Use Spices The Right Way

Use Spices The Right Way! Known as the ‘spice bowl of the world’, India is the biggest exporter of spices in the world. Indian spices have been famous since time immemorial with Arabians, Romans, British, Portuguese and others invading the country to experience the richness of spices when it was a luxury.

Indian kitchens are quite often stocked with a variety of spices. From Coarse Ground spices to whole spices, households in India use a variety of spices for their kitchen needs. But are you using it to their complete potential? The steps mentioned below will help you in getting the most out of your buck!

1. Use fresh spices and herbs – The thing to remember is that whole spices last longer than ground spices. Much longer. Whole spices in general lasts between 1 to 2 years whereas ground spices expire in 6 months. The spices wouldn’t go bad as a whole but will definitely lose out on their flavour and their impact on the taste of the dish. This is because the essential oils lose their essence quicker on ground spices and dried herbs.

2. Storing spices the right away – Storing spices properly can increase the shelf life of the spices. All spices and herbs should be stored away from sunlight and heat, especially in airtight containers. Cool and dark places are preferred and it is advisable to use glass jars or metal tins to store your spices and herbs.

3. Avoid sprinkling directly from jar to cooking pot – Sprinkling spices from the jar to the pot in which food is being cooked is to be avoided at all costs. There are two basic reasons for this. One, there is a chance of over dumping spices on the food. Secondly, the steam coming from the pot could get into the jar and would cause the spices to get damp. Therefore, it is advised to use spoons to measure spices before adding it to the pot.

4. Prefer freshly ground spices – When it comes to making a good dish and a great dish, freshly ground spices is the answer. A mortal and pestle is a great way to churn out fresh spices. However, you will still need to buy powdered spices for some of the recipes you plan on cooking. For eg., paneer butter masala powder is easier to buy for your dish.

5. Experiment – Above all, experiment. There are a multitude of spices on offer and it is important to enjoy each and every one of them. And the best way to do it, is by experimenting with it. Try adding new spices and masalas on your comfort food, google new recipes and give it your own twist. New flavours and combinations are waiting to be explored and there is no dearth of spices in the market. Crush and grind and roast, try different methods.

Let the world of spices bring alive the magic in the kitchen. Cook your own version of Hyderabadi biryani or Kashmiri Pulao and revel in the aroma of a heavenly cuisine.

Above all, don’t let your spices go stale or to waste. https://keyaspices.com/