Spice and Herbs the Condiments Most Cherished

Indian Spices are most cherished and are used in almost all Indian recipes Some spices and herbs find a place in sweets as well. It is unthinkable for Indians and the proponents of Indian food to find a bland dish on the table. All the countrymen and females young or old need spiced-up dishes some like it mild while some like it hot. Nevertheless, the lovers of hot food in the country to the level of almost fifty percent. That means half the population likes mild food while the rest half likes hot food to a varying degree. But spices in Indian food are a must. 

Indian cuisine is catching up in the whole world. Surprisingly there are many overseas lovers of Indian food like hot food perhaps as hot as Indians do. While some spices are commonly used many are not they are rarely used in special dishes or often in mild quantities in most of the recipes but they do make a difference. Usually rarely used spices like saffron and jaiphal are costly and hence used in smaller quantities

Most of the herbs are sprinkled over in the powdered form while some are added directly. The herbs are generally leaves and stem. Herbs are usually small plants that are completely green, tender, and delicate.

Common Spices of India        

·         Cumin

·         Turmeric

·         Chili

·         Asafoetida

·         Mustard

·         Fennel

·         Cloves

·         Pepper

·         Coriander Powder

·         Ginger Powder

·         Cardamom

·         Cinnamon Bark

These spices are used on daily basis and kept in the forefront of the kitchen the in a round box with smaller boxes inside.

Common Herbs of India

·         Mint

·         Kasoori Methi 

·         Coriander herb

·         Meethi Neem

·         Tulsi (Basil)

·         Lemon Grass

The herbs not only taste well when used in recipes they also permeate a fragrant aroma. They are used in small quantities and usually sprinkled over. Lemon grass is often used in masala chai recipes to ward off the cold. Ginger and cardamom are also used in masala chai, especially in the winter.