India
Spices & Cuisine
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Indian Flavours
Bringing flavour, aroma, and a rich intensity region of India has its own distinct combination of spices and ingredients used to scent local dishes. In the North, tandoori and korma are legendary, whilst the South is known for hot, spicy dishes. In the East, there is always an addition of chilli in curries while in the West, coconut and fresh seafood dominate, and in the Central region, it’s a diverse blend of each. Religions play a large role in the daily diet of many Indians. When speaking of iconic and distinct country flavours of India, perhaps the most common Indian flavour of all is the Garam Masala. Directly translating to ‘hot spice mix’, each region has their unique blend of Garam Masala, and it’s a staple in just about every dish. The whole-spice Garam Masala is often used at the beginning of cooking, and the ground, as a fragrant finisher.
History & Influences
Originating some 7,000 years ago in the Indus River valley which in that time included Pakistan, India has a rich history of settlers and reigns bringing with them a myriad of cultural and culinary influences which have remained today. India’s focus on using grains, dairy products, pulses and vegetables began during its conception in the northern Hind region with the local economy driven by produce trade, in particular, cattle and grains like cereal. Spices in India became widely used as a way of giving flavour and ayurvedic medicinal properties to otherwise bland dishes due to their limited sources of produce. These spices were blended with sauteed onions, garlic, ginger, and chillies to form a flavour foundation used in many dishes. These masala blends still today are some of India’s most distinctive and well-known flavour bases.
What is Indian cuisine?
Around 80% of the country subscribes to Hinduism, which has a great impact on what is eaten and enjoyed. Dating back to recordings some 5,000 years ago, Hinduism views animals as sacred beings on our earth, and the most sacred is the cow. Grounded in respect for our planet and the living creatures on it, Hinduism is of great importance to the Indian people and has enabled them to explore vegetarianism more than most other regions on our earth. Because of this, vegetarian food is common and an emphasis on vegetables and pulses is prevalent. Fasting will also occur throughout the year in Hindu practice during periods of new moons and festivals with a celebration at the end to break the fast featuring blessed foods called ‘prasad’.
Recipes
Iconic Indian Dishes
Given the diversity in soil, climate, culture, ethnic groups, and occupations, the cuisines vary substantially across India and use locally available spices, herbs, vegetables, and fruits. Characterized by its clever and creative use of spices, Indian cuisine celebrates and highlights local produce from the vegetarian-focussed dals, palak paneer, and Gujarati potatoes of a traditional thali to the tender meaty dishes of rich red Tandoori chicken and Rogan Josh all mopped up with bundles of fluffy Naan. Then there are spicy hot curries such as the vindaloo, fish curries from the coastal Kerala region, samosas chaats and scented rice. Meals are frequently finished with the sweet notes of cardamom-spiced Coconut Burfi and a warming Masala Chai.
Indian spices
At the very heart of the famed spice route, India is one of the largest spice growers and producers in the world. Home to a plethora of spices including many varieties of chillies, all ranging in heat, flavour and texture, cassia is primarily used in savoury dishes whilst cinnamon is sweet. Coriander, the most versatile and used spice in India, takes on all flavours so well and two kinds of cardamom – black and green.
South Indian dal
Full of flavour and nutrition, this Indian Dal spice mix makes any meal outrageously delicious. Combining a mild blend of spices from the Kerala region of southern India, this highly aromatic spice mix is the centre of probably the most essential staple dish in Indian cuisine. And it’s one of the most magical and economical foods needing a handful of lentils, our spice mix and just a bit of TLC, transforming into a pot of deliciousness to make your tastebuds dance.
Flavours of the world
Comprising 6 regions, 12 countries (and counting) and 48+ delicious accompanying recipes, Flavours of the World opens the doors to the world’s spice route and allows everyone to explore the countries and cuisines that have shaped our culinary world today. Sugar-free, filler-free, and preservative-free, our blends make cooking wholesome, authentic meals from around the globe simple and affordable; offering step-by-step instructions and a catalogue of free online recipes to suit all diets.
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