Indian Masala Box

Growing up, we had always been spoiled to bits. Mommy Vaid cooked every meal, every day and it had been nothing short of amazing! We have always been surrounded by family and friends that also have solid cooking skills, so we never necessarily felt the need to “learn” it ourselves. However, since getting married and especially after having kids, we have taken an extreme interest in cooking, especially Indian food. Being vegetarian, there is only so much pasta, pizza and enchiladas we can eat.

The first thing Mommy Vaid set up for us when we moved into our respective homes was our Indian masala box. It is not a secret that we didn’t touch that box for a longggg time. But in the last year or so we have really taken a keen interest in it. We are sharing our Indian masala box with you here, including a few benefits of each spice. We have listed the English name and the Indian name of each spice for you.

Tumeric Powder – Haldar/Haldi

• Natural Anti-Inflammatory Compound
• May ward off (and even fight) Cancer
• Helps protect against Alzheimer’s disease
• Helps lower cholesterol

Cumin & Coriander Blend Powder – Dhanajiru

• Has many healing and cooling properties
• Known to enhance circulation and relieve fluid retention
• Has relieving properties (headaches, muscle pains, etc)

Chili Powder – Lal Murchoo/Mirchi/Mirch

• Strengthen your immune system (contains vitamin c)
• Settles the stomach
• Helps with Osteoarthritis

Black Mustard Seeds – Rye

• Helps control symptoms of asthma
• Can help you lose weight
• Fights skin infections (packed with sulfur)

Cumin Seeds – Jeeru/Jeera

• Helps in treating indigestion and diarrhea
• Helps control diabetes as it reduces blood sugar levels
• Beneficial for pregnant/lactating mothers as it is an excellent source of iron

Cinnamon Sticks – Taj

• Helps with blood-sugar control
• Anti-Bacterial/Anti-Microbial – Aids with stomach bug/flu
• Aids in Arthritis/Osteoporosis

Cloves – Laving

• Temporarily treads a toothache
• Relieve upper respiratory infections
• Reduces inflammation
• Improves digestion

In our kitchen, we have a few additional staple spices/flavors that are always in stock to bring out the taste and flavors of our Indian cooking. These include:

• Garlic
• Ginger
• Green Chillies
• Coriander – Dhana
• Curry Leaves – Limdo/Limdi

You can find any/many of these spices in your local supermarket these days and if you want large quantities visit your local Indian grocer. Be sure to share any additional benefits of each masala that you may know of. We would also love to hear what some of your key ingredients that are always present in your Indian kitchen. Share them with us so we can update our kitchens too!