The Iconic Indian Spice Box is as idiosyncratic and individualistic as its owner deems fit. Mine stores black mustard seeds, urad dal, channa dal, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, dried red chillies and a mixture of bay leaves, nutmeg, star anise and cinnamon sticks. While the first six are used for seasoning (thalippu/tadka), the mixture is dry roasted and ground for fresh garam masala.
The Golden Duo of Turmeric and Red Chilly Powder imparts the unique flavor, color and punch to any dish. Both have documented therapeutic qualities too and are known to increase basal metabolism.
Made for Masala Chai: Mixed in proper proportions , hand ground with mortar and pestle along with clove (seen below) and boiled with tea leaves, these result in the classic Indian Masala Tea. Once had, hooked forever.
Seasonings and Soup Essentials
Use these for seasoning your soups, creating your signature dip, flavoring your salads and for just about anything that needs a unique wallop of herby flavor. By no means a definitive list, dried herbs and seasonings are ingredients that you will run into on almost every page of this blog. This is the first batch that I came up when creating this page, more to follow as I dig deeper into my pantry. You can find these in almost any grocery store.
Sauces and Dips
On the top left is a highly versatile marinade made with orange zest, vinegar and dried basil, and on top right is a simple sesame and garlic sauce that can be used for stir fries and for the saute pan. On the bottom left is the classic Indian Green Chutney, made with coriander/cilantro, mint leaves, fresh ginger, green chillies and lemon juice. Use this as a sandwich spread or mix up a spoonful with a bowl of yogurt for a refreshing dip. On the bottom right is another of my favorite dips, made with probiotic yogurt, a dash of yellow mustard, lemon juice and fresh dill.
An assortment of these stored in jars in your refrigerator comes in handy as nothing else does. Simple, easy recipes can be found under the Sauces and Dips category in the right side bar. Each of these has a wide range of uses for many of the salads and sandwiches you will find in this blog. Once refrigerated, these stay good for upto ten days.
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