India's Top 10 Ingredients ~ Naiya's Recipes - Simple Easy Cooking ...

What makes Indian dishes so special? Distinctive ingredients of course! Here?s a list of the top 10 Indian spices and foods that will add variety and flavour to your culinary repertoire.

1. Coriander Seeds

A true must-have in any kitchen, coriander is extremely versatile and will instantly add dimension to even the simplest dishes. This spice is indispensible to Indian and Western chefs alike. Purchase whole seeds and grind them yourself for maximum freshness and flavour.
Use in: marinades, curries and barbeques.

2. Green Cardamom

Though cardamom is known to be pricey, you only need a pinch to disperse its distinctive warm, pleasant flavour throughout your dish. You?ll find it commonly used as a base ingredient for masala, and it is ubiquitous in the finest Indian cuisine. Store your pods in an airtight container out of direct sunlight for up to six months of freshness.
Use in: kebabs, biryani rice dishes and even chai.

3. Tamarind

Tamarind fruit can be purchased with or without seeds in tact, and you can use the pulp to create a paste that can be added to any savoury dish for a delicious contrast.
Use in: chutney or as an accompaniment to samosas

4. Saffron

No list of Indian ingredients would be complete without saffron, a delicate spice extracted from the dried stigmas of the Saffron Crocus flower. It takes several hundred thousand sigmas to produce even just half a kilo of saffron, making this ingredient the most expensive on the list. However, good quality saffron packs a lot of flavour and colour in very small quantities. Choose threads over powder to ensure you get the most value for your money.
Use in: seafood dishes, gulab jambu, and paneer dishes.

5. Ginger

Ginger is extremely popular throughout the whole of Asia, but is thought to have originated in India. This root makes a great additive to stews, appetizers and even beverages ? plus you can purchase it fresh, dried, crystallised or powdered. You?ll find ginger to be an incredibly useful ingredient? and want to keep in your kitchen at all times.
Use in: tandoori dishes, dhal and cakes.

6. Chickpeas

Looking for a hearty vegetarian ingredient? Chickpeas are delicious, versatile and healthy.? Nutty in flavour and texture, they are easy to cook with and taste great with a variety of sauces. You?ll find both dried and canned varieties in any supermarket at reasonable prices.
Use in: choley or curry, served with bhature.

7. Kokum

Kokum is a south Indian fruit that is black or deep purple in colour. Though you may automatically associate fruit with sweet dishes, kokum is popularly used as a complementary ingredient in savoury dishes.
Use in: chutney, dhal and potato dishes.

8. Basmati Rice

This type of rice is a staple in every Indian kitchen, and the perfect accompaniment to the most delicious curries. It has a distinctive fragrance when cooked, as well as a nutty flavour and fluffy texture that complements the many delicious spices used in Indian cooking.
Use in: biryani, pulao or seasoned on its own.

9. Paneer

This ingredient is a dish unto itself, and features in many of the best-loved Indian recipes. Unlike anything Western cheese, paneer is easy to make at home and is an excellent way to bulk-up vegetarian dishes.
Use in: paneer tikka, saag paneer or rasgulla for a sweet treat.

10. Ghee

Ghee is the Indian word for clarified butter, which is produced through heating and straining unsalted butter. It is the perfect accompaniment to bread and rice, and is an excellent choice for deep-frying. Treat yourself by slathering it on your favorite starches.
Use in: sweets and as an accompaniment to baati or roti breads.

Paro Patel is a freelance food writer, full time eater and recommends if you?re interested in learning more about how to make dazzling dishes with Indian ingredients to visit? L?atelier des Chefs and sign-up for the curry cooking class in London.

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Source: http://naiya-recipes.blogspot.com/2012/10/indias-top-10-ingredients.html

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