Herbs Commonly Used in Indian Sweets and Desserts

By Cherry Crawford May 28, 2023 16 mins read 61 Views

Whether you're looking for sweets to celebrate a special occasion or a simple dessert, there are plenty of traditional Indian herbs to incorporate into your recipes.

These herbs are not only tasty but are also believed to help with digestion and prevent diseases. Learn to add these spices into your cooking and you'll see a difference in the taste of your dishes.

Green Cardamom

Green cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) is the variety most often used in Indian cooking. It has a slightly citrus taste with a hint of lemon.

It is available in powdered and whole forms, and can be purchased from many grocery stores. You can also find it in the baking aisles of international markets and specialty stores.

It is one of the most expensive spices by weight, but it only needs a small amount to impart flavor. It is best stored in pods, as exposed or ground seeds quickly lose their flavor.

Ginger

In India, ginger (Zingiber officinale) is commonly used in a variety of sweets and desserts. It is a popular flavoring and ingredient in Indian cuisines, but it can also be used as a spice in many other cuisines around the world.

The root of the ginger plant has a spicy aroma and flavor and is known for its medicinal properties. It has been used in cooking and medicinal practices for thousands of years, and research continues to reveal its health benefits.

Whether you like it fresh, dried (ground), juiced, crystallized or pickled, ginger is a versatile spice that can be used in nearly any recipe. It can add a touch of spice to salads, soups, curries, meats, baked goods and even beverages.

Dalchini

Dalchini or Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) is a spice which is widely used in sweets and desserts in India. It is also a popular herbal supplement for the health and wellbeing of people.

It is also an excellent antimicrobial agent. It can prevent various infections and is a great help in managing respiratory problems and reducing fever.

It is a common ingredient in many Indian dishes, especially curries and soups. It is also used in pies and fruit based desserts. It is available in both powdered and roasted form.

Kapok Buds

Kapok Buds, also known as Marathi Moggu (Kannada) or Silk Cotton Buds (Telugu), are a type of caper that is popularly used in South Indian dishes. It is roasted and ground with other spices before going into the dish.

It is the main ingredient in a famous rice dish called Bisi Bele Bath in Karnataka. It is fried in oil to release its full flavour.

They are also a key ingredient in a dessert called Peda, which resembles fudge, is soft when bit into, and is slightly grainy due to the milk solids. It is garnished with slivered pistachios and crushed cardamom. It is a perfect example of combining two key ingredients – milk that has been reduced to a solid (known as khoya in Hindi) and sugar.

Mint

Mint is one of the most popular aromatic herbs used in Indian sweets and desserts. It is known for its freshness and many health benefits.

Peppermint and spearmint are the most commonly used varieties. They have warm, fresh, aromatic and sweet flavors with a cool aftertaste.

They are also widely used in teas, beverages, jellies, syrups, candies and ice creams.

Several mints have unique flavors and aromas, such as apple mint, orange mint and chocolate mint.

In addition to the common varieties, there are many others, such as wild mint and water mint. These mints are members of the Lamiaceae family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do some love coriander and others don't?

Some people hate coriander, while others love it. But why?

Coriander is an herb that grows in warm climates throughout the world. It is native to both North America and Europe.

The leaves of the plant are used in cooking and can also be found in condiments such as salad dressings and dips. When added to food, coriander provides a spicy flavor.

Many people love its taste because it adds a fresh flavor to dishes without overpowering them. Others dislike the smell and taste of coriander because they find it too strong.

But there is more to coriander than meets the eye. There are two types of coriander – sweet and hot. Sweet coriander is milder and sweeter tasting compared to hot coriander.

Sweet coriander is usually grown for its seeds, often called cilantro. This type of coriander is easy to grow and is very low maintenance.

Hot coriander is most commonly used in Indian cuisine. Hot coriander gives a rich flavor to curries and sauces, making it popular among Indians.

Some people say that hot coriander tastes better than sweet coriander. However, the opposite is true for those who prefer sweet coriander.

There are many reasons why people enjoy different varieties of coriander. For example, one person may love the taste of coriander, while another enjoys the aroma.

Whether you like sweet or hot coriander, you might be surprised to learn that you can buy both types of coriander online.

Is eating raw basil good for you?

I'm sure everyone knows that fresh herbs are great for cooking but did you know that you could eat them too? Raw, uncooked herbs are packed full of nutrients and vitamins that we normally have to cook.

