Padma Lakshmi's Essential Indian Spice Guide - Savvy, Ep. 31

By Cherry Crawford March 18, 2023 15 mins read 91621 Views

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between cooking whole and with ground spices? Ground Spices?

There isn't any difference between cooking with whole spices and ground spices. All spices are ground after harvesting. It doesn't make a difference in terms of quality.

However, the price difference is substantial. Because of the labor involved in making whole spices, they cost more. But the flavour is well worth it.

If you purchase whole spices in bulk, you might get an additional discount. If you buy a whole bag of cinnamon sticks, you may get a discount.

The same is true for nutmeg cloves ginger, cardamom, and ginger. You may be able save money if you buy these spices in bulk.

Whole spices also last longer than ground spices. Ground spices lose their potency rapidly due to oxygenation.

We recommend buying whole spices because they add flavor to your recipes.

For instance, you can make a delicious curry with whole turmeric instead of ground turmeric. You can also use whole coriander to create a spice combination for chicken dishes.

It takes time to grind spices. If you're buying whole spices it makes sense for you to buy large quantities. You won't run low on spices if you buy large quantities.

Does Thai use ginger?

The answer is yes. In traditional Thai cuisine, ginger is used extensively. Ginger is often used to make stir-fries and soups. It is also used in desserts, drinks, such a lassis.

Ginger is a native of China, Japan, Korea and other Asian countries. Its origins go back over 5,000 years. It is believed to have originated from Southeast Asia, where it was cultivated medicinally.

Ginger is known to stimulate digestion and relieve nausea. It may even help prevent migraines. Ginger can also be used to treat arthritis, muscle spasms, joint pains, or relieve them.

In Thailand, ginger is most often used fresh. The ginger root is then cut into thin strips. Once dried, it can be stored for future use. You can buy ginger root in jars or cans from Asian markets.

What's the difference of curry and curried

There is no difference in spelling. Both words are used to describe the same thing: Indian dishes that combine meat or vegetables with various seasonings.

Curry is derived from the Hindi word kari, which means "to rub". This refers to the way the spice mixture is applied to the food. Curried foods are typically cooked until browned.

Curried dishes are no longer reserved for special occasions. They're now commonplace in India. You can choose from chicken, beef, lamb or fish as well as vegetables and rice.

Plain white rice is often served with curried dishes. Other common accompaniments include raita (a yogurt sauce) and chutney (a sweet relish).

What Spices or Herbs Are Best for Potatoes

A potato is a great side dish for almost any meat. There are many ways to cook potatoes, other than just mashed.

These versatile vegetables can be used in a variety of dishes including soups, casseroles, and pasta dishes. But did you know that numerous spices and herbs go well with potatoes?

These recipes will help you spice up your next potato dish.

What spices are used in Thai cooking?

Thai cuisine is well-known for its rich flavour profiles. These flavours come from unique and flavorful spices that create various delicious dishes.

Thai cuisine uses common ingredients such as galangal (lemongrass), kaffir lime leaves and chillies.

Each one of these spices adds to Thai cuisine’s unique flavour profile. You will often find lemongrass in soups, curries and stews. Galangal gives dishes a peppery flavor; chilies add a spicy kick to dishes. Shrimp paste adds umami depth to dishes. Coriander adds a mild yet fragrant aroma to dishes. Cumin adds a smokey flavour to dishes. Turmeric gives dishes a bright yellow hue.

These spices are combined to create complex flavour profiles specific to Thai cuisine. By using a combination of spices, chefs can create dishes that are both flavorful and aromatic. Stock up on these spices if you want to incorporate the Thai flavours into your cooking.

How do I make Thai food at home using Thai spices?

For authentic Thai cooking at home, you need to be familiar with five essential spices: cayenne, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, and black pepper. Each ingredient is unique and plays an integral role in the creation of delicious dishes.

Cinnamon brings out the sweetness of black pepper, while white pepper enhances the savoury flavours. Coriander seeds give curry powder its distinctive yellow colour, while turmeric adds a spicy kick. Cayenne peppers are hot, and cilantro adds freshness. A final ingredient is cinnamon, which adds depth and complexity.

Each of these spices can be found at your local grocery, but you may prefer to buy them online.

What are the 7 Indian spices that you can use?

Indian spices is a collection Indian spices. They usually include cardamom (also known by hing), cumin, turmeric, coriander,fenugreek, ginger, and asafoetida. Spices add flavour to dishes by blending natural ingredients like meats, vegetables and spices. Combining spices creates unique flavour profiles that make Indian food so special.

Cardamom's sweet, pungent flavor is balanced with ginger and citrus notes. It's used in many dishes, including biryani and curries. Cumin has a strong, earthy aroma as well as a rich and nuanced flavor. It is often added in to curries, dals, or meat dishes. Coriander gives dishes a mild nuttiness due to its sweet citrus aroma. It is often used to season vegetables and lentils.

Turmeric has an earthy, spicy flavour that includes mustard, spices and pepper hints. This spice is used in curries and other dishes. It has a golden color. Fenugreek is a spice with a rich aroma and earthy tones. It also has a bitter taste. Fenugreek is used to season meat dishes such as kebabs or curries. Ginger is pungent and spicy with hints o citrus. It can be used to spice up soups, curries and chutneys. Asafoetida or hing has a pungent scent and strong taste that can replace onion and garlic for some recipes.

These spices are a unique combination that creates Indian cuisine.

Statistics

According to a recent survey, professional chefs and many home cooks use spices; usage has only continued to grow from 2011 to now. (hospitalityinsights.ehl.edu)
India contributes to 75% of global spice production. (en.wikipedia.org)
According to the McCormick Science Institute, indigenous Indian spices were cultivated as early as the 8th century BC in the gardens of Babylon. (spicecravings.com)

External Links

How To

How to store spices for cooking?

I will tell you how to store cooking spices for optimal performance. First, we must understand how food is stored.

Spices are stored in airtight containers away from the light because exposure to light diminishes their flavour. This is because oxygen reacts with organic compounds like those in spices to cause oxidation.

To avoid oxidation, spice should be kept in dark cupboards. Spices will lose their flavour quickly if the conditions aren’t met.

It is the best way to preserve spices' flavours by keeping them out of direct sunlight.

To make flavoured drinks, you can add herbs or spices to water. For example, you could mix 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon in 1/2 cup of warm milk and stir it well. Add a squeeze or lemon juice to the mixture and serve immediately.

Add dried herbs and spices to soups. Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly on the dish, and let it sit for five to ten minutes before you serve.

Leftover cooked vegetables, fruits and meats, as well as leftover cheese, breads, crackers, cookies or cakes can be added to favorite recipes for snacks.

To get the best flavours from fresh herbs and spices, cut them or tear them and add them to hot foods. You can also freeze spices and herbs by placing them in muffin cups or ice trays and freezing them. Once frozen, place them in freezer bags or zip-top bags.