Considered sacred in India, holy basil (a.k.a. holy tulsi) is used heavily in Thai and Vietnamese cooking. It offers an intense aroma that is like that of cloves, along with a mild peppery bite and subtle licorice notes. The herb is best known for its use in drunken stir-fry dishes …
Cloves have a warm, sweet, and easily identifiable flavor that you can use in both sweet and savory preparations. You may know it from the role it plays in chai masala, garam masala, and in Chinese five-spice powder. It is commonly used, but that doesn’t mean that it is easy …
Lavender is native to the Mediterranean region and is a staple of French cooking. English lavender is the variety most commonly used as a culinary herb. Its floral sweetness and citrus notes can complement a wide range of foods, ranging from roasted chicken to ice cream. While popular in many …
Spices are arguably the most important part of Indian food. One of the common mixtures that you will come across when looking at Indian recipes is garam masala. There are numerous variations depending on region and even depending on the household. These days you can find garam masala blends in …
Poppy seeds are visually striking and can offer a nutty flavor along with a crunchy texture to enhance all sorts of dishes, from curries and stir-fries to lemon poppy seed muffins and bagels. They are especially common ingredient in both European and Indian recipes. If you are out of poppy …
Orris root is the rhizome of the iris flower and can be a valuable addition to your spice cabinet if you want to make a version of ras el hanout that contains it. Finding it in a hurry may be a problem since this spice is not widely used. The …
Za’atar is a Middle Eastern herb and spice blend with ingredients that can vary, but that will usually contain thyme, oregano, and sesame seeds. It is versatile and can be used in a range of preparations, from hummus to grilled chicken and much more. However, you will need to follow …
Mango powder is also called amchur (or amchoor) and is used to provide tartness in Indian cuisine. Along with its sour notes, it adds a fruity aroma and mild sweetness. Your best options for finding mango powder are to seek out Indian grocery stores or to order it online. If …