Spices Used in Nepalese Cuisine

By Cherry Crawford May 28, 2023 16 mins read 69 Views

Almost every cuisine around the world uses spices to add flavour and complexity to their dishes. However, Nepalese cuisine is known for its unique take on these flavors.

One of the most common ingredients used in Nepalese cooking is turmeric. It’s an essential ingredient that’s used to give a yellow color to curries, meat, and vegetables.

Cumin Seed

Cumin seed is one of the most popular spices in Nepali cuisine. It has a rich, earthy flavor that adds depth to dishes.

It can be used in whole or ground form. It’s a staple in several blends of spices, including curry powder.

In addition to being a tasty ingredient, cumin seeds contain naturally occurring substances that help keep your body healthy. These antioxidants, called apigenin and luteolin, can prevent tiny free radicals from attacking your cells.

Garam Masala

Garam masala is a blend of spices used in many Indian and Nepalese dishes. It is a common ingredient in curries, rice dishes, and other vegetable-based soups.

Garam masala can be made from a variety of different spices, including cinnamon, peppercorns, cardamom, mustard seeds, cloves, coriander seeds, and mace. It’s usually best to start with whole spices whenever possible, toasting them over low heat to release their aroma and flavor before grinding them together.

You can also use a curry powder mix as a substitute for garam masala, but it won’t give you the same rounded, warm flavor. You can also make your own blend, though it will take more time and effort to get the right balance of flavors.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is one of the oldest and most aromatic spices used in Nepalese cuisine. It is known for its warming, rich, spicy and sweet notes.

It is also a great spice for adding depth to savoury dishes. Try cinnamon chicken which pairs perfectly with a hazelnut bulgur salad, or sweet-savoury goat curry where a broken cinnamon stick is incorporated into the cooking process.

It is a member of the Lauraceae family and is mainly cultivated for its use as a spice. It is considered to have anti-inflammatory properties and is commonly found in a variety of savory and sweet dishes.

Cloves

Cloves are one of the most popular spices used in Nepalese cuisine. These sweet and pungent seeds are commonly added to curries, stews, and desserts in order to enhance the flavours.

They also have medicinal value and can be used to treat colds, flu, and respiratory problems. In addition, they’re high in dietary fiber and vitamins that support your body’s overall health.

In Nepalese cooking, cloves are typically fried in butter before being added to lentil dishes. They can also be used in curry powders and garam masala.

Dried Chillies

Dried chillies are used to add spiciness to dishes. They are also packed with Vitamin C and B6, which helps to keep your system healthy and minimizes cholesterol levels.

They also contain provitamin A beta-carotene, which helps to boost your immune system and fight off colds. They have anti-inflammatory properties as well, which makes them a great addition to your diet.

Another dried spice that is commonly used in Nepalese cuisine is turmeric powder. Turmeric powder is a yellow color, earthy, and slightly peppery spice that comes from the ginger family. It is a major component in all types of curries and helps to balance out the overpowering flavors.

Sichuan Pepper

Sichuan pepper is a spice that is used in Nepalese dishes. It can add a variety of flavors to your dishes, including lemony and fragrant aromas.

This spice is made from the husks of the seeds of the prickly ash shrub Zanthoxylum. It is one of the five spices that comprise five-spice powder.

You can find Sichuan peppercorn at Asian markets and specialty spice purveyors. You can also purchase it online. You can cook with it as a whole or ground. However, you should store it properly so that it stays fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the importance of spices in your life?

Spices are seasonings that enhance the flavour of food. Spices can take many forms such as powders (liquids), oils, pastes and seeds. They can also be called condiments or flavours.

A great way to spice up your meals is to add some variety. You can spice up dishes with many different spices for more flavor and excitement.

Perhaps a little hot pepper sauce will enhance the flavor of your soup. A cup of cooked rice could be made more delicious by adding a few cayenne to the soup.

