Black mustard seed
Black mustard seeds come from the Brassica Nigra mustard plant and are the most pungent type of mustard seeds. They are frequently used in Indian cooking to add depth of character and spice to curries and dhals.
Coriander seeds
The dried seeds of the coriander plant are used widely in South East Asian cooking and are essential in all masala mixes.
Cumin
The dried seed of Cuminum Cyminum, a member of the parsley family, cumin is used in many dishes including curries, rice dishes, breads and chutney. It is yellow-brown in colour and has a distinctive nutty, peppery flavour somewhat similar to caraway.
Garam masala
A mixture of ground spices that is used as a base for many Indian dishes. Basic ingredients are typically cumin, coriander and turmeric, but other spices that may be included are peppercorns, mace, cinnamon, cardamom, star anise, and nutmeg. Composition varies widely across India and depending on whether the dish includes meat, vegetables or fish.
Turmeric
The rhizome of a tropical perennial plant. Powdered turmeric is bright yellow, adding great colour to dishes, and adds a sharp, bitter, spicy, lingering depth of flavour.
Dhal
Dhal starts out as whole beans, peas and lentils and become dhal when they have been skinned and cooked. They are a staple of Indian cooking and are high in both protein and fibre. There are many varieties of dal including urid, mung, toor and masoor to name just a few.
Masala (also massala)
A term used in South East Asian cuisines to describe a mixture of dry roasted spices or a paste made from spices and other ingredients (typically garlic, ginger, onions and chillis) that forms the flavour base of a dish.
