Kokum And Beyond: 7 Lesser-Known Ingredients Used In Indian Cooking  

By Bornika Das

November 14, 2023

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Indian cuisine, renowned for its diverse flavours and aromatic spices, remains a tantalising journey for food enthusiasts worldwide. There are several lesser-known ingredients within Indian culinary traditions. These hidden gems, rich in taste and cultural significance, add an enchanting depth to the tapestry of Indian flavours. Tap to know them:

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Kokum 

This lesser-known ingredient is prized for its sweet and tangy flavour, making it a staple in the Konkan and Malvani cuisines. 

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Radhuni Seeds 

Radhuni seeds, also known as wild celery seeds, are a common spice in Bengali and South Asian cuisine. Radhuni seeds add a unique, earthy flavor and aroma to dishes. 

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Lakadong Turmeric 

Lakadong Turmeric is a highly prized variety of turmeric grown in the Lakadong region of Meghalaya, India. It is known for its vibrant yellow color and exceptional curcumin content. 

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Kodampuli 

Kodampuli, also known as Malabar Tamarind is a small, sour fruit primarily found in South India and Southeast Asia. It is widely used as a flavoring agent in many Kerala and South Indian dishes. 

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Bamboo Shoots 

Bamboo shoots are a lesser-known ingredient in Indian cuisine that's widely used in the northeastern states, such as Assam, Manipur, and Nagaland.

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Dagad Phool 

It is used primarily in Maharashtrian and Konkani cuisine, where it imparts a distinctive earthy and slightly smoky flavor to dishes.

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