One must visit an Indian grocery store to get the real taste of the culture without having to spend on a vacation. While the whiff of aromatic spices is one of the most significant things that will welcome you to the store, you will be awed by the sheer variety of exotic items available in these convenience stores. However, if you are a beginner then we suggest you to take the online route and surf the website so you can do a thorough research of the items that catch your fancy. Online stores are also a savior for people who are always on the go and do not want to spend their precious time loitering in stores. In case you are starting out and testing the waters with Indian food and culture then we suggest you pick the following items for sure.
Basmati rice hails mainly from Northern Part of the Indian subcontinent and is famed for is distinct aroma. Basmati rice can easily be given the title of the “supermodels of rice”. Each sublime grain is long and slender which turns into a shade of pristine white with no stickiness which makes it a perfect choice for elaborate Indian dishes such as biryani and pulao. You can enjoy this rice all by itself with a spicy curry or gravy if you do not want to delve into complex dishes just yet. It is recommended to soak the rice for about 30 minutes prior to cooking to reduce the cooking time by at least 20%.
Ghee is a variety of clarified butter which has its origin in the spiritual land of India. The aromatic fat is not only a cooking essential in Indian household but is also an important element in auspicious rituals. Ghee has also been an Ayurveda favorite since ages and recent studies in the West reveal that the naturally occurring saturated fats in ghee have a plethora of health benefits. Ghee is believed to balance the heat element in the body regarded as pitta in Ayurveda. It is known to boost digestion and bowel movements, strengthens immunity, aids in digestion and does not break down into free radicals owing to its high smoking point.
How can we miss out on tea when we are listing things from the land that gave us the delectable masala chai? Get a pack or two of quality tea leaves that are meant for making masala chai and also grab some spices to add to the mix. Cardamom is a must in masala chai.
The enticing fragrance that welcomes you in a temple or the therapeutic fragrance of an ayuvedic spa generally comes from incense sticks which are an integral part of every Hindu household in India. You can easily recreate the vibe by getting a few packs of incense sticks in a variety of fragrances and light them in any corner of your home and let the fragrant air calm your senses. You can get them with immediate grocery delivery whenever you run out of a pack like everything else mentioned here.
