Spices are the foundation for Indian cooking. They can transform any dish into a tasty meal and give life to even the simplest ingredients. Indian food encompasses several centuries-old culinary traditions from all over the broad subcontinent. Pulling from these traditions to produce beautiful cooking is an almost spiritual act. Certainly exploring Indian food will greatly expand your cooking repertoire. Below are the 5 top spices used in Indian cooking:

1) Turmeric (Haldi)- Turmeric is enigmatic because its flavor is subtle. Turmeric's flavor contribution is distinct yet in the background. Perhaps more than flavor, turmeric's real contribution is its health benefits and color. It is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant and helps with heart disease, depression, and arthritis. Turmeric is typically added, as a powder, to a curry sauce after the wet ingredients have been added. Typically, turmeric takes only a teaspoon or two to flavor and color a dish for a family