List of Indian condiments

List of Indian Condiments

Indian cuisine is renowned for its diverse range of flavors, which are largely attributed to the variety of condiments used. These condiments, often derived from herbs, spices, and vegetables, play a crucial role in enhancing the taste and aroma of Indian dishes. This article provides a comprehensive list of Indian condiments.

Spices

Spices are the backbone of Indian cuisine. They are used in different forms such as whole, chopped, ground, roasted, sautéed, fried, and as a topping. Some of the commonly used spices in Indian cuisine include:

• Turmeric: Known for its bright yellow color, turmeric is used in almost all Indian dishes. It has a warm, bitter taste and is frequently used to flavor or color curry powders, mustards, butters, and cheeses.

• Cumin: Cumin seeds are used as a spice for their distinctive flavor and aroma. It is globally popular and an essential spice in Indian, Mexican, and Middle Eastern cuisines.

• Coriander: Coriander is an annual herb in the family Apiaceae. All parts of the plant are edible, but the fresh leaves and the dried seeds are the parts most traditionally used in cooking.

Herbs

Herbs are used to enhance the flavor of Indian dishes. Some of the commonly used herbs in Indian cuisine include:

• Mint: Mint leaves are used in teas, beverages, jellies, syrups, candies, and ice creams.

• Curry Leaves: Curry leaves are aromatic herbs used in South Indian and Sri Lankan cuisines. They are used in many dishes in India, Sri Lanka, and neighboring countries.

Pastes and Sauces

Indian cuisine also includes a variety of pastes and sauces, which are used as a base for many dishes. Some of these include:

• Tamarind Paste: Tamarind paste is made from the tamarind fruit and is used in Indian cooking for its sweet-sour flavor.

• Ginger Garlic Paste: Ginger garlic paste is a common ingredient in Indian cooking, used in many vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.

Pickles and Chutneys

Pickles and chutneys are also a significant part of Indian cuisine. They are served as a side dish and are used to enhance the flavor of the meal. Some of the popular Indian pickles and chutneys include:

• Mango Pickle: Mango pickle is a traditional Indian condiment made with raw mangoes, spices, and oil.

• Mint Chutney: Mint chutney is a spicy dip made from mint leaves. It is an extremely flavorful condiment that increases the taste of many Indian snacks.

See Also

• Indian Cuisine
• List of Spices
• List of Herbs
• List of Sauces