Biryani Spices List, Names, Pictures, Health Benefits

For the past few months, I have been sharing varieties of (Vegetarian)Veg biryani recipes in my blog under “Sunday Lunch Recipes”. I hope many of you had found it useful and tried them too. 

I am planning to compile list of all the biryani recipes under one page for easy and quick reference. But before that I want to make a post on list of spices used in most of the biryani along with pictures and names in different languages like English, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada and Tamil for people to identify & buy them easily in your place. I have also shared their health benefits so that you can enjoy your biryani without any guilt.

You can find about cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, bayleaf, black stone flower, mace, nutmeg, kapok buds and fennel seeds. Nowadays in most of the shops all these ingredients are together sold in small packets as “Biryani masala”. You can use these spices to make Biryani masala powder at home. Ok, lets see the biryani spices list with its names and pictures.

**All these informations are collected from Internet. Please leave your feedback in comments if you feel anything important is missed or mispelt. I will add them. Thanks !

BIRYANI SPICES NAMES IN TAMIL

English	Tamil
Cinnamon	Pattai
Cloves	Krambu/ Lavangam
Cardamom	Elakkai
Mace	Jathipathri / Jathikai thol
Black stone flower	Kalpasi
Fennel seeds/ Aniseed	Soambu
Star anise	Annasi poo
Bay leaf	Brinji ilai
Nutmeg	Jathikai
Dried kapok buds	Marathi mokku

BIRYANI SPICES NAMES IN HINDI

English	Hindi
Cinnamon	Dalchini
Cloves	Laung
Cardamom	Elachi
Mace	Jaipatri / Javintri
Black stone flower	Phathar ke phool, Dagad Phool
Fennel seed/ aniseed	Valaiti Saunf / Aawonf
Star anise	Anasphal / Badayan / Chakri Phool
Bayleaf	Tej Patta
Nutmeg	Jaiphal
Dried Kapok buds	Shalmali, Semul, Kachra, Kabra, Karer, Kariyal

BIRYANI SPICES NAMES IN TELUGU

English	Telugu
Cinnamon	Dhalchinachekka
Cloves	Lavangam
Cardamom	Elakayi
Mace	Japathri, Jajikaya Pathri
Black stone flower	Kallupachi, Rathipachi
Fennel seeds/Aniseed	Kuppi Soptu/Sompu
Star anise	Anaspuvu
Bay leaf	Masala Aku / Biryani Aaku
Nutmeg	Jajikaya
Dried Kapok buds	Marathi Mogga, Tella Buruga, Enugadanta, Mumudatu

BIRYANI SPICES NAMES IN MALAYALAM

English	Malayalam
Cinnamon	Patta / Karugapatta
Clove	Grambu
Cardamom	Elaka
Mace	JathiPoo
Black stone flower	Celeyam, kalppuvu
Fennel seeds/ Aniseed	Perum Jeerakam
Star anise	Takkolam
Bayleaf	Karuva Ela
Nutmeg	Jathikka
Dried kapok buds	Appakuttaka, Parappoola, Parapanni

BIRYANI SPICES NAMES IN KANNADA

English	Kannada
Cinnamon	Chakke
Clove	Lavang
Cardamom	Elakkaya / Elakka
Mace	Japatri / Jayithree
Black stone flower	Kallu huva
Fennel seeds / aniseed	Sompu
Star anise	Anasi hoova / Pineapple Mogg
Bayleaf	Biryani Ele / Paththa
Nutmeg	Jayikai
Dried kapok buds	Marathi Moggu or Ilavu or Puulaa, Mullilavu

HEALTH BENEFITS

Fennel seed

• Fennel symbolizes longevity, courage, and strength. In addition to its use as medicinal values, fennel has many health benefiting nutrients, essential compounds, anti-oxidants, dietary fiber, minerals, and vitamins.
• It offers protection from cancers, infection, aging and degenerative neurological diseases..
• Furthermore, fennel seeds indeed are the storehouse for many vital vitamins. Vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C as well as many B-complex vitamins like thiamin, pyridoxine, riboflavin and niacin particularly are concentrated in these seeds.

