Cinnamon:
Now if adding spices to sweet dishes might not be an unfamiliar idea to you, the first example that you would have thought of would be cinnamon. Famous sweet treats like cinnamon rolls, cinnamon apple tarts, and cinnamon-spiced latte are loved and enjoyed all over the U.S. Indians also use it to make their version of porridge, Rice Kheer. The earthy flavor of the spice balances the sweetness of the porridge quite and adds a little more depth to the dish. Did you know that cinnamon can also be added to your milk tea? You can try it next time you plan to make a nice cup of tea.
Green Cardamom:
One of the most commonly used spices, green cardamom is a star of many Indian sweet dishes. It adds a nice bit of fruity and fresh flavor to the dish while also adding to the aroma. Although it’s a very strong spice that needs to be used very carefully in Western cuisine, the flavorful dishes of India allow it to shine perfectly. Green cardamom enhances the flavor of some of the most famous sweet dishes in India like Gulab Jamun, Gajar Halwa, Payasam, Kulfis, Modak,and Ice Cream.
Nutmeg:
The nutty and sweet flavors of nutmeg are the perfect complement to many of the sweet dishes of India. As a spice, nutmeg is very strong in flavor and is always used moderately. The nuttiness of the spice enhances the sweet elements of the dish, adding more depth to the flavor. Some famous Indian sweet treats that use this spice are Puran Poli, Peda, and Shrikhand.
Saffron:
Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world and there’s a very good reason for that. This warm spice is so strong that only a few hair-thin strands of it can completely change the flavor and color of the dish. Some of the famous Indian dishes that have saffron are Cham Cham, Balushahi, Karachi Halwa, Barfi, Kesari Bath, and Ladoos. If you do plan on using it, make sure you don’t use more than a pinch of it to any dish that you’re making.
These were some of the most commonly used spices used in Indian sweet dishes. Many more spices like saunf (fennel seeds in Hindi), fennel seeds, cloves, black pepper, and even red chilli powder are also used in Indian sweet dishes. You should definitely try to use them once you learn how to use spices in dishes that are supposed to be sweet. So get them out of your pantry or go shop for them and open your world to a whole new dimension of flavors that you might have not even thought of.
FAQs
Many more spices like saunf (fennel seeds in Hindi), fennel seeds, cloves, black pepper, and even red chilli powder are also used in Indian sweet dishes.
What spices are used in Indian sweets? ›
Spices such as cardamom, saffron, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger are commonly used in Indian desserts. Each spice has its unique flavour, and when combined, they create a symphony of tastes that tantalise the taste buds.
Which Indian spice is sweet? ›
04/7Green cardamom
Green Cardamom is a spice with an intense, slightly sweet flavor which is very often added in our very own masala chai. However, its use is not only confined to that. It is also used as a flavouring agent in desserts.
Which 3 spices are native to India? ›
Indian Origins
Spices and herbs such as black pepper, cinnamon, turmeric, and cardamom have been used by Indians for thousands of years for both culinary and health purposes. Spices indigenous to India (such as cardamom and turmeric) were cultivated as early as the 8th century BC in the gardens of Babylon (2).
What is the main ingredient in most Indian sweets? ›
Many Indian desserts are fried foods made with sugar, milk or condensed milk. Ingredients and preferred types of dessert vary by region. In the eastern part of India, for example, most are based on milk products.
What spice smells in Indian food? ›
You'll find hing or asafatida in about 90% of Indian recipes. It's that pale looking spice that smells a bit like eggs and tastes rather bitter. But don't be put off by hing's foul odour - most Indians certainly aren't. Hing is the spice responsible for giving Indian food its heady and authentic flavour.
What are the little black balls in Indian food? ›
Mustard Seeds EUR” these little black balls are commonly used in South Indian cooking as part of the tadka and are known for their digestive properties. They release their full flavor when popped.
What are the 40 Indian spices? ›
| 40 Spices Name in English |
|---|
| Cumin | Coriander |
|---|
| Fenugreek | Fennel |
| Bay Leaves | Asafoetida (Hing) |
| Red Chili Powder | Garam Masala |
14 more rowsOfficially the most loved dessert in India, Gulab Jamun has a fan base of its own. The funny thing is, the base of Gulab Jamun is actually not Indian! It is said that Gulab Jamun actually originated in Persia, and Indian chefs used “khoya” instead of the original ingredients to make it their own.
What spices are naturally sweet? ›
Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, allspice, mace, cardamom and star anise are commonly associated with sweetness. These spices are often used in baked goods and pair especially well with fruit dishes. Vanilla extract can also make food seem sweeter, perhaps due to its aroma.
A List of Sweet Spices:
- Allspice: A single spice that encapsulates the flavors of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
- Cardamom: Sweet and spicy with hints of lemon and mint.
- Cinnamon: A fragrant bark that adds warmth and sweetness.
- Cloves: Intensely aromatic with a warm, sweet flavor.
Red Chili Powder for Its Fiery Color
Most homemakers produce this spice combination with regional red chillies, which is hotter than Kashmiri chilli powder. It's the only spice combination that truly defines the amount of pungency in any curry or similar meal made in the kitchen.
What are the 7 main Indian spices? ›
7 Essential Spices for Indian Cooking
- Saffron. As Indian cooking spices go, saffron is one that isn't quite common, but is certainly a necessity for certain dishes. ...
- Turmeric. ...
- Cumin. ...
- Nutmeg. ...
- Red Chili Powder. ...
- Coriander. ...
- Cardamom.
The primary ingredient in most Indian curry powders is bright yellow turmeric. Turmeric is earthy, musky, and warm, and delivers great depth to curries with no heat. Indian curry spices are usually a blend of: Kashmiri Chile Powder – this chile has a terrific, rich flavor without much heat.
What sweet smelling spice is used in Indian cooking? ›
Cardamom. Cardamom, often referred to as the “Queen of Spices,” has a distinctive aroma and a sweet, floral taste. This Indian spice is available in two varieties: green and black. Green cardamom pods are commonly used in both sweet and savoury dishes, imparting a warm, aromatic flavour.
What makes Indian food sweet? ›
Sugar or Jaggery is a crucial ingredient in making Indian desserts.
What are the classic Indian spice mixes? ›
There are many different types of Indian spice blends, but I'm going to focus on five of the most common: Garam Masala Powder, Tikka Masala Powder, Sambhar Masala Powder, and Chaat Masala. If you've had Indian cuisine before, it's likely that you've tasted one of these Indian spice blends without even realizing it!
What gives Indian food its flavor? ›
Indian food is lauded for its curries, mouth-burning spices and complex flavor pairings. With its use of cardamom, cayenne, tamarind and other pungent ingredients, the resulting taste combinations are unlike anything found elsewhere around the world.
