I Finally Found Authentic Spices That Remind Me Of Home

If there's one thing that instantly transports me back to my roots in India, it's the captivating fragrance of spices. This aromatic symphony tickles my senses and assures me that no matter the dish, it's about to be an incredible culinary experience.

Growing up in an Indian household, spices were our culinary companions. We'd sprinkle them on practically everything, even if the recipe didn't call for it. This however was not the case among my school friends. I recall a childhood moment when I yearned to fit in with my friends' sandwich-packed lunches and begged my mom to pack me a ham and cheese sandwich rather than the usual traditional Indian dish. My mom agreed. So the next day, I sat down with my friends, in our mini hideout and when we finally started opening our lunch boxes, I gasped.

A strong smell wafted across our room, and all my friends looked at me as if I had done something undeniably wrong. I looked at my lunch, and it didn’t look like anything at first glance, but then I realized it was very very different from a regular ham and cheese sandwich. As I lifted one of the slices to examine the fillings, I saw that the toast had been smothered with green chutney, followed by ham slices that were cooked with lots of Indian spices and melted cheese. Thanks mom, I thought to myself mortified.

Fast forward to today, and I'm a passionate vegan recipe creator who thrives on the vibrant world of spices and infuses Indian cooking like my mom’s sandwich, into my cooking. If I could go back in time, I would have eaten that Indian-infused sandwich in seconds, it truly was delicious. My plant-based journey wasn't about restriction; it was about discovering the art of using high-quality spices to elevate and transform every meal. I personally use Vahdam spices, as their single-origin spices ensure the maximum amount of flavor. Let me share with you how Vahdam spices have not only connected me to my Indian roots but also become my allies in crafting delicious, wholesome, and vegan dishes.

How Spices Helped Me on My Plant-Based Journey

When I embraced a vegan lifestyle I didn't lose anything, I gained a deeper understanding of spices' potential. Take something as simple as avocado toast – a dash of chili flakes, a sprinkle of chaat masala, and a squeeze of lemon, and suddenly, you've elevated a basic dish to a taste sensation. And it doesn't stop there; the realm of spices is vast, and it offers endless possibilities for creativity in the kitchen.

Navigating the world of spices can be complex, especially in authentic Indian dishes. For instance, when preparing biryani, it's crucial to start with whole spices like bay leaves, cloves, cardamom, cumin, and fennel seeds. Then come onion, garlic, ginger, and tomatoes, followed by powdered spices until the tomatoes are cooked.

These principles are equally applicable to vegan cooking. Another parallel process is marination, where proteins or veggies are coated in powdered spices before cooking.

Growing up in a community that avoided strong flavors like onion and garlic, and then facing food intolerances later on, I turned to Vahdam spices for flavor. Many spices also offer medicinal benefits and align with plant-based lifestyles. This barely touches on spices' pivotal role in my 3-year vegan journey. Now, let's explore 4 key ways to incorporate spices into your culinary adventures so that you can elevate your cooking with my favorite, Vahdam Spices.

1. Cook them down, down, down!

No more raw spices, and grainy texture when you cook Indian food. The most important thing is to cook down your spices. I have seen countless bloggers and creators not letting their tomatoes and spices cook down fully in a curry. Don’t be fooled by the looks of it - it just won’t taste good. So here are my tips to cook them down:

Always add in whole spices to the oil when you add them to a pan. Let their aroma infuse the oil and set the foundation for your dish.

Sauté onions to perfection: Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent and brown. This step creates a flavorful base for your dish. Infuse your minced garlic and ginger after this step.

Then goes in the tomatoes - many Indian gravies call for these 3 steps but the spices used may vary. Saute the tomatoes for a few minutes.

Introduce tomatoes and Vahdam powdered spices: Sauté tomatoes until they break down, then add powdered spices. Continuous sautéing and the appearance of oil on the surface indicate that your spices are ready.

2. The Power of Marination

Marinating is a practice I treasure for its ability to intensify flavors. When choosing your spices to enhance your dish, it is imperative to choose single-origin spices to maximize flavor. My choice is Vahdam spices, because they can easily be traced ensuring that they keep their potent flavor and quality by remaining pure. To marinate proteins like tofu or tempeh, grind spices like cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, cloves, garlic, onion, and ginger into a fine mixture. Let your proteins soak in these aromatic wonders for hours or even overnight, allowing the spices to work their magic.

3. Tempering: A Symphony of Flavors

Tempering, a technique popular in South Asian cuisine, involves roasting whole or powdered spices in hot oil. The result? A symphony of aromas that enriches dishes. Here's how to nail it:

Heat the oil to the right temperature: Your oil should be hot but not scorching. Test it by adding a seed – if it sizzles, you're good to go.

Add whole spices first: Let them release their fragrance before introducing Vhadam powdered spices. Be careful not to burn them!

4. Create spice mixes

I think we’ve all heard of garam masala…right? An absolutely crucial ingredient in many Indian dishes, it is usually made by roasting whole spices and grinding them into a powder. This is a flavorful addition to your dishes. Instead of buying store-bought ones, try making your own garam masala at home with your existing Vahdam spices:

1 tablespoon ground cumin

2 teaspoons ground coriander

1 teaspoon ground cardamom

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground cloves

2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)

¼ tsp saffron (optional)

A Delectable Full Circle

As I mastered the art of spice-infused vegan cooking, I realized that these aromatic wonders have been more than just ingredients in my dishes. They've been the threads connecting me to my heritage, offering endless possibilities in the kitchen. Today, as I savor the fragrant symphonies that fill my home, I'm reminded of cherished memories and treasured moments spent with family.

So, my fellow culinary explorers, embrace the magic of spices. Let them guide you through a world of flavors, cultures, and cherished memories. Remember that when it comes to spices, it’s quality over quantity, and choosing a reputable supplier such as Vahdam will ensure that mouthwatering flavor. Just a pinch of spice can transform a meal into an extraordinary experience, reminding us that the most profound connections often stem from the simplest of ingredients.

Follow my journey for more flavor-packed vegan recipes at @browngirlvegan_.