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Home » Indian spices that go well together – Never Fail Combinations!

Indian spices that go well together – Never Fail Combinations!

December 12, 2020 Leave a Comment

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While there are more than 109 spices in the ISO spices list per the Spices Board India catalogue, not all of them go well with each other. It can be a challenge to know and remember which Indian spices go well together.

The first requirement of any Indian Cook is to become a good masalchi or spice blender. A spice blender knows the flavor profiles and how two spices will compliment each other.

We have put together a list of most commonly used basic spice combinations.

If you are new to spices then a list of all Indian Spices English and Hindi names along with pictures and flavor profiles, you can find it here.

Please note that these are basic ones to begin with. There are many more complex ones like garam masala that you can gradually start with once you are comfortable with these less complex ones.

Coriander Seeds and Cumin Seeds – Roast and Grind for use

Best Spice Combinations

Coriander and Cumin (Dhania Jeera)

Coriander has a slight orangey, fragrant flavor. It can be used in so many different ways whole, crushed, ground and its cumin’s best friend. Cumin has an earthy nutty and pungent aroma, complemented well by coriander.

This is powerful duo that can be used for an endless number of recipes.

To make it, 2 parts coriander seeds with one part coriander seeds. Roast them separately and then grind into a powder.

How to use Coriander and Cumin Spice mixture:

It can be added any kind of stews, soups and curries. It can also be sprinkled on fish or salads.

The spices can be used as seeds as well as grounded, the grounded powder is used more often.

Black Pepper and Cumin

Cumin has a uniquely musky spicy flavor. When used with Black pepper it brings out the warmth and enhances the mild pungency.

In order to make the blend, roast both the spices separately in equal parts and then grind them together.

How to use Black Pepper and Cumin mixture:

It can be used as a

  • seasoning for salads
  • for flavor in yogurt(raita)
  • soups, lentils and stews
Indian Spice Combination Panch Phoran
Indian Spice Combination Panch Phoran – Used whole as a tempering

Panch Phoron

Panch Phoron means 5 spices but its very different than the Chinese five spice. It is a blend of 5 whole spices that are mixed together in equal quantities and give a distinct character to the cooking of Bengal region in India.

The 5 whole spices that are used in equal quantity are –

  • Brown or Black Mustard Seeds
  • Kalonji seed
  • Cumin
  • Fenugreek seeds
  • Fennel Seeds

How to use Panch Phoron

The spices are tempered whole in hot oil and then you can add anything savory to it like potatoes, fish, meat, vegetables.

If you are looking for a suitable companion for your favorite spice then below chart might help. The possible combinations are infinite and this is just a starting point:-

Roast and grind the whole spices

Coriander, Cumin, Turmeric, Ginger, Garlic, Chili

These spice combination is often used together in North India and Central to provide base for the main ingredients.

If you are feeling adventurous then this base combination can be further enhanced by warm and fragrant spices like Clove, Cardamom, Bay Leaf and Fennel.

How to use

You can add all these spices whole in hot oil and let them cook for some time to release the flavors. Do not cook on high heat as they might burn.

After 2-3 mins add in your onion, tomato or vegetables to them.

Along with the favorite combinations we have also put together a list of commonly used Indian spices that go well together. This can be used as a master list to try and create your own combinations. The possibilities are endless.