Source : http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/fennel-seed.html

Cardamom

• Cardamom is one of the most effective remedies against halitosis. Simply chewing on the seeds eliminates bad odors. Cardamom is even used in some chewing gums because of its effectiveness, billed as a surefire cure to the most offensive breath.It can also be used to help soothe a sore throat and relieve hoarseness of voice.
• The volatile oil in cardamom has been proven to soothe the stomach and intestines, making cardamom an ideal solution for a host of digestive problems, such as constipation, dysentery, and indigestion. 
• Cardamom can be used aromatically to increase or encourage appetite, and also assists in soothing gas and heartburn. Generally, cardamom relieves most upset stomachs. To use Cardamom for digestive problems, consume seeds alone, serve ground seed with food, or serve as a tea.
• South Asians use cardamom’s relieving properties to help with the discomfort of passing gall and kidney stones. Cardamom, combined with banana leaf and alma juice, can act as a diuretic, soothing a variety of kidney, bladder, and urinary problems like nephritis, burning or painful urination, and frequent urges to urinate. The relief from uncomfortable symptoms provided through cardamom should not be considered a cure to underlying diseases and disorders.
• Cardamom oils can be added to baths as a form of aromatherapy that fights depression and reduces stress. Ground Cardamom seeds can be made into a tea for similar benefits.
• Cardamom helps to fight cancers like breast cancer, ovarian cancer and prostate cancer. Early research suggests that consuming cardamom regularly may help with preventing these forms of cancer.

In addition to these specific medicinal uses, cardamom contains an abundance of antioxidants, which protect the body against aging and stress and fight common sicknesses.

Source : http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-cardamom.html

Star Anise

• Medicinal Value :Star Anise fruit is anti-bacterial, anti-spasmodic and a diurectic. Hence widely used in flatulence or gas like conditions.
• Culinery and Other Values:Star Anise is a major ingredient in Chinese Dishes for flavoring meat, veggies, curries, confectionaries and for pickling purposes. The oil of Star Anise is used to flavor bakery products, soft drinks and liquors. Also used in perfumery.

Mace

• Good source of minerals like copper, calcium, potassium, manganese, iron, zinc etc. also rich in vitamin C, A, riboflavin, folic acid etc.
• Used as drug in Eastern countries due to its stimulant, carminative, astringent and aphrodisiac properties.
• Mace is used in savoury dishes.

Source:http://pachakam.com/GlossaryDetail/Mace=180

Cinnamon

• Cinnamon is loaded with powerful antioxidants, such as polyphenols (3, 4, 5).
• cinnamon can be used as a natural food preservative
• Cinnamon Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties.It helps the body fight infections and repair tissue damage.
• Cinnamon May Cut the Risk of Heart Disease.In people with type 2 diabetes, 1 gram of cinnamon per day has beneficial effects on blood markers.It reduces levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, while HDL cholesterol remains stable.
• Cinnamon May Be Protective Against Cancer.Cinnamon Helps Fight Bacterial and Fungal Infections.

Cloves

• Temporarily treat a toothache.
• Relieve upper respiratory infections.
• Treat scrapes and bruises.
• Improve digestion
• Enhance sexual health.
• Reduce inflammation.

Source :http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-9991/6-health-benefits-of-cloves.html

Black stone flower

Dagad phool/black stone flower are commonly found in any markets or with spice smiths and it has uses in many dishes in hyderabadi.Similar to those of sweet pepper, it has quite mild aromatic flavor. It is not only used for aromas in soup preparations but also used as soup thickeners.
Stone flowers have medical properties to cure HIV virus. Stone flowers are the biological indicators of air pollution.
It is a good pain reliever and also promotes early healing of wounds due to its bitter taste.
It helps treating the skin related problem due to its cold potency. It helps in reducing any kind of inflammation in body.

Source : http://www.etradeasia.com/

Nutmeg

• Provides relief from insomnia
• Helps to lower blood pressure
• Helps to eliminate bad breath
• Helps to dissolve kidney stone
• Boost health of bones of body
• Helps in elimination of toxins from body
• Beneficial in maintaining optimal brain health
• Helps to reduce inflammation and pain due to wounds,arthritis
• Induces secretion of gastric & intestinal juices to ease digestion.

When used appropriately, as a spice, the benefits of nutmeg are obvious, but keep the amount under control, and find your thrills somewhere else!

Source : https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/nutmeg.html

Bayleaf

• Bay leaves have been found to be effective in treating type 2 diabetes as they cause reduction in blood glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
• Bay leaves are good for promoting digestion and can treat digestive disorders such as heartburn and flatulence.
• The powerful phytonutrients in bay leaf provide protection against cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes.
• Bay leaves are effective in fighting the symptoms of cold, flu and infections.