They contain more antioxidants than any fruit or vegetable. And they also help our immune systems stay strong and healthy.

The best way to enjoy these delicious little green gems is to eat them raw from the garden. But there's nothing wrong with enjoying them cooked, either. They taste even better when sautéed in olive oil and served alongside pasta or rice.

There are lots of ways to incorporate raw herbs into recipes. Add them to salads, soups, sandwiches, wraps, omelets, stir-fries, and pesto.

Just make sure you wash them well first!

What herbs should you take daily?

Depending on your health and wellness needs, many herbs can be taken daily to help improve your overall health.

Popular herbs for daily consumption include ashwagandha, turmeric, ginger, holy basil, chamomile, lavender, peppermint, and cayenne pepper. Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that can help the body resist stress and anxiety. Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, while ginger has been shown to aid digestion and boost immunity. Holy basil may help with managing blood sugar levels, as well as providing a calming effect. Chamomile can promote relaxation, while lavender is used in aromatherapy for its calming properties. Peppermint can help aid digestion and reduce nausea, while cayenne pepper has antibacterial properties that may boost your immunity.

As always, you must consult your doctor before taking herbs daily to ensure they are safe for you and do not interact with any other medications or herbs you may be taking.

There is no shortage of information on what foods we should eat and how much exercise we should do. But when it comes to what supplements we should take, there is a dearth of knowledge.

This is because most of us aren’t sure which ones work or which are junk. So we go online and look up whatever we can find.

But often, these articles are written by companies trying to promote their products. Which means they're usually biased toward their product.

So instead of finding unbiased advice, we end up reading marketing hype.

This makes sense since marketers make more money selling stuff than doctors.

The medical industry isn’t even allowed to advertise directly to consumers anymore. The best way to learn about natural remedies is to read independent reviews.

This is where you'll find real users sharing their experiences with each supplement. These sites give you an honest opinion of whether or not a particular herb helps.

Users will often share their experience with a supplement after taking it. This gives you a good idea of its effectiveness and any side effects.

You can also check out forums dedicated to herbalism. Here you can ask questions and receive answers based on personal experience.

Of course, there are plenty of other ways to learn about herbs.

There are books, websites, blogs, videos, podcasts, and classes. All of them provide valuable information about natural remedies.

Statistics

For those with high cholesterol, garlic supplementation appears to reduce total and/or LDL cholesterol by about 10-15% (72Trusted Source73Trusted (healthline.com)
Studies have shown that cinnamon can lower fasting blood sugars by 10-29% in diabetic patients, which is a significant amount (9Trusted Source10Trusted (healthline.com)

External Links

How To

How to Use Herbs and Spices in Cooking?

Herbs and spices are a great way to add flavor without adding calories. If you've been cooking for years, you already know how easy it is to make even bland foods taste delicious. Try these tips to add more flair to your dishes.

Herbs and spices are essential ingredients in any kitchen. In addition to making food taste better, they also help keep food fresh longer. From enhancing the flavors of soups and sauces to infusing drinks with exotic tastes, herbs and spices go far beyond traditional cooking.

The most important thing to remember when using herbs and spices is to use them sparingly. Even though they may seem like powerful ingredients, they have a strong scent. So, sprinkle them on top instead of piling them onto a dish.

You'll find that the best herbs and spices come in small containers. This makes them easier to measure out, so there won't be any waste. Plus, you'll save money because you won't have to buy large amounts.

Another tip is to avoid placing herbs and spices directly on hot pans. Heat will quickly dry out the herbs and spices, leaving a bitter aftertaste. Instead, place them on paper towels to absorb excess moisture.

Use herbs and spices liberally in recipes where they naturally complement each other. For example, cinnamon pairs well with apples, while garlic complements tomatoes. Once you learn how to combine flavors, you'll be able to create your signature dishes.

Try experimenting with different herbs and spices to spice up meals. For instance, mix thyme, rosemary, oregano, and basil in a bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste. Then toss the mixture with pasta, chicken, or fish.

After the meal, store leftover herbs and spices in airtight jars. This will prevent them from drying out. Also, wrap unused herbs and spices tightly in plastic wrap. They should stay fresh for at least three months.

If you're looking for ways to improve your diet, consider trying new herbs and spices. You can experiment with different blends until you discover your favorite combination. The possibilities are endless!