When you think of Indian food, one thing that stands out is the full flavour. And while the exotic flavours entice people to dine at Indian restaurants, they also make it an intimidating cuisine for people to prepare at home. However, the truth is Ottawa cooking classes with a focus on Indian cooking can help you familiarize yourself with the basic ingredients and preparation methods of this delicious cuisine, and once comfortable with it, you can easily add Indian flair to your everyday meal prep using the following Indian spices:
Coriander – Ottawa cooking classes teaching Indian cuisine will be sure to introduce you to coriander seeds, as the ground seeds are an important ingredient in garam masala (a mix of spices) and Indian curries. The fresh leaves of the coriander plant are also commonly used in Indian-style salads and chutneys.
Chili Pepper – Indian cuisine is known for being extremely hot and spicy, and this is achieved through the use of hot chili peppers. If you love the flavour of Indian food but don’t enjoy your food too spicy, Ottawa cooking classes can teach you how to control the spiciness of your dishes in a way you can’t when dining at an Indian restaurant.
Turmeric – Turmeric is an earthy, bitter spice which gives many Indian dishes their distinctive yellow colour. The spice comes from a root that is dried and ground into a powder. Taking Ottawa cooking classes will show you all you need to know about using turmeric in your everyday Indian cooking.
Cinnamon – Cinnamon comes from tree bark, cinnamon is most associated with desserts in Western cuisine. But this spice can be used for so much more, and Ottawa cooking classes of the Indian variety will introduce you to the savoury side of cinnamon in lamb curry and other meat-based dishes.
Cardamom – Cardamom is a seed which has intense aroma and Ottawa cooking classes will teach you very little is needed to lend dishes its unique taste. Black cardamom is used in garam masala and often added to basmati rice. Green cardamom is more commonly found in Indian desserts and is an essential ingredient in chai tea.
Cumin – Cumin seeds are either used whole or are ground into a powder. Cumin has a very distinctive flavour which adds a rich smokiness and earthiness. If you take Ottawa cooking classes to learn how to make Indian food, chances are you will come across cumin while preparing any type of korma dish.
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