16 Indian Mixed Spice Recipe They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 30, 2024
Indian cuisine is known for its vibrant flavors and rich spices. Among the many spices used in Indian cooking, one particular blend stands out - the Indian mixed spice. This versatile spice mix adds a burst of flavor to dishes and is a staple in many Indian households. In this article, we will dive into the world of Indian mixed spice, exploring its history, ingredients, and how to make it at home.
If you're looking for a tasty and unique snack to serve at your next gathering, try these Indian-spiced mixed nuts. They are the perfect blend of savory and spicy, with a touch of sweetness. Plus, they are super easy to make and can be prepared in advance. Simply mix together a variety of nuts, such as almonds, cashews, and peanuts, with a blend of Indian spices like garam masala, cumin, and turmeric. Then, roast them in the oven until they are fragrant and crunchy. These nuts are sure to be a hit with your guests and add a flavorful twist to your party spread.
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Crispy Roasted Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans)
Main Ingredients: Garbanzo Beans, Olive Oil, Salt, Spice
If you're looking for a healthy and satisfying snack, try making some crispy roasted chickpeas. These little beans are packed with protein and fiber, making them a great option for anyone trying to eat healthier. To make them, simply toss some drained and rinsed canned chickpeas with olive oil, your favorite Indian spices, and a sprinkle of salt. Then, spread them out on a baking sheet and roast in the oven until they are crispy and golden. These tasty bites are perfect for snacking on while watching a movie or as a topping for salads and soups.
Butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, is a classic Indian dish that is loved all over the world. It consists of tender pieces of chicken cooked in a creamy and flavorful tomato-based sauce. The key to making the perfect butter chicken is using a blend of aromatic spices, such as garam masala, coriander, and cumin, along with a generous amount of butter and cream. This dish is best served with basmati rice or naan bread for dipping in the delicious sauce. It's a must-try for any Indian food lover.
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Indian Pumpkin Curry with Coconut Milk
Main Ingredients: Cubed Pumpkin, Medium Onion, Ripe Tomato, Ginger
Pumpkin is a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes, including curries. This Indian-inspired pumpkin curry is a delicious and comforting meal that is perfect for the fall season. It combines chunks of pumpkin with creamy coconut milk and a blend of spices, such as turmeric, cumin, and ginger. The result is a flavorful and hearty curry that can be served with rice or any other grain of your choice. It's a great way to switch up your usual curry routine and add some seasonal flavors to your meals.
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Indian Cabbage
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Cumin Seed, Jalapeno, Yellow Onion
Cabbage may not be the most exciting vegetable, but when cooked with Indian spices, it becomes a flavorful and delicious side dish. This Indian cabbage recipe is a simple yet tasty way to incorporate more veggies into your diet. All you need is some chopped cabbage, onions, and a blend of spices like cumin, coriander, and mustard seeds. Cook everything together in a pan until the cabbage is tender and infused with the aromatic spices. This dish pairs well with any Indian main course and is a great way to add some extra nutrients to your meal.
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Healthy Indian Cauliflower and Peas
Main Ingredients: Cauliflower Florets, Peas, Onion, Small Tomatoes
Cauliflower and peas may seem like a simple and unexciting combination, but when cooked with Indian flavors, they become a tasty and healthy side dish. This dish combines tender cauliflower florets with sweet peas and a blend of spices like cumin, turmeric, and garam masala. It's a great way to add some variety to your vegetable dishes and get your daily dose of nutrients. Serve it as a side dish or add some protein, such as tofu or chicken, to make it a complete meal.
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Indian Chicken Korma
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, Extra Virgin Olive
Korma is a popular Indian dish that is known for its creamy and rich sauce. This chicken korma recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves a good curry. It combines tender pieces of chicken with a flavorful sauce made with a blend of spices, yogurt, and cashew paste. The result is a creamy and indulgent dish that is perfect for a special occasion or when you're in the mood for something comforting. Serve it with rice or naan bread for a complete meal.
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Indian Stir Fry Chicken (Kadai Chicken)
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Capsicum, Onion, Plain Yogurt, Cream, Ginger
Kadai chicken, also known as karahi chicken, is a popular Indian stir-fry dish that is packed with flavor. It combines tender pieces of chicken with a blend of spices, onions, and bell peppers, all cooked in a wok or kadai. The dish gets its name from the traditional cooking vessel used to make it, which is a large, round-bottomed pot. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal, and it pairs well with rice or naan bread.
If you're a fan of seafood, you have to try this Indian shrimp curry. It's a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines tender shrimp with a delicious coconut-based curry sauce. The sauce is made with a blend of spices, coconut milk, and tomatoes, giving it a rich and creamy texture. This dish is perfect for a dinner party or a cozy night in. Serve it with rice or noodles for a complete meal that will impress your taste buds.
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Indian Chickpea Coconut Curry
Main Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Yellow Onion, Garlic, Ginger, Curry
This chickpea coconut curry is a vegetarian and vegan-friendly dish that is full of flavor and nutrients. It combines chickpeas with a blend of spices, coconut milk, and tomatoes, creating a creamy and hearty curry. It's a great option for anyone looking to add more plant-based meals to their diet, and it's also budget-friendly. Serve it with rice or any other grain of your choice for a filling and delicious meal.
No list of Indian recipes would be complete without a classic chicken curry. This dish is a staple in Indian cuisine and is loved all over the world. The key to making a delicious chicken curry is using a blend of aromatic spices, such as cumin, coriander, and garam masala, along with a tomato-based sauce and tender chicken. It's a versatile dish that can be adjusted to your preferred level of spiciness, making it a favorite for everyone.
