Spices are the wonders of the culinary world. Their touch can add whole new dimensions of delicious flavour and tempting aroma to the dish. In fact, spices are the soul of Indian cuisine. The presence of spices can alter the experience of the meal which would have otherwise been boring and bland.
Spices can be used as a whole or in a powdered form. Powdered spices are easy to incorporate into cooking as they blend nicely and add robust flavour instantly.
Spices not only make your taste buds feel lip-smacking good but they are a great addition for your health too. Thus, spices serve dual benefits to taste and health.
To reap the most of these taste enhancers, you don’t need to go on an exotic hunt. You can find the majority of these flavourous and nutritious spices easily in local and online stores. This blog will introduce you to a few famous spices that are commonly used in Indian kitchens but do more good than adding taste.
Have you ever wondered that the spices you are relishing can be very beneficial for your health too? Every spice has its own unique flavour and benefits.
Let’s check a few popular Indian spices that we often consume in our day-to-day life:
Refreshing Cardamom:
Cardamom is specialized in adding a warm aroma to every recipe in which it is added. You can use this spice to add a distinct flavour to baked goods, imparting a zesty aroma to milk or tea late, and makeing homemade biryani and paneer recipes more tempting.
Cardamom is as healthy as it is delicious. It is a rich source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, zinc, calcium, iron, and calcium. Its consumption is found to be good for heart health, improves digestion and might keep blood sugar under control. Cardamom is a reliable remedy for getting immediate rid of bad breath.
Spicy Pepper:
Pepper is one of the most consumed spices throughout the world that is extensively used as a seasoning. The pungent, hot and spicy flavour of pepper can add a fiery touch to any dish. Its super hot flavour makes it unique from every spice. Its sharp flavour goes well with many dishes like sabzis, salads etc. Sprinkling pepper powder on sliced fruits like guava, watermelon, and apple makes them more tempting.
Pepper is mostly available in two types Black pepper and White pepper. Though they both come from the same plant, the major difference lies in way of processing and its spiciness. Black pepper is hotter and spicier than white pepper.
Pepper is acclaimed for its health benefits in Ayurveda. It is packed with antioxidants and many healthy compounds that can be your solution for digestive problems, oral problems and muscle pain. Black pepper powder with honey is a sure-shot remedy for cough and cold.
Intense Nutmeg:
The warm, nutty and woody flavour of nutmeg is perfect for adding a rich taste to sweet and savoury dishes. This spice is known for its power for adding a strong and distinctive aroma to the recipes. Its sweetness perfectly complements many recipes from Indian cuisine.
Nutmeg is one such spice that has varied uses and health benefits.
Nutmeg since ancient times is used for detoxifying the liver. It boosts dental health, improves mood and promotes better sleep.
Pungent Clove:
Cloves have a warm and strong flavour with an intent aroma. They taste sweet, bitter and astringent. Coves add warmth to sauces, soups, tempting rice dishes like Biriyani and Pulao and it is also the base of many Indian sabzis. Their pungent flavour is also a star ingredient of the popular Indian spice blend, Garam Masala. Cloves are also used in making a number of desserts such as pumpkin pie.
Cloves are rich in antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiseptic properties. They are the powerhouse of antioxidants, essential minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, fibre and vitamins. Aroma therapy with cloves helps you to relax and can relieve the pain. Mixing clove with mustard oil is a reliable remedy to get instant relief from serious toothache.
Sweet Cinnamon:
Can you resist a spice that smells as good as it tastes? Cinnamon is one such irresistible spice.
This woody spice with a satisfying sweet flavour and warm aroma can make the recipe super delicious. Baked goods, puddings, porridge, shakes, and sweets made with cinnamon form a perfect after-meal treat. Owing to its exquisite flavour cinnamon is now used as a flavour in coffee too.
Is sore throat causing trouble? Don’t worry cinnamon can come to the rescue. Blend cinnamon powder with honey and eat a spoonful of it at least twice a day to soothe a sore throat. Cinnamon also contains a good amount of highly potent polyphenol antioxidants that can defend body cells against free radicals. It also can probably help in improving blood sugar control. Cinnamon can also be great for acne-prone and dry skin.
India is the land of spices and Indian cuisine is incomplete without spices. The world of spice is huge but definitely you will find some in your kitchen. More than adding mouth-watering flavour and aroma to your meals, spices also make your food healthy. We have here highlighted some of the most frequently used spices in Indian cuisine and how they are beneficial to you.
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