The Science of Spice

42 World of Spice

Influenced by the culture of neighbouring Rajasthan,

Gujarat, and Maharashtra, India’s central states

transform vegetarian staples into memorable dishes

with a creative use of contrasting spices. A well-

known simple seasoning is a trio of fried nigella,

fenugreek, and fennel seeds, which lends a pickled

flavour to softened vegetables and meaty masalas.

Meat eaters are catered for with predominantly

Mughal-style dishes. In Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh’s

capital city, cafés serve biryanis, kebabs, and aromatic

curries spiced with garam masala emboldened with

plenty of pounded coriander seeds.

CENTRAL INDIA

Tart | Nutty | Assertive

Signature

Coriander, cumin, dried

red chillies, turmeric, ginger

The key spices of central

India provide depth of

flavour and richness to

everyday vegetables, lentils,

and pulses, and although

they are used across South

Asia, their versatility is very

much centre stage here.

Supporting

Asafoetida, fennel, nigella

These bold seasonings

play a significant role

in pickles and preserves,

and their feisty character

complements and contrasts

with main ingredients, too.

Supplementary

Ajwain, amchoor

With its thyme-like

flavour, ajwain is often

used with fish and starchy

vegetables, while amchoor

cuts through richness with

its fruity tartness.

Panch phoran

translates as “five

spices”. Bengali

versions substitute

local spice radhuni

for mustard seed.

cori

an

de

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drie

d^ r

ed

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ill

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SPICE

PALETTE

LOCAL SPICE BLEND

Chaat masala

A seasoning sprinkled over

street snacks, fruit salads, and kebabs.

2 tbsp cumin seeds

1 tsp coriander seeds

1 tbsp black

peppercorns

3 tbsp amchoor

1 tsp ground ginger

(^1) ⁄ 2 tsp asafoetida
1 tbsp kala namak
(Himalayan black salt)
1 tsp salt
Dry-roast the whole spices in a frying pan, over a medium
heat, until fragrant. Leave to cool and then mix with the other
ingredients and grind to a powder.
“
A sprinkling of amchoor
mango powder can elevate
fried potatoes to star status
in central India.
”
042-043_North_East_Central.indd 42 04/06/2018 15:46