Fun in the kitchen - Fusion of spices

 Traditional cuisine and dishes remain true to the recipes that has come down from the past. These recipes follow strict patterns and ingredients. The spices used are also of fixed types and amounts. I remember once my mother describing the recipe of Upma (a South Indian traditional dish of semolina and mustard seeds) to a Nepali woman. She talked about all the ingredients and method and stressed that in spices only salt to be used and no Chilli powder or coriander powder. And listening to her say that, I wondered why not to use spices? What will happen if one uses it? It would be different and innovative. So let's try it!!! 

Upma with spices 

In the usual recipe of Upma, roasted semolina is used. The onions, curry leaves, ginger paste are sauted, mustard seeds are added and allowed to splutter. Add lentils, peanuts, cashew nuts, cut green chilies, cut vegetables and follow it with the roasted semolina. And mix well and add water and stir. Alternatively, you can add water first,  bring it to a boil and then add the semolina. Add salt to taste and it is done. 

Traditional upma (Source: Simmer to Slimmer) 

The twist here is to also add spices such as red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and turmeric powder to this mixture. The result is awesome. The taste of this dish is different but nice!!! 

Upma and non-Indian spices

One can also add Mexican and western herbs such as oregano, rosemary to this upma. This would become Mexican Upma or herbal upma!!! You can make n number of innovations and trust me when I say that the outcome is never bad! I have even added Maggi Masala or foreign noodles seasoning to this and the dish tasted great every time! 

Upma with spices (Source: Divine Taste) 

You can use whatever spices you have at hand to get that great innovative dish. 

Fusion of spices 

With globalization, I think no spice has remained localized to a region or traditional dish. You can do a combination and permutation and put the spices you like in a particular dish and thus personalize it. It is your own custom-made dish. 

Fusion of spices (Source: Medium) 
Also read on Pani Puri on the Go! 

I have even added mustard seeds to pasta dishes or pasta and pizza dressings to Indian dishes to get that variety,  Zang, and elegant and wonderful twist to a food item and cooked dish. Go ahead and do it. What are you waiting for? 

The take-home message

Please do not put spices into separate boxes or compartments of traditions and culture. Let them intermingle and see and enjoy the fun of this mystical fusion!!! Do one region owns spices. They are God's gifts to humans. Do not claim them to be your own and be possessive about it!!!