4 Basic Indian Spice Blends to Have at Home: A Guide

India is known for its spicy, aromatic curries, but you can use spice blends for other cooking applications, such as soups and grilling. However, it should be worth noting that spice blends are popular among other neighboring countries, such as Pakistan and other Middle Eastern nations. Even Great Britain, the birthplace of chicken tikka masala, have their own cravings for these spices. It is due to a mix of sharing culinary traditions, forming the spices we know today typically present at your local grocery. Nonetheless, making it yourself is always best!

If you want to bring in these potent flavors and aromatics into your dishes, the first thing you should do is get to know the composition of the basic Indian spice blend. To have a thorough understanding and to also start writing your next grocery list, consider the following formulations:

1.Tikka spice blend

The tikka spice blend is one of the most popular among the different Indian combinations, and it is also the best introductory mix since it is milder and easier to incorporate into everyday cooking. It is made of coriander, turmeric, paprika, black pepper, cinnamon, cumin, nutmeg, and cardamom.

These spices can serve as a base for the British classic, but you can also add them to other dishes. For instance, if you are feeling adventurous, add a pinch of this to your omelets or salad to add some deep flavor combinations!

2.Sambhar spice blend

If you are looking to brighten up your vegetarian meals, you may want to consider the sambhar mix. It is a sample in most Southern Indian household kitchens, which has some of the spicier mixes, so you may want to finger dip and try it first before adding it to anything. This combination is composed of chana dal, toor dal, fenugreek, coriander, turmeric, and dried red chilies. Alternatively, you can also use this in some gravy-based meals and stews, depending on your preferences.

3.Chai spice blend

You may be going into this guide thinking you are going to be working only with savory cooking applications, but you are wrong! This chai masala mix is an exemption, boasting of highly aromatic spices used for the most well-known tea from the region: chai tea! It is why the blend is much sweeter than the other spice mixes.

It is composed of cloves, cinnamon, green cardamom, black peppercorns, ginger, nutmeg, and fennel seeds. You can use this along with your black tea leaves for your own authentic latte. You can even use it in some baked goods to boost its fragrance-inducing qualities as it comes out of the oven!

4.Chaat spice blends

Chaat spices are incorporated into vegetables, salads, and even some vegan snacks to enliven your senses as you enjoy the freshest produce. All you have to do is blend some cumin, amchur, coriander, ginger, black pepper, chili powder, asafoetida, and salt. One of the most well-known and whole dishes chaat blends are used for is lentils, adding a hint of sweetness and hot flavors to it and other dishes!

Conclusion 

Widening your home-cooking capabilities with Indian spices as your staples can be an enriching experience, especially when you are bored of the same-old food. Just consider your ideal blend from the list above, shop for the corresponding ingredients, look for a recipe or do some recipe testing, and you’re all set! Meanwhile, consider dining at our restaurant if you are looking for the best culinary applications for spices and desire some inspiration!

Karakoram Restaurant can offer you the best Indian food delivery options in Vancouver alongside our signature Pakistani buffet experience and menu offerings. We also have online orders and reservations available for your utmost convenience. Enliven your love for spice blends and other unique culinary creations by checking out our dishes today!