Thursday, March 19, 2015

ABOUT SPICES



The secret of the masterly art of Indian cooking requires a thorough knowledge of the properties of each spice and its blend with other spices. So one can say that the characteristic of each curry relies entirely on the balance of herbs and spices that go into its creations. Local influence distinguishes curries from one region to another.
Masala is a word that is often used in an Indian kitchen. It literally means a blend of several spices. Garam (hot) masala is the most important blend masala and an absolute essential to north Indian preparations, added just before serving the dish to enhance its flavour. The rational garam masala is a blend of cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and black pepper. Masala may be in dry, rosted ground or paste form.
SOME OF REGULER USE INDIAN SPICES.....
Curry leaves : Chalcas koenigii

They are used as a seasoning in Indian Cooking. The currey leaves lose their delicate fragrance when dried, you should try to obtain them fresh, don't waste your time with the dried stuff!
Red Chilly

Chilly : Powder/fresh/dried : Cayenne Pepper
Now a basic Indian spice, used mainly for its pungent and fiery taste, one may use fresh green or red chilies instead.
Cardamom

Cardamom Pods : eliachi
Used to flavor curries, masala chai and certain vegetables and Indian desserts and is one of the spices in Garam masala. Used for its strong but very pleasing flavor.
Cinnamon

Cinnamon : Cinnamomum verum
Used for its sweet and pleasing flavor. It is the bark of the cinnamon tree and one of the spices in Garam masala. It is normally used to flavor curries, masala chai and certain vegetables and Indian desserts.
Clove

Clove : Eugenia caryophyllata
Used for its pleasing flavor. and is one of the spices in Garam masala. It easily loses its flavor and is used to flavor curries, masala chai and certain vegetables.
Black Pepper

Black Pepper : Kala Mirchi
Black pepper are used in Indian cuisine at all stages of the cooking process and as a table condiment.
Ginger

Ginger : Rhizoma Zingiberis
A basic but not essential Indian spice, used for its warming properties and wonderful aroma and taste.
Tamarind

Tamarind Pulpa Tamarindorum
The Juice of dry Tamarind are adequate to add a touch of sourness in the curry. It is extensively used in south indian cuisine and is normally used as a replacement for tomatoes.
Fenugreek

Fenugreek : Semen Foenugraeci
This is a basic but not essential Indian spice which is actually a lentil and is used for its strong, bitter taste. After turmeric it has the most medically useful item in the Indian kitchen. If it is burnt it gets very bitter and should be thrown away.

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