THE IMPORTANCE OF SEEDS IN INDIAN CUISINE

Seeds are incredibly important to Indian cuisine; many of them are ground up and combined to make spices that are essential to traditional and modern Indian food. Some seeds are used as a whole in order to add an extra element of flavour or texture to a dish.

Here is a selection of common seeds that are used in Indian cuisine and foods throughout the world.

Cardamom Seeds

Cardamom seeds originate from Southern India, Sri Lanka and Guatemala. The seeds are found in a cluster within a brittle green pod upon small bushes and are traditionally handpicked. The tiny brown seeds have a unique aroma and taste; in India they are commonly used to enhance the flavour of rice, meat, and even ice cream. In Western countries Cardamom is used to flavour breads and pastries. The entire pod and the seeds can be used in cooking; the pod will add a more delicate, subtle flavour whereas the seeds will produce a more aromatic dish.

Asario (Halon) Seeds

Asario seeds come from the garden herb cress. They are also commonly called halon seeds and are referred to as Aliv in Marathi. Asario seeds are full of protein, iron and calcium and they grow throughout the entirety of India. They are used both for their unique bitter flavour within Indian cooking as well as for their medicinal qualities. Asario seeds are used together with sugar and coconut to create Haliv/Aliv Ladoo an Indian sweet snack.

Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek is commonly used to add flavour to Indian and Sri Lankan curries. The appearance of these seeds is flat and brown; they have a unique sweet yet bitter flavour that adds another element to curries. They have an incredibly strong flavour so you only need to add 5 or 6 seeds to your dish, combine with other spices to ensure that the flavours of your curry are balanced and the fenugreek is not overpowering. Fenugreek works exceptionally well with vegetable dishes, you should always fry the seeds slightly before using them. As well as a spice, fenugreek is also used as a herb and a vegetable.

Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds have a subtle nutty taste and add a delicate crunch to Indian dishes. Because of their subtle flavour they are used both in sweet and savoury dishes. Sesame seeds are also used for their healthy oil which is used for frying and browning meat and vegetables. These small light brown seeds grow in pods, in tropical climates and are available throughout the year.

There are many more seeds that are used in Indian cuisine and throughout the rest of the world as well. Whatever ingredients you need you can find and array of seeds and Indian groceries online here at Shop Spicy, whatever dish you’re creating we’re bound to have the supplies that you require!