Source: http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/benefits-of-bay-leaf-for-skin-hair-and-health/

Kapok Buds

Kapok Buds or Marathi Moggu, best described as a type of caper, are the dried buds of the Kapok tree or the Silk Cotton tree. It is called moggu in Kannada and mogga in Telugu which literally means a bud. Moggu is a spice used in some of Karnataka's cherished dishes such as Bisi Bele Bath, Saagu, Kannadiga style kootus to name a few. It is not eaten raw but is always roasted and ground with other spices before going into a dish.
Marathi Moggu is a term which is a misnomer, as this spice is native to Karnataka. However that has not come in the way of its adorning several Andhra style dishes as a specialty spice. This spice is widely used in preparing curry powders and also finds a place in Chettinad cuisine.

For making any biryani, all these spices plays a vital role. No worries if you skip one or two from the above list. But spices like cinnamon, cloves, bayleaf, black stone flower and cardamom should be used to get the actual flavor and taste of biryani. You can either add them as whole or powder them and add to biryani. Among these spices, I would say black stone flower is the hero. Adding just one or two flower takes the biryani to next level and gives restaurant flavor. So make sure you buy them and keep in your pantry. But remember, do not add more than one or two else its smell would over power the masala. Hope this biryani spices list would be useful to you all.

Catch you all soon in my next post !

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HOW TO CLEAN VAZHAIPOO/BANANA FLOWER-INDIAN COOKING BASICS

Recently one of my friends in abroad told me to make a post on “How to clean & chop vazhaipoo ie Banana flower/Plantain flower. Also I have planned to share vazhaipoo poriyal recipe in the upcoming week.So before posting that recipe, I thought this post would be useful to you all. Cleaning & chopping vazhaipoo is not that difficult as one thinks. Its just a time consuming job,that’s it. Otherwise its very easy to cook & you can make very tasty recipes with it.

 As you all know its a super healthy vegetable with amazing health benefits.It contains various vitamins like Vitamin A, C, and E. They also contain potassium and fibers. This makes them an excellent health food and a source of healthy nutrients. It helps to reduce menstrual bleeding & pain. Cooked banana flowers along with curd or yogurt increases the progesterone hormone in the body and reduces bleeding. Calculated intake of banana flowers reduces blood sugar levels. It also increases the total haemoglobin levels in the body.

So friends, don’t avoid buying vazhaipoo just by thinking about its cleaning process. Listen to your favourite songs or watch some megaaaa serials, this cleaning job will be done within no time.I follow this usually. If not, at least ask your maid to do this job for you.

Try to include vazhaipoo & vazhaithandu in your cooking at least once or twice in a month. Its very very healthy and it makes miracles! Soon I will make a detailed post on how to clean & chop vazhaithandu/Banana stem with its health benefits.

In this post, I have also shared some simple tips and tricks for easy chopping and to maintain its color after chopping. Hope it would be useful to all beginners. Thanks for visiting this page. Have a great Sunday !

Check out some of the delicious vazhaipoo recipes below

Vazhaipoo kuzhambu

Vazhaipoo vadai

Vazhaipoo usili

How to clean vazhaipoo

How to clean & chop vazhaipoo/Banana flower.

Cuisine: Indian

Category: Cooking basics

Serves: 1

Prep time: 30 Minutes

Cook time: 20 Minutes

Total time: 50 Minutes

INGREDIENTS

Banana flower/Vazhaipoo - 1 no

HOW TO CLEAN VAZHAIPOO - METHOD

Spread 2-3 newspapers one over the other Or spread a thick sheet on the floor to prevent stains. Grease your hands with gingely oil very well. Cleaning vazhaipoo makes your fingers black. So this will help to avoid blackening of hands and fingers OR wear some thick gloves. Take 1/4 cup of curd and mix with 2 cups of water. Mix it well & make buttermilk with it. Keep it ready. Now take the banana flower and when you remove the cover, you will see bunches of flowers. Take out the bunch and place it in the newspaper. Remove all the florets and collect in the newspaper OR a cloth Initially you will find big sized florets. But when you keep on removing, you will find very small florets. So keep the big ones and very small ones separately. Don’t forget to eat the cone shaped, blossom part which is very tender and  small in size. Eat it as such. It is very good for stomach ulcers. Take a big floret and remove the stamen(kaalan) and thin white colored cover portions (some people don’t remove this part. My MIL don't remove but my mom does it). Refer picture below. Repeat the same for all the big florets. No need to remove the stamen part for very small ones. You can chop & use as it is. Chop the big florets finely using a knife and keep them immersed in buttermilk till use. This helps to prevent blackening of banana flower. Do this with all big florets.Similarly chop the small florets and put it inside the buttermilk.( In the below picture, I have added turmeric powder, moong dal and salt to the chopped vazhaipoo and kept it ready for making poriyal.so the color looks yellow. I will try to update a clear picture soon. I usually take a bunch of florets in hand and remove the stamen and cover part & chop it with a knife keeping as a bunch and dip in buttermilk. TIPS TIPS You can do this cleaning process without chopping in the previous day night and keep it refrigerated in a zip lock bag. If you chopped it, immerse in buttermilk and refrigerate.The next day morning, you can make delicious recipes with it.  Suppose if you feel difficult or lazy to chop, here is an easy method of chopping.i e. Take a handful the cleaned banana florets in a big sized mixie jar,run the mixie once or twice for a second.Florets will be coarsely ground. Now take the florets and dip in buttermilk. Repeat the same with all the florets. Refrigerate it overnight and use it the next day.

