Indian cooking is more about flavoring. Seasoning and tempering is an essential need in all parts of India. India is known for its versatile variety in cooking and owing to urban residency there is an easy transition of adopting cooking trends. Meals are generally of gourmet nature in any part of India. Generally the culinary trends are related to the local produce. The condiments and spices are internally imported in case the local area does not have the produce.
There are various ways of using the spices. For e.g. in the rice variety like kichdi, pulav or biryani it is a traditional to use whole spices in the pure form. This adds to the flavor and the aroma is felt as the food is being cooked. The advantage of using spice is flavoring and moreover it aids to build the appetite. Desserts are also aided with spices like cinnamon or cardamom that lend a distinct flavor and beneficial for digestion.
Any Indian home has a traditional stocking of the choicest spices and in many kitchens we find masalas or mixtures that are typically related to the type of cooking. It is a common trend to use the garam masala in North Indian style and this is a huge list of spices gently ground to a fine mixture. A pinch of the same is enough to whet the appetite. South Indian sambar is also a variety of spice and asafetida is a normal inclusion.
Herbal remedies are also utilized with standardized spices. It is common to treat the stomach flatulence with a concoction of jeera in boiling water. It is also believed that a mixture of asafetida applied on the stomach relives gas problems. Spices also have the property to fight bacteria and hence the same is used in storing pickles. Apart from the flavor spices also help in preserving the food for a long time.
Roots like Ginger, Garlic and Turmeric are very high in their medicinal properties. Ginger is very good for alleviating sinus troubles and garlic is a good for balancing cholesterol in the body. Turmeric is purely and antiseptic and also known to loosen phlegm in the body during common cold. Clove with its distinct flavoring is an essential part of Indian cooking. The tangy taste of kokum in Indian cooking is very common in India.
Spice,Condiments,Indian,Recipes
Check out new and interesting Indian recipes and discover India blog
No comments:
Post a Comment