Summer is the perfect time to embrace bold, vibrant flavors that awaken the senses. And what better way to do that than by stocking up your spice rack with some seasonal essentials? From refreshing coolers to grilled delights, these spices will add zing to all your summer creations. Let's spill the tea (or should we say spices?) on the must-haves!
For the Coolers 🍹
- Fennel Seeds - Add a hint of licorice-y freshness to your summer drinks like sharbats and aam panna. Pro tip: Dry roast and crush them for maximum flavor.
- Cardamom - This versatile spice lends an aromatic touch to lassis, milkshakes, and falooda. Black cardamom works great for savory drinks too.
- Salt and Black Pepper - Elevate your simple lemonades and chaas with a kick of salt and freshly cracked pepper. A underrated summer cooler combo!
For the Grills 🍖🔥
- Chaat Masala - This tangy spice mix is the BBQ BFF you need for sprinkling over grilled proteins like tandoori meats and fish. Also great as a dry rub.
- Kashmiri Red Chillies - Add vibrant red hue and fruity heat to your tikkas and tangier marinades. Feel that summer sizzle!
- Dried Fenugreek Leaves (Kasuri Methi) - This unique, bitter-sweet green does wonders for smokey grilled veggies like corn, mushrooms and paneer tikka.
For the Salads 🥗
- Roasted Cumin Powder - Lend an earthy, nutty depth to your kachumbar, raitas and Indian-style salads.
- Amchoor (Dried Mango Powder) - A sprinkle of this tangy spice mimics the tartness of summertime mangoes in salads and chutneys.
- Black Salt (Kala Namak) - With its delightful eggy notes, this funky lava salt adds an incredible umami oomph to your raitas and dhokla chanapatties.
So go ahead and give your spice rack that summer upgrade! These versatile spices will make sure your warm weather cooking is as vibrant, refreshing and flavorbombed as the sunny season itself. 😎🌿