The Essential Elements of an Indian Kitchen

Do you love Indian food but feel overwhelmed by all the spices and tools needed to make authentic Indian foods? You're not alone—and you’re absolutely in the right place! Setting up an Indian kitchen is easier than you might think, and it opens the door to a world of vibrant flavors and delicious meals. Whether you’re a home cook just starting out or an adventurous foodie, this guide will help you stock your kitchen with the essentials to cook Indian food with confidence.

Kitchen tools for Indian cooking

You don’t need a full professional setup—just a few tried-and-true tools that make Indian cooking both efficient and enjoyable. Some of these may already be in your kitchen:

Kadhai – The Indian version of a wok, great for frying and sautéing.

Jhaara – A slotted spoon, perfect for deep frying.

Chimta – Tongs used to flip flatbreads like roti or naan.

Tawa – A flat griddle for toasting rotis, dosas, or parathas.

Belan and Chakla – Rolling pin and board, must-haves for homemade chapatis.

Idli maker – For making steamed rice cakes, a South Indian staple.

Instant Pot or Rice Cooker – Modern tools that save time.

Masala Dabba – A round spice box to keep your core spices at your fingertips.

Pulses – Plant-Powered Protein

Indian cuisine is naturally plant-forward, and pulses (dried legumes) are a protein-rich staple. They’re high in fiber, budget-friendly, and incredibly versatile:

Chickpeas (Chana) – For hearty dishes like chana masala.

Mung Dal – Light and easy to digest.

Toor Dal – A South Indian favorite.

Bengal Gram (Chana Dal) – Nutty and satisfying.

Kidney Beans (Rajma) – Perfect for North Indian-style comfort food.

Cooking Oils – For Flavor and Tradition

Each Indian region has its own preferred oils, chosen to enhance the natural taste of the food:

Mustard Oil – Pungent and earthy.

Ghee (Clarified Butter) – Adds richness and depth.

Coconut Oil – Used in coastal and South Indian dishes.

Sunflower or Olive Oil – Good neutral bases.

Using the right oil helps build traditional flavor profiles. And when combined with our pre-layered spice kits, your dishes will taste just like home-cooked meals in India.

Spices – The Soul of Indian Cuisine

Spices are what bring Indian cuisine to life. But learning to balance and layer them can feel intimidating for new cooks. That’s where Flavor Temptations shines.

Our spice kits feature: Pre-measured whole and ground spices and step-by-step instructions on when and how to layer them to create the right flavor profile with flavor combinations curated from generations-old family recipes

You’ll find core spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon in most of our kits—plus special blends like:

Butter Chicken Masala

Garam Masala

Tandoori Masala

Veggie Korma Curry Sauce

Chicken Tikka Masala Sauce

These give you an authentic taste of India—without needing to shop for 10 different jars or wonder how much of each to use.

Starches – The Perfect Base

Indian meals are often built around comforting starches like:

Rice - from fragrant basmati to short grain rice.

Wheat Flour – To make roti, chapati, or paratha.

Naan or dosa batter – Great for North or South Indian dishes.

Flavor Boosters

Want to take your dish to the next level? Indian cuisine often finishes with creamy or crunchy elements:

Malai (cream) or yogurt – For richness and cooling contrast.

Paneer – India’s answer to cottage cheese.

Mustard seeds, peanuts, curry leaves, or coconut – A quick tempering brings deep flavor to life.

Garam Masala – for the earthy rich flavors used to garnish many Indian dishes

And when paired with our bursting-with-flavor sauces, these add-ons make for restaurant-quality meals right in your kitchen.

Why Start with Flavor Temptations?

Cooking Indian food from scratch may seem complex—but it doesn’t have to be. Our spice kits and sauces are designed for anyone curious about Indian cuisine, no matter their skill level. Whether you're a busy parent, a student in college housing, or someone just looking to spice up your weekday meals, Flavor Temptations helps you:

Save time on prep and ingredient sourcing

Cook with confidence using step-by-step instructions

Control the heat, salt, and flavor intensity

Explore authentic recipes passed down through generations

So go ahead—grab a kit, light up the stove, and let the aromas transport you to an Indian kitchen.

You’ve got this!