The country that made the world chase its flavours
India is the reason the world has a spice trade. For two thousand years, the black pepper, cardamom, and turmeric of India drove European explorers to risk their lives to find a direct sea route. The cuisine that produced these treasures is the most complex and diverse in the world, varying dramatically by region, religion, season, and family.
India's most celebrated spice blend. 'Garam masala' means 'warming spices' and every region, family, and chef in India has their own version. This blend combines cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, black pepper, and cumin into the finishing spice used at the end of cooking to add depth.
The golden spice that has defined Indian cooking, medicine, and ritual for over 4,000 years. Turmeric's earthy, slightly bitter flavour and vivid yellow colour appear in virtually every Indian curry, rice dish, and pickled preparation.
The classic South Indian curry blend, hotter and more intense than North Indian spice blends. Named after the city of Madras (now Chennai), this is the curry powder that most of the Western world knows, and it is a legitimate South Indian seasoning in its own right.
The spice blend of the tandoor, India's ancient clay oven that burns at up to 900ยฐF. Tandoori seasoning combines earthy cumin with fragrant coriander, paprika, and aromatic spices that char beautifully under high heat.
Chicken marinated in yogurt and Tandoori Seasoning, charred under a high grill until the edges blacken and smoke. The most iconic dish in Indian cooking and genuinely achievable at home.
Score the chicken deeply with a knife, 3-4 cuts per piece.
Mix yogurt, Tandoori Seasoning, Garam Masala, Turmeric, garlic, ginger, lemon, and salt.
Coat chicken completely and marinate at least 4 hours, overnight is better.
Place on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Grill/broil on high for 12-15 minutes.
Char the edges until blackened in spots. Serve with cooling raita and naan.
The word 'curry' does not exist in Indian languages. It was coined by British colonists as a catch-all term for any spiced Indian sauce, something like calling all European food 'stew.' India has hundreds of distinct regional cuisines, each with entirely different spice profiles. A Keralan fish curry and a Punjabi butter chicken share almost no ingredients.