Spicy or Hot, hot and spicy, very spicy but not Hot

There is a big misconception and wrong understanding about Indian food that its always hot and some call it  spicy. I love to make my food spicy rather hot because if one will not infuse the flavour of spices in food then it is not an Indian food. Therefore this is very important to know that spicy does not guaranty every time that food will be hot, so spicy and hot are to different things but in case of Indian cuisine they generally misunderstood.

In a broader way there are three categories of spices which are generally used in Indian cuisine-

• Strong flavour spices- Mace, Nutmeg, clove, Black cardamom, cinnamon, black pepper and bay leaf. The combination of these spices also known as Garam ( hot) Masala (blend of spices). It should not be mistaken here again by the meaning of garam masala, because garam means hot so it makes the food hot. No it is called garam masala because the the spices used to make this blend gives warmness to body and at the same time excess use of these spices can create loose motion, burning sensation and even makes food bitter also. Garam Masala normally used for non vegetarian dishes and some times for vegetarian dishes.

• Mild flavour spices- cumin, coriander, turmeric, saffron, fenugreek seeds and dried leaves, carom seeds, green cardamom, Asafoetida and fennel seeds etc. These all spices having mild and sweet aroma generally and commonly used for vegetarian dishes.

• Aromatic Spices- Sandalwood powder, Vetiver(khus) root dried , Rose petals, Cassia (unopened flowers of cinnamon tree) buds, Stone flower, Fennel seeds, Beetle Tree Root, Camphor, Dry ginger, star anise along with some selected spices from the above to categories make a special blend of spices called aromatic spices. Aromatic spices are used for biryani or Indian pilaf.

 So the above all spices are to make Indian food spicy and full of flavours but they do not make food hot the only spice who is responsible for making food hot is chilly. Though if one knows how to use the spices can do wonders because Indian cuisine is rich in use of spices and having potential to tingle any bodies taste buds.