Check out some of the vazhaipoo recipes below

Vazhaipoo kuzhambu

Vazhaipoo vadai

Vazhaipoo usili

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DIY-HOMEMADE CONDENSED MILK RECIPES IN 3 WAYS

Festivals are around & its time to experiment sweets and savouries at home.This year for Diwali & Navratri,i have planned to share some easy n yummy sweets recipes using condensed milk.Before that i wanted to make a post on “How to make sweetened condensed milk at home with & without milk powder using 3 ways”. So here it is !

Condensed milk aka sweetened condensed milk has become one of the most important ingredients for making sweets/Mithai,cakes and desserts.Actually, before blogging, i was not aware of the term condensed milk and i used to ask for milkmaid or amul mithai in shops.But then after blogging, i came to know they are just the popular brands and its not the name of ingredient. 

Even now my mom & MIL are very familiar with the name Milkmaid than Condensed milk.We love its taste very much.Generally we all love to use condensed milk in our sweets especially in kheer/Payasam as it adds a rich taste to the particular dish & it eases the cooking procedure too.But some people hesitate to use condensed milk either because of high calorie or by seeing the cost.One can( ie 14oz) of store bought condensed milk is way too costly.I too avoided using condensed milk in my recipes just because of the above reasons.But when i saw Sharmi’s easy homemade condensed milk within 5 minutes using milk powder, i was amazed and bookmarked immediately to try.I have tried it several times and it comes out very well.Once my Sister Radha suggested me another method of making homemade condensed milk using fresh milk & sugar by watching Nisha madhulika’s youtube video.So i tried in that way too.It came out awesome.I myself got tempted and searched for even more simple recipes that can be made with the ingredients easily available in all our pantries and at the same time within lesser time.I found  & tried the one from my handwritten cookbook.It came out equally well.So in this post,i have shared all the three methods with stepwise pictures.Each method has its own advantages & disadvantages but the result would be almost the same except color.Do follow any of these methods based on the ingredients and time.U will just love the result and u would never go back to buy readymade,store bought stuffs.It saves your time as well as money .I have used this condensed milk in payasam/Kheer and halwa but not in cakes or sweets.I am yet to try them.Ok,lets see how to make homemade sweetened condensed milk easily using 3 methods.

Homemade sweetened condensed milk

How to make homemade sweetened condensed milk at home with easily available ingredients !

Cuisine: Indian

Category: Sweet

Yields: 1/2 cup

Prep time: 2 Minutes

Cook time: 2 Minutes

Total time: 4 Minutes

INGREDIENTS

METHOD - 1 Milk powder - 1/2 cup Icing sugar - 3 tbsp or 1/4 cup ( use 3 tbsp for moderate sweetness) Unsalted Butter - 1tbsp ( at room temperature) Water - 1/4 cup + 1 tbsp ( optional.It will thicken as it sits,so i added little more water) METHOD -2 Milk powder - 1/2 cup Granulated sugar - 1/4 cup Water - 3 tbsp Vanilla essence - a drop ( optional) Unsalted Butter - 1 tbsp,at room temp (optional) METHOD – 3 (Cook time – 20 minutes) Fresh milk - 1/2 litre ( 2.5 cups) Sugar - 1/2 cup ( 100 gms) Baking soda - a pinch ( optional) Unsalted butter - 1 tbsp at room temp (optional)

