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India is home to vastly different cultures and climates, so every region literally has its own flavor
The northern part of India is mostly rural, and its cuisine is steeped in agriculture using wheat for naan and roti, and a combination of yogurt, onions and spice blends such as garam masala as foundational ingredients for many dishes. Southern regions offer foods for people with a spicier palette. South Indian chefs typically use a coconut base that gives spicy soups and stews a sweet undertone. But everywhere you go, curry, turmeric, cumin and cinnamon are some of the most popular spices.
Indian Flavor Stories
Indian Flavors
Explore easy ways to use these herbs and spices for delicious Indian flavor.
Curry
Based on one of the most well known dishes in India, curry powder is a blend of spices including coriander, fenugreek, turmeric, nutmeg and more. It can be used to make an Indian curry, or added to chicken salad and pot pie for a twist. Try McCormick Curry Powder.
Turmeric
McCormick Turmeric hails from India, where it’s considered a sacred part of Hindi culture. Turmeric is the primary coloring and an essential earthy flavor in Indian curries. It's also used as a colorful addition in marinades for many chicken dishes from India. McCormick sources only Alleppey, the highest grade of Indian turmeric, so you can depend on consistent color and flavor with every bottle. Try McCormick Ground Turmeric.
Cumin
In the Indian kitchen, cumin seed is fundamental for curries, plus many stewed and fried dishes. Jeera aloo or potatoes sautéed with cumin seed, is a perfect place to start exploring. Toast or fry the seeds first to enrich the flavor. Our cumin is grown in India specifically for McCormick, in areas where sun, soil and temperature are just right and where no pesticides are used. Try McCormick Ground Cumin or McCormick Cumin Seed.
Cinnamon
Roasted cinnamon brings a toasty undertone to Indian curries. Try McCormick Ground Cinnamon, McCormick Roasted Cinnamon, or McCormick Stick Cinnamon.Ginger
Ginger is a key member of the spice cabinet for Indian cooks. You’ll find it in rubs for grilled meats, seasoning blends for vegetable curries, even in the richly spiced tea called chai. McCormick Ginger is hand-harvested and gently sun-dried on the Malabar Coast of India, where the world’s finest ginger is grown. Try McCormick Ground Ginger.Red Pepper
Ground red pepper is right at home in Indian curries. Indian cooks often include a light sprinkling of cayenne in the spice blends called curry. Try McCormick Ground Cayenne Red Pepper or McCormick Crushed Red Pepper.Coriander
One of the primary spices used in curry powder, the earthy and citrusy flavor of coriander is a familiar flavor in many Indian dishes. Although coriander and cilantro come from the same plant, their flavors are actually vastly different. Try McCormick Gourmet Organic Ground Coriander.Cardamom
Fragrant floral cardamom may be most well known in the U.S. in chai tea. It is also popular in many other Indian dishes including biryani, curry, and gulab jaman. Try McCormick Gourmet Organic Ground Cardamom.Indian Recipes
Beyond Indian
Switch up some of the herbs and spices for a different take on your favorite dish.