By Deepali Verma
November 10, 2024
South Indian cuisine is known for its rich, bold flavours, and having the right ingredients on hand is essential. Here are six must-have pantry staples to elevate your South Indian cooking.
Rice is a staple in South Indian meals, forming the base of many dishes, from biryanis to idlis and dosas.
Lentils like toor dal, urad dal, and moong dal are essential for making sambar, rasam, and other comforting dishes.
Fresh or dried coconut is key in chutneys, curries, and gravies, adding a rich texture and flavour.
Tamarind is used for its tangy taste in sambar, rasam, and puliyodarai (tamarind rice).
Fresh curry leaves are essential for tempering dishes, adding a distinct aroma and taste.
Used in tempering, mustard seeds bring a spicy, nutty flavour to dals, chutneys, and stir-fries.