Indian cuisine is famous around the world for its complex flavours and fragrant aromas. While recipes vary from region to region, spices play an important role in creating the character of Indian food.

If you are building an Indian pantry in Australia, these spices are a useful starting point.

1. Turmeric

Turmeric is widely used in Indian cooking. It adds colour and earthy flavour to curries, vegetables, dals and rice dishes.

2. Cumin

Cumin has a warm, earthy flavour and is used in many curries, rice dishes and spice blends.

Whole cumin seeds are often tempered in hot oil or ghee, while ground cumin can be added directly to recipes.

3. Coriander

Coriander seeds and ground coriander are common ingredients in Indian cooking. The ground spice adds a mild, aromatic flavour to curries and masalas.

4. Red Chilli Powder

Chilli powder provides heat and colour. Different varieties offer different levels of spice, so home cooks can choose according to their preferences.

5. Mustard Seeds

Mustard seeds are especially common in South and Western Indian cooking. They are often added to hot oil at the beginning of a recipe to release their flavour.

6. Fenugreek

Fenugreek seeds and dried fenugreek leaves are used in various Indian dishes.

Kasoori methi, or dried fenugreek leaves, is particularly popular for adding aroma to curries and creamy dishes.

7. Garam Masala

Garam masala is a spice blend rather than a single spice. Recipes differ, but common ingredients can include cumin, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon and cloves.

It is often added towards the end of cooking to enhance aroma.

8. Cardamom

Cardamom can be used in both sweet and savoury recipes. It is particularly popular in tea, desserts, rice dishes and festive cooking.

9. Cinnamon

Cinnamon provides a warm, slightly sweet aroma. It is commonly used in biryani, pulao, curries and masala chai.

10. Cloves

Cloves have a strong aromatic flavour and are frequently used alongside cinnamon and cardamom in rice dishes, curries and spice blends.

Store Your Spices Properly

Spices stay fresher when stored in airtight containers away from direct sunlight, heat and moisture.

Buying quantities that you can use regularly is also helpful because ground spices can gradually lose their aroma over time.

Find Indian Spices Online in Australia

For customers looking for authentic Indian spices, the Om Spice online grocery store offers a wide selection of Indian and South Asian food products, including spices and masala.

The store also offers products such as Coriander Seeds and other spice ingredients through its online catalogue.

Along with spices, shoppers can explore rice, flour, lentils, snacks, pickles, frozen foods and other everyday grocery categories.

Conclusion

A well-stocked spice collection makes Indian cooking much easier. You do not need dozens of spices to begin with. A practical selection of everyday spices can help you prepare a wide range of curries, rice dishes, dals and snacks at home.