Spices are like magic ingredients in Indian cooking. They add flavors, colors, and aromas that make our dishes truly special. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, having the right spices at hand is crucial for cooking up delicious meals. Here's a list of 17 essential Indian spices that you must have in your kitchen, brought to you by Mothers SPPL.

1. Coriander : This spice, in both seed and powder form, adds a refreshing citrusy flavor to dishes. It's used in curries, marinades, and even as a garnish.

2. Cumin : Cumin seeds are earthy and aromatic, often used in Indian spice blends like garam masala. They're also great for tempering in hot oil to release their flavor.

3. Mustard : Mustard seeds come in black, brown, and yellow varieties, each with its unique flavor profile. They're essential for tempering and pickling, lending a pungent taste.

4. Black Pepper: Known as the king of spices, black pepper adds heat and depth to dishes. It's used in almost every Indian recipe, from simple daals to elaborate biryanis.

5. Cardamom : With its sweet and floral flavor, cardamom is a must-have spice for desserts, chai, and savory dishes alike. It comes in green and black varieties, both with distinct tastes.

6. Cinnamon : This warm and comforting spice adds sweetness and depth to both sweet and savory dishes. It's commonly used in Indian desserts, rice dishes, and meat curries.

7. Cloves : These pungent and aromatic flower buds are used whole or ground in biryanis, masalas, and even desserts. They have a strong flavor, so use them sparingly.

8. Nutmeg and Mace : Nutmeg and its outer covering, mace, are often used together to add a warm, sweet, and nutty flavor to dishes like biryanis and desserts.

9. Turmeric : Known for its vibrant yellow color, turmeric is a staple in Indian cooking. It adds a mild flavor and is used in everything from curries to rice dishes.

10. Fennel Seeds : These seeds have a licorice-like flavor and are commonly used in spice blends and for tempering vegetables and meats.

11. Bay Leaves : Bay leaves add a subtle, aromatic flavor to soups, stews, and curries. They're often used whole and removed before serving.

12. Red Chilli : Whether in powder or whole form, red chillies are used to add heat and color to dishes. They're essential for making spicy curries and chutneys.

13. Carom Seeds (Ajwain) : These tiny seeds have a strong, pungent flavor and are used in bread, snacks, and lentil dishes for their digestive properties.

14. Asafetida (Hing) : Asafetida has a strong, pungent smell but adds a unique flavor to dishes. It's commonly used in lentil dishes and vegetable stir-fries.

15. Black Cumin (Kalonji) : These small, black seeds have a nutty flavor and are often used in pickles, bread, and spice blends.

16. Fenugreek (Methi) : Fenugreek seeds and leaves are both used in Indian cooking. The seeds have a slightly bitter taste and are used in spice blends and pickles, while the leaves are used in curries and flatbreads.

17. Saffron : This luxurious spice adds a beautiful golden color and a delicate floral flavor to dishes like biryanis and desserts.

Having these 17 essential Indian spices in your kitchen will ensure you're always prepared to create authentic and flavorful Indian dishes. Mothers SPPL provides high-quality spices to enhance your cooking experience and bring the flavors of India to your home. Happy cooking!