The Top 10 Essential Spices for Any Kitchen

The Top 10 Essential Spices for Any Kitchen

 

Indian food is incomplete without spices. We use lots of them! They are like the magic dust that makes our food tastier, healthier, and colorful. And you know what, the right spices can make your kitchen smell like heaven!

But here is one thing that most kitchen queens or home master chefs struggle with. Since there are so many spices in India, we are sharing with you the top essential spices to keep in your kitchen for everyday cooking.

In this blog, we will discuss just that. Read the blog till the end.

Why Are Spices Important?

Spices are very important in Indian cooking. They add color, make food tastier, and give your dishes a lovely aroma everyone will fall in love with. Here are some more things you need to know.

  • Spices add flavor to your food and make them interesting to eat.
  • Many Indian spices are good for your health.
  • A small pinch of the right spice can change the taste of your dish completely.
  • Spices have been used in India for thousands of years for cooking and as medicine.

The Top 10 Essential Spices You Must Have in Kitchen:

There are hundreds of spices in India and we can’t expect you to have all of them. So we are here with the top 10 essential spices you must have and what they are used for. Read along!

 

Spices

What It Tastes Like

Common Uses       

Fun Fact

Garam Masala  

Warm, Spicy, Aromic

Curries, Dals, Biryani, Graveis

It means ‘Hot Spice Mix’ and includes a blend of varieties of spices. 

Haldi (Turmeric)

Earthy, Slightly Bitter, Warm

Curries, Dals, Rice, Pickles, Milk.

Used for color, flavour, and health. Active Ingredient is Curcumin.

Red Chilli Powder

Hot, Pungent, Sharp.

Almost every Indian dish, curries, chutneys

Main source of heat in Indian cuisine.

Kashmiri Mirch Powder

Mild, vibrant red, and slightly smoky

Curries, tandoori dishes, gravies

Mostly used for its bright red colour in food.

Cumin (Jeera)

Warm, earthy.

Tempering, curries, rice, and bread.

Used whole or ground; improve digestion.

Coriander (Dhania)

Citrusy, nutty, slightly sweet.

Curries, chutneys, spice blends.

Both seeds and leaves are used.

Sabji masala

Savory, balanced, mildly spicy

Vegetable dishes, stir-fries, dry curries.

Used for everyday vegetable dishes. All families have their personal recipe with this spice.

Meat Masala

Robust, spicy, aromatic

Mutton, lamb, goat curries

Special ingredient to enhance the flavour of meat.

Chicken Masala

Savory, spicy, aromatic

Chicken curries, gravies, marinades

Includes warm spices & herbs.

Kitchen King Masala

Balanced, aromatic, and versatile

Mixed vegetable dishes, curries, and gravies.

Named ‘KING’ for its super versatile nature; used in all-purpose blends.

Quick Facts about Spices:

 

1. Garam masala is known as the 'heart of Indian cooking' for its warm and aromatic nature. 


2. Haldi (Turmeric) is known as the "golden spice of India" for its vibrant color and powerful health benefits. This spice is also used as a traditional medicine in India. 


3. Red Chili Powder is the 'firestarter of Indian cuisine'. This spice is responsible for the heat in Indian dishes. 


4. Kashmiri Mirch Powder is the 'color king of Indian spices'. It is mildly heated and leaves a bright red hue appealing color in dishes. 


5. Cumin is the 'digestive spice'. Its earthy flavour helps in improving digestion.


6.  Coriander is the 'citrus-scented seed'. It brings freshness and a nutty flavour to Indian recipes. 


7. Sabji masala is the 'vegetable queen' of spices. It is specially blended to increase the taste of everyday Indian veggies. 


8. Meat Masala increases the rich flavours of meat curries and is a rough companion to Indian meat dishes. 


9. Chicken Masala is the 'signature spice mix' of every Indian home. It perfectly complements the flavors of Indian chicken curries. 


10. Kitchen King Masala is the 'all-rounder of Indian kitchens'. It's versatile, enhances the flavors of everyday dishes and special gravies alike. 


How to Store Your Spices?

 

Spices generally stay fresh for long periods. However, it is important to keep them with care. Here are a few tips to do so.

  • Keep your spices in a cool & dry place.
  • Use an airtight container to keep them fresh.
  • Buy small amounts of them as they may lose flavor if kept too long.

Tips for Using Spices:

  • You should start with a small amount. You can always add more.
  • Smell your spices before using them. If they don’t smell strong, they might be old and aren’t fit to be used.
  • Try mixing spices to make your flavors.

Fun Ways to Use Spices:

  • Sprinkle Garam Masala over roasted nuts or popcorn. 
  • Mix turmeric into milk for better digestion and immunity. 
  • Dust over the homemade chips, fries, or roasted chickpeas. 
  • Add roasted cumin powder on Dahi Yoghurt or sprinkle it over fresh salad. 

Conclusion:

If you have come this long, you know the top essential spices for your kitchen. If we talk about India, we have hundreds of spices. These 10 essential spices we have mentioned you can cook hundreds of dishes that will add aroma, taste, and color to your food.

Start with the basics, and as you get better at cooking, try new spices and explore the world.

Happy Cooking!

Searching for the best spices in Kolkata?

Worry not! We have those. Explore our authentic & fresh spices at Manpasand.

 

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