The Only 7 Spices You Need for Cooking Indian Cuisine

When I went to college, my mom told me I only needed these 7 spices to flavor our vegetarian favorites

Rhea Shah
Published in
4 min readJul 16, 2020

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Rows of square-shaped uncovered boxes filled with spices.
Photo: Paolo Bendandi via Unsplash

I’m Indian. Trust me when I say you need to have these spices in your pantry if you want to cook delicious Indian cuisine. I was raised in a vegetarian household and grew up eating the most delicious food my mum made for us and never once felt the lack of meat in my diet. I make Indian food quite often but even more so when I want something quick (contrary to popular belief, I know) cheap and flavourful.

There are, of course, many different kinds of Indian food that rely on a variety of complex spice blends for unique flavors. But if you’re starting out with easy Indian recipes, you only need these seven spices to make them great.

I have always loved cooking, but before I moved to university, my mom was adamant I learn all of our favorite, easy recipes. I always thought the way she cooked was so complex and intricate. I was wrong. She told me all you need are these seven spices and salt.

A large round high-walled metal dish containing 7 smaller metal containers filled with spices.
Photo: Rhea Shah

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Tenderly
Tenderly

Published in Tenderly

A vegan magazine that’s hopefully devoted to delicious plants, liberated animals, and leading a radical, sustainable, joyful life

Rhea Shah
Rhea Shah

Written by Rhea Shah

My interests vary and so will my stories. I love food, art & politics. Follow me if you would like to be a part of this rollercoaster! — shahrhea190@gmail.com

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