Spice box
In many Indian kitchens, one can often find a round spice box filled with a variety of essential spices. These are frequently used in everyday cooking, and this method ensures they remain organised and easily accessible.
I have arranged my spices in a particular order based on how I typically use them. To maximise space, I have combined two or more spices in a single compartment, allowing me to fit all the essentials into seven small containers.
Starting from the top middle container and moving anticlockwise:
- The first compartment contains mustard seeds (both yellow and black), and split black gram (known as ‘Urad dal’ in Hindi). These are essential for tempering vegetables and curries.
- The second container holds cumin seeds along with sesame seeds (either black or white). These crackle quickly when heated, so they come second in the sequence.
- Next is turmeric powder, renowned for its medicinal properties. It not only imparts a vibrant yellow colour to dishes but also helps maintain the freshness of ingredients.
- Following turmeric is red chilli powder, which adds heat and pungency to food.
- The fifth container contains a blend of coriander powder and cumin powder (commonly known as ‘Dhaniya jeera powder’ in Hindi). These spices can also be stored separately. Aside from enhancing the flavour of dishes, they offer numerous health benefits, particularly aiding digestion.
- Garam masala, a fragrant mix of various spices, comes next. No traditional Indian dish is truly complete without its distinctive aroma and flavour.
- The final compartment in the centre holds a mixture of ground black pepper and cloves. This blend offers a balance of heat and sweetness and can be used as an alternative to red chilli powder for a change in flavour.
If you have more than seven compartments, you may also include other spices such as carom seeds (ajwain in Hindi), whole garam masala (black peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom), and more.
Tip: Avoid storing salt in a steel container, as it can cause the metal to rust over time. Instead, opt for plastic or clay jars to keep salt fresh and prevent corrosion.