Try to buy spices from an ethnic grocer, rather than the supermarket.

Spices usually need to be roasted or ground to taste their best. Grind spices in a pestle and mortar or electric grinder.

Roast spices by dry-frying them in a frying pan or griddle; keep a eye on them and be careful not to let them burn, as they will spoil and go bitter.

Spice Kit

The ultimate spices you need for Indian home cooking:

Asafoetida
Caraway Seeds
Cardamom
Cayenne Pepper
Chilli Powder
Chillies (fresh)
Cinnamon Sticks
Cloves (whole)
Coriander Seeds
Cumin Seeds
Fennel Seeds
Fenugreek Seeds
Garam Masala
Ginger (fresh)
Mustard Seeds
Nutmeg (and Mace)
Saffron
Sesame Seeds
Turmeric

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