Not Just About Taste: Why Tadka Is So Essential In Indian Cooking

Divya Pandey

Cooking Technique 

In Indian cooking, tadka or tempering is the process of heating spices in oil or ghee to bring out their flavors.

Aids Digestion 

Asafoetida and cumin are two of the many digestive spices used in tadka that aid in improving digestion and lessening gastrointestinal pain.

Rich In Antioxidants 

The antioxidant rich spices used in tadka such as currry leaves, mustard seeds and turmeric aid in the prevention of oxidative stress.

Enhances Flavor 

Tadka infuses food with the aromatic essence of spices giving them depth and richness.

Nutrient Absorption 

The fats in the ghee or oil used to make Tadka help the fat soluble vitamins in the dish's ingredients to be absorbed.

Preservative Effect 

Tadka can prolong the shelf life of some foods by preventing the formation of dangerous microorganisms.

Balances Flavors

Depending on the spices used, tadka can provide a hint of warmth, tanginess or bitterness to a dish balancing its flavors.