Ajwain seeds

(Ayamodagam/Omam)

Very small seeds that resemble cumin seeds with a mild flavor that resembles thyme.    

Amchur powder

(Manga pacha/Mangai podi)

A powder made from dried green mangos commonly used for its sour flavor.    

Anise seeds

(Perum jeerakam/Sombu)

These small seeds have the sweet flavor of licorice. 

Asafetida

(Kaayam/Perungayam)

This is an extremely pungent spice that smells like garlic before it is cooked.  It is available as a lump or a powder.  The powder is easier to use.    

Bay leaves

(Karuva ela/Birinji elai or Punnai elai)

A popular herb around the world for its mild and pleasant flavor. 

Cardamom

(Elakka/Elam or Yelakkai)

Small aromatic pods that contain many small black seeds.  They are available in black or green; however, the green ones are more popular. 

Cinnamon

(Patta/Pattai or Lavangappattai)

Shavings of bark from the cinnamon tree. This fragrant spice is used in many sweet as well as savory dishes. Used as sticks or ground.  

Cloves

(Karambu/Lavangam or Karambu)

These dried flower buds give a warm, aromatic flavor to food. Used whole or ground.    

Coriander seeds

(Kothambala/Dhaniya or Vara kothamalli)

As seeds or ground, coriander is one the most frequently used spices in Indian cooking. These tiny, light brown seeds have a light spicy flavor with a hint of citrus.    

Cumin seeds

(Jeera or Jeerakam/Jeeragam)

Cumin has a warm, aromatic flavor and is used in a wide array of Indian dishes. Used whole, ground, fried in oil or roasted.    

Dried red chilies

(Chuvanna mulagu/Sigappu milagai)

These dried, small red chilies add a lot of heat and flavor to Indian cooking.    

Fennel seeds

(Perum jeerakam/Perunjeeragam)

Small seeds like cumin seeds that are commonly used in pickles.  

Fenugreek

(Uluva/Vendhayam)

These small light brown seeds introduce a slightly bitter flavor to dishes. When dried, the leaves take on a more bitter and distinctive flavor.  The leaves are commonly called kasoori methi.    

Fenugreek leaves

(Uluva ela/Vendaya keerai)

Dried leaves from the fenugreek plant with a slightly bitter taste.

Garam masala

(Garam masala/Garam masala)

Literally translated as ‘hot spice’, it is frequently made of dried red chilies, cardamom pods, cinnamon, black pepper, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, fennel seeds, bay leaves and cloves. 

Mace

(Jathipoo/Jathipoo)

Made from the covering of nutmeg, this spice has a mild flavor.

Mustard seeds

(Kaduku/Kadugu)

Small reddish-brown seeds have a pungent flavor and are usually added to chutneys, pickles and other dishes.  Frequently they are fried in hot oil until they pop to bring out their flavor.    

Paprika

(Piriyan mulakupodi/Kudai milagai)

A red spice that is made from ground sweet red peppers.    

Poppy seeds

(Kus kus/Gasagasa)

These tiny seeds add a nutty flavor to dishes. 

Red chile powder

(Chokappu mulagu podi/Sigappu milagai thool)

Made from dried red chiles, this red powder adds a fiery taste to every dish.    

Saffron

(Kunkumapoov/Kungumapoo)

This spice comes from a species of the crocus plant. It has a unique, mild flavor that gives a yellow color to dishes.    

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Sesame seeds

(Ellu/Ellu)

These small seeds have a crisp texture and a nutty flavor.  

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Turmeric

(Manjal, Manjal podi)

Powder from a root that is dried and ground giving dishes a yellow color and a unique peppery flavor. 

Fresh Yellow Turmeric

(Manjal, Manjal)

Fresh yellow turmeric flesh smells just like powdered turmeric, musky and earthy.

Fresh White Turmeric

(Manjal, Manjal)

Fresh yellow turmeric flesh smells very different from its yellow cousin - citrusy and sweet.

Spices Used in South Indian Cooking