A Guide to Indian Food

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indian-food
Explore essential Indian spices like black cumin, red pepper, and cardamom in this visual guide.

Most of us are confused when it comes to referring to pulses, cereals or spices in English. Mostly because we are used to refer to these products in our regional names or Hindi. Here’s a detailed glossary that will help you search for relevant English names for most of the food products that add to the distinct taste of the Indian cuisine. For ease of reference, the food products have been divided into four categories – Pulses, Cereals, Spices and Seeds and General.

Pulses –

Indian / Hindi name English name Image
Arhar / Rahar / Tur / Tuar Pigeon pea / Red gram Colorful Indian spices and ingredients for authentic cuisine.
Chana Chickpeas (Brown) Close-up of Indian snack balls, traditional Indian street food.
Cholia / Hara chana Chickpeas (Green) Colorful Indian food spices and ingredients for authentic cuisine.
Chana Daal Split Bengal gram Assorted Indian food ingredients including chickpeas and spices for authentic cuisine.
Chawli / Lobhia Black-eyed beans / Cowpea Close-up of black-eyed peas, a popular ingredient in Indian cuisine.
Daal Pulses / Split beans / Beans –
Dalia Broken wheat Close-up of Indian food salt crystals for cooking and seasoning.
Kabuli Chana / Chhole Garbanzo beans / Chickpeas (White) Close-up of chickpeas, a common ingredient in Indian cuisine.
Kulthi Horse gram Assorted Indian spices and grains for authentic cooking.
Kurmura Puffed rice Close-up of traditional Indian rice puffs, highlighting Indian snack textures.
Masoor Red lentils Close-up of Indian spices and lentils for authentic cuisine.
Matar Pea Colorful Indian food ingredients including green peas and spices.
Moong Green gram / Mung bean Close-up of green peas, a common ingredient in Indian cuisine.
Motth / Matki Turkish gram / Moth bean Assorted Indian spices and ingredients for cooking traditional dishes.
Poha Beaten rice Close-up of Indian food ingredients, highlighting spices and grains.
Rajma Kidney beans Close-up of red kidney beans, a common ingredient in Indian cuisine.
Til Sesame Close-up of sesame seeds used in Indian cuisine for flavor and texture.
Urad Daal / Kaali Daal Black gram / Black lentil (whole) / White lentil (dehusked) Assorted Indian spices and ingredients for authentic cuisine.
Vaal Field beans Assorted Indian spices and ingredients for authentic cuisine.

 

Cereals –

Indian / Hindi name English name Image
Bajra Pearl millet Close-up of green coriander seeds used in Indian cuisine.
Chaawal Rice Close-up of white rice grains, essential in Indian cuisine.
Gehun Wheat Close-up of roasted Indian spices and seeds for authentic cuisine.
Jow Barley Close-up of aromatic Indian spices used in traditional dishes.
Jowar Sorghum bicolor Assorted Indian spices and ingredients for authentic cooking.
Makki / Makai Maize, Corn Colorful Indian corn cobs, fresh and vibrant, for traditional Indian cuisine.
Raagi / Nachani Finger millet Assorted Indian spices including peppercorns and seeds for cooking.

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Spices –

Indian / Hindi name English name Image
Adrak / Sonth Ginger Fresh ginger root, essential for Indian cooking and flavorful dishes.
Ajwaain Carom Seeds / Thyme Close-up of assorted Indian spices and herbs for cooking.
Chakra Phool / Chakri Phool Star Anise Spices used in Indian cuisine, including star anise, cinnamon, and cloves.
Daalchini Cinnamon Assorted Indian spices and herbs for cooking and flavoring dishes.
Elaichi (Chhoti) Green Cardamom Fresh green cardamom pods, essential spice for Indian cuisine and flavorful dishes.
Elaichi (Moti) Brown Cardamom Dried Indian spices and herbs for cooking and flavoring dishes.
Hing Asafoetida Close-up of vibrant yellow Indian spice powder on white background.
Jaiphal Nutmeg Close-up of whole and cracked nutmeg seeds, highlighting Indian spice ingredients.
Javitri Mace Javitri
Jeera Cumin Close-up of fragrant Indian spices used in traditional dishes.
Kaali Mirch / Kaali Meeri Black Pepper Assorted Indian spices and ingredients for cooking traditional dishes.
Lasan / Lahsun Garlic Fresh garlic bulbs, essential ingredient in Indian cooking and flavoring dishes.
Laung Clove Close-up of dried Indian spices used in traditional cooking.
Raai Mustard seeds (small) Colorful Indian spices and ingredients for authentic cuisine.
Sarson Mustard seeds (big) Colorful Indian spices and ingredients for authentic cuisine.
Tej patta / Tamaalpatra Bay leaf Close-up of bay leaves used in Indian cooking for flavoring dishes.

 

Seeds and General –

Indian / Hindi name English name Image
Chhoti Saunf Anise / Aniseed Close-up of cumin seeds, a key spice in Indian cuisine.
Maida Refined flour Delicious Indian dishes including curries, spices, and traditional cuisine.
Rava / Sooji Semolina Colorful Indian dishes including curry, rice, and spices for authentic cuisine.
Sabudana / Saaboodana Sago Assorted Indian spices and ingredients for cooking authentic Indian dishes.
Saunf Fennel Seed
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