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Indian Dal Nirvana (Dal Makhani)
Main Ingredients: Dry Lentils, Crushed Tomato, Fresh Ginger, Minced
Dal nirvana, also known as dal makhani, is a popular Indian lentil dish that is often served as a side dish or a main course. It consists of black lentils, kidney beans, and a blend of spices, slow-cooked until they are soft and creamy. The dish gets its name from the heavenly and comforting feeling it gives when eaten. It's a must-try for anyone looking to explore more Indian flavors and is perfect for a cozy night in.
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Indian Curry Chicken
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Boneless Skinless Chicken, Onion
This Indian curry chicken recipe is a flavorful and easy dish that can be made in just one pot. It combines tender pieces of chicken with a blend of spices, onions, and tomatoes, creating a rich and hearty sauce. The best part about this dish is that it can be made using pantry staples and is a great option for a quick weeknight meal. Serve it with rice, naan bread, or any other grain of your choice for a filling and delicious dinner.
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Indian Mixed Beans Curry
Main Ingredients: Black Lentil, Rajma, Chole, Kale, Dried Black Eyed
This mixed beans curry is a tasty and nutritious dish that is perfect for vegetarians and vegans. It combines a variety of beans, such as kidney beans, black beans, and chickpeas, with a blend of Indian spices and a tomato-based sauce. The result is a flavorful and hearty curry that can be served with rice, naan bread, or any other grain of your choice. It's a great way to get your protein and fiber in one delicious dish.
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Mixed Vegetable Achar - North Indian Style | Mixed...
Main Ingredients: Nigella Seeds, Vinegar, Mustard Oil, Carrots
Achar is a spicy and tangy pickle that is commonly served as a condiment in Indian cuisine. This mixed vegetable achar is a North Indian style pickle that is made with a variety of vegetables, such as carrots, cauliflower, and green beans, along with a blend of spices, vinegar, and oil. It's a great way to add some flavor and texture to your meals and can be enjoyed with rice, bread, or any other dish of your choice.
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Indian Coconut Lentil Curry
Main Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Yellow Onion, Garlic, Fresh Grated Ginger
This coconut lentil curry is a creamy and flavorful dish that is perfect for anyone looking for a comforting and healthy meal. It combines red lentils with coconut milk, a blend of spices, and a touch of sweetness from honey or sugar. The result is a delicious and nutritious curry that can be served with rice or any other grain of your choice. It's a great way to add some variety to your lentil dishes and get your daily dose of plant-based protein.
Main Ingredients: Cauliflower, Olive Oil, Spice, Coarse Salt, Cumin
If you're looking for a show-stopping vegetarian main course, try this Indian-spiced whole-roasted cauliflower. It's a beautiful and delicious dish that will impress your guests and add some color to your dinner table. The cauliflower is coated in a blend of Indian spices, such as garam masala, cumin, and turmeric, and roasted until tender and caramelized. Serve it with a flavorful sauce, such as a mint yogurt dip, for a complete and satisfying meal.
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North Indian Chicken Curry
Main Ingredients: Canola Oil, Onions, Plain Yogurt, Cornstarch, Ginger
This North Indian chicken curry is a simple and tasty dish that is perfect for anyone looking for a quick and easy recipe. It combines tender pieces of chicken with a flavorful and aromatic sauce made with a blend of spices, onions, and tomatoes. The dish is best served with rice, naan bread, or any other grain of your choice. It's a great meal for busy weeknights or when you're craving some Indian flavors.
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Chicken Keema Matar - Indian Style Chili
Main Ingredients: Ground Chicken, Peas, Onions, Ginger Paste, Garlic
Keema matar, also known as Indian-style chili, is a popular dish that is often served with rice or naan bread. It combines minced chicken with a blend of spices, peas, and tomatoes, creating a hearty and flavorful dish. The key to making a delicious keema matar is using a variety of spices, such as garam masala, coriander, and cumin, to add layers of flavor to the dish. It's a great option for a quick and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
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Indian Restaurant Madras Curry
Main Ingredients: Spice Mix, Madras Curry Powder, Chili Powder, Paprika
The Origins of Indian Mixed Spice
Indian mixed spice, also known as garam masala, has a long and diverse history. The word 'garam' means hot or warm, and 'masala' refers to a blend of spices. This spice mix originated in Northern India, where it was used in traditional Mughal cuisine. The Mughal emperors brought this blend of spices from Persia and used it to flavor their rich and aromatic dishes. Over time, Indian mixed spice has become a staple in Indian cuisine, with each region having its unique variation.
The Key Ingredients
The beauty of Indian mixed spice lies in its blend of aromatic spices that come together to create a symphony of flavors. While the exact ingredients may vary depending on the region and personal preferences, some of the main ingredients include cumin, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, black pepper, and cloves. These spices are all readily available and can be easily found in most grocery stores.
Making Your Own Indian Mixed Spice
While it is convenient to buy pre-made Indian mixed spice, nothing compares to the aroma and flavor of freshly ground spices. Making your own Indian mixed spice is also a great way to customize the blend according to your taste. To make your own Indian mixed spice, toast the whole spices in a dry pan until fragrant, then grind them into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. You can adjust the ratios of the spices to your liking, making it as mild or spicy as you prefer.
Using Indian Mixed Spice in Dishes
Indian mixed spice is a versatile spice blend that can be used in a variety of dishes. It adds depth and complexity to curries, stews, and marinades. Sprinkle it on roasted vegetables or use it to season meats before grilling. You can also add a pinch of Indian mixed spice to your morning coffee for a unique and flavorful twist.
In conclusion, Indian mixed spice is a must-have in any Indian kitchen. Its rich history, vibrant flavors, and versatility make it a favorite among home cooks and chefs alike. So why not try making your own batch of this aromatic spice blend and elevate your dishes to a whole new level?