Fresh ingredients are best for experimenting with spicing. When you are buying dried herbs, make sure they are organic. Fresh herbs can last for longer than dried.

There are certain spices that are essential for cooking. But there are also some you might want to avoid. Cinnamon sticks contain high amounts of coumarin, so they should not be eaten if you have a history of liver disease. Ginger also has coumarin, although it's less concentrated. It is safe for those who have not had liver problems in the past.

What Spices or Herbs Go Best With Potatoes?

Potatoes are a wonderful side dish to almost any meat. You may be familiar with the many ways you can serve potatoes other than 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 delicious recipes will spice up your next potato recipe.

Can you add spice to a beverage?

I love how spices bring flavour to food. How do you make spices alive in drinks?

Spices are excellent because they add incredible depth to any beverage. Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to your favorite beverage, such as coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.

Most recipes require ground spices. You will need to use fresh whole spices. This makes sense, but it is expensive, takes time, and requires storage space.

This is where magic happens. With your creativity, you can turn your favorite spices into easy-to-use powdered products. Mix them with your favorite drinks to make delicious spiced beverages.

There are two methods to make these powders. One way is to grind whole spices into fine powder. Another method is to use a mortar & pestle to grind the spices until they are finely ground.

You'll find it easier to make powder than whole spices, regardless of the method. The powder is stable so you don't run low on stock.

You can experiment with mixing spices to create different flavours. For example, you could combine peppermint and spearmint leaves to make minty water. To make spicy ginger tea, you can also combine ginger and cardamom pods.

Once you are skilled in the production of powdered spices, it is possible to apply that technique to herbs. Oregano and rosemary are all popular herbs.

The possibilities are limitless. Powdered spices are a great way to make your drinks more flavorful or to enhance dishes like soups and salads.

What's the Difference Between Cooking With Whole vs. Ground Spices?

There isn't any difference between cooking with whole spices and ground spices. After harvesting, spices are ground. The quality is the same.

However, this price differential is quite significant. Whole spices can be more expensive due to the labor involved in their processing. The flavor is well worth the effort.

Buy whole spices and you'll often receive additional discounts. 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. If you purchase these spices in bulk, you may be able to save money.

Ground spices don't last as long as whole spices. Ground spices lose their potency very quickly due to oxidation.

But the main reason why we recommend purchasing whole spices is that they add a lot of character to recipes.

You can make a delicious curry by using whole turmeric in place of ground turmeric. Or you can grind whole coriander seeds to create a spice blend for chicken dishes.

It takes time to grind spices. It makes sense to purchase large quantities of whole spices when you are buying them. You won't run low on spices if you buy large quantities.

Statistics

According to Healthline, pink Himalayan salt is estimated to contain up to 84 minerals and trace elements, which gives the salt its special pink color. (spicecravings.com)
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)
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)

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How To

How To Make A Garlic Press?

A garlic presse is an indispensable tool for home chefs. You can quickly mince garlic or make a paste. It can also be used to crush whole garlic cloves into buttery spreads or garlic salt.

If you don't yet have a garlic presse, you may be wondering where to get one. Here are some tips to get you started.

First of all, you'll need to get a large bowl. Place the bowl beneath the press, and then pour the crushed garlic in it. Now, turn the pressure regulator to maximum.

Next, turn the handle counterclockwise until you hear a click. The top portion of the press should come off, revealing a flat surface. You can slide the blade across the bowl. Continue to turn the handle counterclockwise, until the blades are closed.

Finally, take out the pressed ginger and enjoy!

Here are other ways you can make use of this versatile tool.

Use minced garlic in soups, sauces and salads as a seasoning or even as a garnish.
Use the press for whole garlic cloves to make a buttery spread
Crush whole cloves of garlic onto pizza dough before baking
Combine roasted garlic with mashed potatoes and creamy polenta
Use the press to make homemade pesto out of garlic
Puree garlic in a smooth vinaigrette