When you think of Indian spices, you might imagine a superhero with a special superpower. These spices can be sweet and used in a perfect late-night treat; others are savory and can make you feel at home or even spicy, like an unexpected adventure. Some are smokey, like a beach campfire in the summer.

These spices can make every dish delicious and can be healthier for you, too. Let’s explore the seven essential Indian spices you can find in your favorite dishes.

What Spices Are in Indian Food?

1. Turmeric

Turmeric, which has a bright yellow hue, is a key spice in Indian cooking. It has a warm, slightly bitter flavor.

2. Ground Cumin

Ground cumin has an earthy and nutty flavor and serves as a base for many Indian dishes, it's a great spice to experiment with because of its versatility.

3. Coriander Seeds

Coriander seeds and powder add a citrusy and sweet taste to Indian food. These seeds are common and essential in spice blends in Indian dishes.

4. Cardamom

Cardamom is an expensive green andblack spice. It adds a sweet, floral aroma to Indian dishes.

5. Cloves

Cloves are very popular, potent and aromatic spice. These add a warm, sweet-spicy flavor to Indian cuisine.

6. Mustard Seed

When using mustard seeds, you will get a bitter taste throughout an Indian dish. Mustard seeds come in three varieties: yellow, brown, and black. Black and brown mustard seeds are used mostly in Indian cuisine.

7. Cinnamon Sticks

Cinnamon sticks or ground cinnamon add a warm, sweet-spicy flavor to Indian food. These are commonly used in many traditional dishes like butter chicken and chicken tikka masala.

Where to Find Indian Spices

To make delicious Indian food, it is helpful to know where to find the best spices. Local Indian grocery stores offer a wide variety of fresh and authentic spices. Online retailers such as Amazon provide convenient access to a wide selection of Indian spices. You can also try your local farmers market for an organic, locally sourced option.

Patel Brothers, with 57 locations across 19 states, is a top choice for Indian newcomers in the U.S.. Their stores are located in nearly every major Indian-American hub. For those who don’t have a store nearby, Patel Brothers offers an online shopping option, making it easy to get your favorite spices and goods from back home.

What Dishes use Indian Spices?

Indian spices are used in many delicious dishes. Curries are rich and flavorful with spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and cloves. A popular Indian comfort dish, Biryani, is made with rice and chai tea and tastes delicious with cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. Lentil dishes like daal are made tasty with cumin, turmeric, and mustard seeds, adding many bold flavors.

Chef Bombay uses essential Indian spices to create unforgettable frozen dishes with bold flavors. These special spices bring flavor to each dish, making every bite a delicious experience.

• Chicken Tikka Masala: Tender pieces of chicken breast in a perfectly spiced tikka sauce.

• Butter Chicken: Tender pieces of chicken breast in a rich creamy sauce spiced with authentic Indian spices.

• Masoor Biryani: We add different spices such as garam masala, turmeric, and cumin to make this vegetarian dish full of flavor.

Benefits of Indian Spices

Using Indian spices can enhance the taste of your food and benefit your body. These spices can help digestion and include antioxidants that are good for you. The health benefits of Indian spices include:

• Anti-inflammatory: Turmeric and cloves are well-known for their anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce redness, swelling, pain, and heat.
  
• Digestion: Cumin, coriander, and cardamom help with digestion, reduce bloating, and soothe the stomach.
  
  
• Antioxidants: Cinnamon and turmeric are great antioxidants and can help reduce stress.
  
  
• Blood Sugar Regulation: Cinnamon is known to help regulate blood sugar levels.
  
  

Indian spices have always been a key part of any cuisine. The seven essential spices—turmeric, cumin, coriander, cardamom, mustard seeds, cinnamon, and cloves—will bring any dish to life with unforgettable flavor. Their variety of tastes and health benefits make them staples in any kitchen and cuisine.