The Commonly Used Indian Spices

Indian cuisine is characterized by the extensive use of numerous spices. Spices or '"Masala"' as it is called in Hindi, may be called the “heartbeat” of an Indian kitchen.



By extensive use of spices I do not mean that spices are used to make the food fiery hot. The spices are used to flavor the food, making each dish distinct and wonderfully aromatic. Each spice by itself imparts a very unique flavor, but when used together with other spices, the combination and permutation of different ones magically change the individual characteristics. Spices are also used for health benefits and medicinal purposes, to prevent diseases and also to preserve food.
What we have here is a general spread, used by all in every state. Well almost! These spices below should be readily available in most grocery stores, or Whole Food stores, except for the Hing/Asafoetida, Fennel and the Fenugreek seeds. If you do not find them at your local grocery store, look for a local Indian/Bangladeshi/Pakistani grocery store and they will have it for sure.
Online sources where good quality spices maybe found:

• www.kalustyans.com
• http://www.seasonwithspice.com/
• www.penzeys.com
• http://www.thespicehouse.com/spices/

 
The Masala Dabba (container for spices) that every Indian kitchen owns…

Now let the journey begin…

Asafoetida (Hing):

15 Low Calorie Snacks That You Can Munch On Without Feeling Guilty

Who doesn’t want a snack on a lazy afternoon, or even after breakfast on a Sunday, or just whenever. But most of the snacks we eat are extremely loaded with calories, often more so than our regular meals.
It’s like the universe conspires against you on eating healthy, because surely you’re not gonna starve! But you don’t want those unwanted few extra kilograms either, do you? Well, don’t worry now, these 15 snacks are extremely easy to make and their calorie content ranges from ‘barely there’ to ‘nil’.

1. Mashed cauliflower

Instead of mashed potato, try mashed cauliflower – it’s filling, and way, way less on calories. Here’s a recipe.

2. Watermelon bites

Cut some bite-sized watermelon cubes, freeze them and pop them in your mouth whenever you feel like having a snack. Or you can add some cheese and basil leaves to make it taste more exotic.

3. Strawberry smoothie

This Guy Promotes Helmet Wearing in better way: He writes on back of his car "My son died in road accident as he was not wearing helmet, so please wear and promote others to wear"

Image Source Reddit
A Sticker behind a car in India.. 
My son 18 years old died because he was not wearing helmet on his bike.. please wear helmet while driving two wheeler and motivate others also.