. These spices have anti-inflammatory and digestive properties that can help improve gut health and relieve digestive issues.
What is the Healthiest Seasoning?
The healthiest seasoning is often considered to be turmeric due to its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Turmeric contains curcumin, which has been shown to have numerous health benefits, including supporting joint health and improving digestion.
What Spice is a Superfood?
Turmeric is often referred to as a superfood spice. Its active compound, curcumin, offers a range of health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. Turmeric is widely used in Indian cuisine and traditional medicine.
