Want To Up Your Indian Food Game? Here Are 15 Ingredients I Recommend That Would Wow Your Family And Friends

From street food staples like Samosa, Chaat, Pani Puri, Chole Bhature, and Vada Pav to regional dishes that are now world-famous like Dosa and Sambar from South India, Rogan Josh from Kashmir – the far North of India, spicy Vindaloo Curry from Goa, Saag and Makki Ki Roti, Butter Chicken, Tikka Masala from Punjab, and Biryanis from Hyderabad and Lucknow — Indian cuisine sure knows how to pack a punch.

So, if you are a person who has just started exploring the food from this South Asian country and would like to cook up a delicious storm to impress your friends and family, here's a list of ingredients that you must have in your arsenal.

Ghee

Let's start with Ghee or Clarified Butter. Because of its high smoke point and nutty-creamy flavor, this ingredient can be used as a condiment or a cooking oil while making Indian dishes. In the U.S., try looking for brands like Swad, Amul, The Star Foods, Ancient Organics and Organic Valley. 

Basmati Rice

Primarily cultivated in India, this fragrant long-grain rice gives a fluffy texture and goes perfectly with dishes that have gravy or curry. In the U.S. you can trust brands like Tilda and Daawat. 

Saffron

Used as a spice and coloring agent, this dried orange-ish colored ingredient gives a heavy aroma and beautiful color to both sweet and savory dishes. It is usually toasted and soaked in milk before adding to any dish. Look for brands like Rumi Spice, Delitaliana and Alma Gourmet. 

Turmeric

One of the most commonly used ingredients in Indian cuisine, Turmeric can either be bought fresh or used in its powder form. Apart from its vibrant color and earthy flavor, turmeric is also considered good as an integral ingredient for its herbal properties. If you are looking for Turmeric powder, check for brands like Simply Organic and Everest. 

Garlic And Ginger Paste

Most North Indian dishes are incomplete without a good Garlic and Ginger paste. People can try to buy both these ingredients separately and then grind them together — but for convenience, you can buy the ready-made version by Smith and Jones. 

Coriander Seeds And Leaves

One of the most crucial spices in Indian cooking, coriander seeds, are often used in conjunction with Cumin seeds. On the other hand, Cilantro or Coriander Leaves are usually used to garnish a dish because of their colorful and aromatic characteristics. 

Cumin Seeds

Used mostly for adding "Tadka" in Dal or elsewhere, also known as "tempering," these seeds can be broadly divided into two categories – black and white. The former has complex and musky flavors, while the latter has a more pungent flavor.

Cloves

Found in Garam Masala, cloves can be used while cooking rice, meat, or bean dishes. It gives a distinctive flavor and aroma, making it the perfect ingredient to add to your abode. 

Cardamom

Cardamon can again be categorized into two different species: first is Choti Elaichi which is green in color, and the second one is Badi/Moti Elaichi, which is dark brownish in color. While green cardamom is primarily used in sweet dishes and Indian-style Chai (tea), the other kind is part of the Garam Masala gang.  

Nutmeg

If you want to elevate the taste of your curry or gravy, make it a bit more peppery but with a hint of sweetness, try Nutmeg. This particular ingredient is not only popular in making Indian dishes but also Mexican. 

Dried Chilis

Ever seen a curry giving off that fiery red-hot color, and you just know that keeping a glass of milk nearby would be better? That's what dried chilies are used for. This ingredient not only provides that spicy and pungent kick but also imparts a highly appetizing color to the dish.

Asafetida

Look for brands like Catch and Rani to buy this ingredient that gives a savory and garlicky aroma. However, the mellow but bold flavor of asafetida can be a bit tricky, as it may not suit everyone's palate.

Curry Leaves

Most Indian households usually have fresh curry leaves at their disposal, but you can sun-dry them. These leaves are typically added to hot oil along with cumin and coriander seeds at the beginning of the cooking process or while adding tadka at the end. If done correctly, this step can add an intense and bold flavor along with a distinctive yet pleasant fragrance.

Coconut Milk Or Unsweetened Yogurt

Indian cuisines are usually on the spicier side, so if you intend to balance this, make sure to have coconut milk and unsweetened yogurt handy. Both of these alternatives can also be used for marinating meat. The yogurt can also be turned into an Indian staple side dish called Raita, with the added goodness of grated cucumber and pomegranate seeds.

Garam Masala

A blend of spices, almost all listed here, includes cumin, coriander, cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Usually sprinkled when the dish is almost done, instead of being cooked earlier with ghee and other ingredients.

In the U.S. there are certain supermarket stores like Walmart, Trader Joe's, Aldi, Whole Foods and Target. There are also some grocery stores like Patel Brothers and Apna Bazar in the U.S. which stock everything that you might need to cook an Indian feast. Almost all major U.S. cities have these stores or supermarkets, and given the digitally advanced landscape of today, you can always buy them online too. 

You are now ready with all the information required. So, go do a supermarket run, and let your inner Masterchef loose. 

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