Spice NameGoes Well withCompliments Recipes with
AjowanChili, Coriander, Garlic, Ginger, Oregano, Mustard Seed, TurmericBreads, Fish Curries, Spinach, Chicken, Savory Pastries, Root Vegetables
AmchurAjowan, Black Cumin Seeds, Black pepper, Chili, Coriander, Cumin, Garlic, Ginger, Fenugreek Seeds, Mint, Star AniseChickpeas, Chutneys, Curries, Marinades for fish and poultry
AniseedCinnamon, Clove, Coriander, Cumin, Fennel Seed, Nutmeg, Star AniseBread and Biscuits, Cookies, Pasta, Tomato Sauces, Shellfish stews, Vegetable Dishes
AsafetidaAjowan, Black Pepper, Cinnamon, Coriander, Fennel Seed, Ginger, tamarind, TurmericBeans, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Chutneys, Curries, Lentils, Pickles, Red Meat
Bay LeafAmchur, Black Cumin Seed, Black Pepper, Cinnamon, Cumin, Garlic, Onion, Oregano, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage, ThymePot roast, Sauces, Soups, Seafood boil, Steamed foog, Stews, Tomato Sauces
CuminCardamom, Chili, Cinnamon, Clove, Ginger, Kokum, Nutmeg , TurmericBreads and Biscuits, Chutney, Lamb, Mango, Potato, Rice
Black PepperPairs well with all the spices Compliments all recipes especially Eggs, Sauces, Red Meat and Seafood
CardamomChili, Cinnamon, Clove, Coriander, Cumin, Fennel Seed, Ginger, Mustard, Star Anise, TurmericChicken, Citrus fruits, Custards, Ice Creams , Lamb, Nuts, Pudding , Rice
ChiliAmchur, Cardamom, Cumin, Fenugreek Seeds, Galangal, Garlic, Kokum, Onion, TurmericPickles, Relishes, Salsas, Sauces
CinnamonCardamom, Clove, Coriander, Cumin, Ginger, Mint, Nutmeg, Star Anise, Tamarind, TurmericApples, Bananas, Cantaloupe, Cauliflower, Chicken, Chocolate, Corn, Curries, Grapes, Pastries, Oranges, Pork
CloveAmchur, Cardamom, Chili, Cinnamon, Coriander, Cumin, Ginger, Kokum, Nutmeg, Star Anise, Tamarind, TurmericApple pie, Cakes, Ham, Mincemeat, Orange, Pickled eggs, Pumpkin, Red cabbage, Stewed fruit
CorianderPairs well with all and especially we with Cumin, Cardamom, Clove, Coconut, Fennel Seed, Garlic, Ginger, TurmericBeans, Fish, Fruit, Lentils, Pastries, Pork, Poultry, Potatoes, Spice mixes, Vegetables
Curry LeafChili, Cinnamon, Clove, Coriander, Cumin, Fennel Seed, Fenugreek Seed, Garlic, Ginger, Mustard Seed, Onion, Tamarind, TurmericBeans, Cabbage, Chutneys, Curries, Eggplant, Lentils, Okra, Rice, Seafood, Soups
CuminAjowan, Black Pepper, Chili, Cinnamon, Coriander, Fennel Seed, Fenugreek seed, garlic, Ginger, Mustard, Onion, Oregano, Saffron, Tamarind, TurmericBlack beans, Chili, Curries, Mexican food, Potatoes, Tomatoes
Fennel SeedBay Leaf, Cumin, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Clove, Coriander, Fenugreek Seed, Galangal, Garlic, Ginger, Mustard Seed, Onion, Rosemary, Tamarind, TurmericCheese, Curries, Mushrooms, Pasta, Salmon, Sausage, Tomatoes
Fenugreek SeedsAsafetida, Cumin, Black Pepper, Chili, Clove, Coriander, Garlic, Ginger, Mustard Seed, Onion, Star Anise, tamarind, TurmericBread, Chutneys, Pickles, Potatoes, Fish, Lamb, Beef, Tomatoes, Vegetables
GarlicPairs well with all spices but especially well with:
Ajowan, Chili, Coriander, Cumin, Kokam, Mint, Mustard Seed, Oregano, Parsley, Rosemary, Thyme
Works well in all savory dishes, more so in
Marinades, Lamb, Spice blends, Soups
GingerCardamom, Chili, Cinnamon, Clove, Coriander, Cumin, Fennel Seed, Garlic, Mustard Seed ,Onion, Star Anise, Tamarind, Turmeric,Fish, Eggplant, Onion, Chicken, Chutneys, Duck, Oranges, Pork, Sushi, Sweet Potatoes, Honey
MintCardamom, Chili, Cinnamon, Coriander, Cumin, Fennel Seed, Onion, Rosemary, Sage ThymeChutney, Crabmeat, Cranberries, Curries, Lamb, Mango, Papaya, Peas, Pomegranate, Yogurt
Mustard SeedsCardamom, Chili, Cinnamon, Coriander, Cumin, Fennel Seed, Ginger, Star Anise, tamarind, TurmericAle and Beer, Beef, Brussel sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Curries, Fish, Meats, Pickles, Sauerkraut, Sausage
Pomegranate SeedsAjowan, Cardamom, Chili, Cinnamon, Cumin, Fennel Seed, Fenugreek Seed, Garlic, Ginger, Mint, Mustard Seed, Onions, TurmericChicken, Pork, Salads, Sweet Desserts
SaffronCinnamon, Clove, Coriander, Cumin, NutmegChicken, Curries, Flan, Lamb, Nuts, Polenta, Puddings, Rice, Soups
Star AniseBlack Pepper, Cardamom, Chili, Cinnamon, Cumin, Ginger, Fennel Seed, NutmegChicken, Custards, Duck, Fish Casseroles, Mango, Pork, Soup, Stir-fries, Syrups
TamarindAjowan, Amchur, Chili, Clove, Garlic, Ginger, TurmericAsian Soups, Chutneys, Curry pastes, Peanuts, Pickled foods, Stir fries
TurmericBlack Pepper, Cardamom, Coriander, Cumin, Fennel Seed. Garlic, Ginger, Mustard Seed, OnionCurries, Lentils, Rice, Soups, Vegetables, Tomato Sauces
Indian spices that go well together

Personally, I love the flavors of cumin and black pepper together. Its simple yet flavorful.

Which spices do you think go well together?

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Filed Under: Spices Tagged With: Indian Spice Blends, Indian Spices, Spices

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