Learning To Cook Indian Style Cuisine With Authentic Spices

When a person hears the term €Indian cuisine,€ the first thing that often comes to mind is spicy, rich curry and a side portion of naan; however, there are many different sides to Indian home style cooking and spices. Walk into one of the many urban Indian groceries and take in the sights and smells of all of the fabulous spices and other ingredients used in authentic Indian style cuisine.

Getting The Goods

If there isn't an Indian grocery anywhere near your home, most grocery stores will have a humble selection in their €cultural foods€ aisle. The basic spices can be purchased in the baking/seasoning aisle then mixed together at home to create aromatic and delicious additions to any Indian recipe. Before attempting to cook in the traditional Indian style, it is crucial to gather the right ingredients that are found in many of the recipes. Stocking up on Indian groceries like spices and commonly used vegetables is a great way to ensure you have all of the items necessary- even for cooking Indian style on a whim.

Spices and Other Pantry Items

There is a list of spices that are used in many- if not all- of the most popular Indian style dishes. In the pantry should be a generous amount of
€ Cumin
€ Turmeric
€ Mustard Seed
€ Coriander
€ Red Chili Powder
€ Cardamom
€ Garam Masala
€ Cinnamon
€ Tamarind
€ And Curry
Cooks who enjoy creating aromatic and scrumptious Indian cuisine at home also keep a few other pantry items and vegetables in stock that will be used often in their recipes.

€ Cans of garbanzo beans
€ Canned whole or diced tomatoes
€ Potatoes
€ Curry vegetables such as cauliflower
€ And other easy to store items

Finding The Recipes

Thanks to the wide world of food found on the internet, anyone can find superb Indian cuisine recipes with just a few clicks; though, many cooks still enjoy the convenience of an authentic Indian cookbook. There is something to be said for owning a cookbook that teaches the essentials of preparing such a delicate yet versatile style of cuisine. First, the book is always there if you need it (no searching on the internet for last minute tips and tricks you may have forgotten); and second, the book will introduce you to recipes you have never heard of and may not find when completing a generic internet search for recipes. Indian spices, and styles of cuisine can be incorporated into many different recipes for a great taste. Have fun experimenting with the delicious tasting (and smelling) spices!