Indian Spice and Herb Guide

Masala is a word that is often used in an Indian kitchen. It literally means a blend of several spices. Garam (hot) masala is the most important blend masala and an absolute essential to north Indian preparations, added just before serving the dish to enhance its flavour. The rational garam masala is a blend of cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and black pepper. Masala may be in dry, rosted ground or paste form.

Following are some of the Spices used in Indian Cooking.

Curry leaves (Chalcas koenigii)
They are used as a seasoning in Indian Cooking. The currey leaves lose their delicate fragrance when dried, you should try to obtain them fresh, don't waste your time with the dried stuff!
Indian Name: Kari patta, Kareapela, Karuveppilai, Karuvepila, Katneem, Bursunga, Bowala, Karepeku, Karivepaku, Girinimba, Suravi

Chilly (Powder/fresh/dried)
Now a basic Indian spice, used mainly for its pungent and fiery taste, one may use fresh green or red chilies instead.
Indian Name: Lal mirch, Hari mirch, Morich, Lanka, Lal marcha, mulagu, Marichiphala Ujjvala, Mirapakaya

Cardamom Pods (eliachi)
Used to flavor curries, masala chai and certain vegetables and Indian desserts and is one of the spices in Garam masala. Used for its strong but very pleasing flavor.
Indian Name: Eliachi, Choti elaichi, Yellakai, Elathari, Elakkaai, Yalukalu, Ellakai

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum)
Used for its sweet and pleasing flavor. It is the bark of the cinnamon tree and one of the spices in Garam masala. It is normally used to flavor curries, masala chai and certain vegetables and Indian desserts.
Indian Name: Dalchini, Erikkoloam, Dalochini, Durusita, Twak, Illavangam, Lavanga pattai, Lavangamu

Clove (Eugenia caryophyllata)
Used for its pleasing flavor. and is one of the spices in Garam masala. It easily loses its flavor and is used to flavor curries, masala chai and certain vegetables. Indian Name: Laung,Lavang, Lavanga, Labango, Grampu, Krambu, Shriisanjnan, Lavangalu

Black Pepper (Kala Mirchi)
Black pepper are used in Indian cuisine at all stages of the cooking process and as a table condiment.
Indian Name: Kala mirchi, Gulki, Menasu, Kuru mulagu, Marichan, Vella, Krishnan, Krishnadi, Savyamu, Miriyalu

Ginger (Rhizoma Zingiberis)
A basic but not essential Indian spice, used for its warming properties and wonderful aroma and taste.
Indian Name: Adrak, Sonth, Alla, Inchi, Ada, Adraka, Shringaveran, Sringaaran, Allam, Ingee

Tamarind (Pulpa Tamarindorum)
The Juice of dry Tamarind are adequate to add a touch of sourness in the curry. It is extensively used in south indian cuisine and is normally used as a replacement for tomatoes.
Indian Name: Imli, Amla, Huli, Hunise mara, Puli, Imbli, Tintiri, Tintiddii

Fenugreek (Semen Foenugraeci)
This is a basic but not essential Indian spice which is actually a lentil and is used for its strong, bitter taste. After turmeric it has the most medically useful item in the Indian kitchen. If it is burnt it gets very bitter and should be thrown away.
Indian Name: Methi (seeds), Kasoori methi, Sag methi (leaves), Mente, Methri, Vendayam, Mentikura, Mentula