METHOD

METHOD – 1 In a vessel,boil water till it starts to bubble.In a mixie jar,take all the ingredients given above.Add this boiled hot water to the jar and blend everything until smooth.Wipe the sides and bottom to remove all the milk powder sticking to the walls.Again pulse for a second and remove.Transfer to a bottle and let it cool.Store in refrigerator up to 5 days.Use as needed ! ( For this method,u need icing sugar.I guess u can use powdered sugar too but i have not tried it.) If it turns thick,add little hot water n mix well.It will thin down. METHOD - 2 For this method,take sugar and mentioned water in a pan.Boil the water & melt the sugar completely.When it starts to bubble,switch off the stove.Take this sugar solution in a mixie jar and add the milk powder & butter to it.Blend it well to make a smooth paste.Wipe the sides & bottom.Add vanilla essence ( if using) and pulse it again.Remove and store after it cools down.This mixture will slightly thicken after it cools down.So add little hot water to adjust the consistency if necessary. METHOD – 3 Take the fresh milk in a pan.When it comes to boil and rises to the top,simmer the flame and add the sugar.Stir well and allow it to boil till the milk reduces to 1/3 rd of its original quantity. Keep the flame medium and stir every now n then to avoid charring.Once the milk becomes slightly thick,take a drop of milk and check it between your thumb and index finger.If the milk is sticky,thick and if it forms a half thread,it is done.Switch off ,add butter( if using) mix well and remove.Do not leave the milk to boil & reduce completely because it will become too thick like a cream once when it cools down.So switch off as soon as it reduces to 1/3 rd even if it is slightly watery.Lastly add a pinch of baking soda,mix well & set aside to cool.Refrigerate and use as desired !

Note

Condensed milk stays good for a minimum of 5 days in all the above method.But u should refrigerate it without using your hands.Use a clean spoon to handle. This condensed milk with thicken once it cools down.So add little hot water and adjust the consistency. The color & consistency of condensed milk may vary in each method but tastes equally good. Condensed milk tend to thicken when it cools down.In that case,add some hot water,mix well and store it. The sweetness would be more in method – 3 than method – 1 & 2.So please adjust as per ur taste buds.

Make your own condensed milk in your kitchen using any of the above 3 methods.Save your money, time n Enjoy making your favourite sweets !

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Millet Energy Mix Powder Recipe | Millet Sathu Maavu Recipe –Millet Recipes

Last week when I went to Salem my MIL gave me this homemade mixed millet powder /Energy mix powder and told me to prepare Dosa or porridge for our breakfast/dinner. She also told me the quantity & the procedure of making it. I never thought its so easy to make. Sorry, I couldn’t take stepwise pictures. I will try to add it soon. Yesterday I made dosa with this flour and it came out very well. I was very happy & contented to get the benefits of all millet/sirudhaniyam in one recipe. Sendhil told me to blog this recipe as it may be useful to many of you. 

So here you go, my MIL’s mixed millet flour aka millet sathu maavu recipe for you all. But this powder is only for adults and not for kids. U can make any number of variations by adding moong dal, nuts and rice too. U can prepare all our south Indian breakfast recipes like porridge, dosa, kozhukattai, adai & paniyaram using this flour. Next week I will try to share some yummy recipes using this millet powder.

Till then check out my detailed post on millets and its varieties with its health benefits.

Thinai idli/Foxtail millet idli

Mixed millet laddu recipe

 

Millet energy mix powder

Energy mix powder recipe using millets for healthy breakfast and dinner !

Cuisine: Indian

Category: Breakfast

Yields: 1.5 kgs

Prep time: 20 Minutes

Cook time: 10 Minutes

Total time: 30 Minutes

INGREDIENTS

Ragi/Finger millet - 1/4 kg Varagu/Kodo millet - 1/4 kg Saamai/Little millet - 1/4 kg Kuthiravali/Barnyard millet - 1/4 kg Kambu/Pearl millet - 1/4 kg Thinai/Foxtail millet - 1/4 kg

METHOD

Clean the millets in muram if you suspect for any debris. Heat a wide kadai and dry roast all the millets one by one. Stand nearby & keep mixing without moving around else it may burn as they are very small in size. Keep the flame medium high. Each millet takes maximum 3-4 minutes to get roasted. Roast them one by one till its color changes slightly and you get a nice roasted smell. Collect them in a plate and let it cool. After it cools down, grind them in a flour mill or mixie. Sieve it and spread the flour in a paper to cool down. Store in an air tight box. Stays good for months ! U can make sweet or salt porridge, Dosa by adding buttermilk, adai or even kozhukattai too !

Note

Roasting the millets gives a nice flavour to the powder. Don’t skip it but be careful while roasting. Do not burn them. For variations,  you can add roasted green gram dal or yellow moong dal. U can add rice too.

Make this millet powder and enjoy the benefits of all millets in one recipe. 

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INDIAN MONTHLY GROCERY LIST FOR 2 PERSONS

Few weeks back I got a request from a newly wedded girl to help her by giving Indian monthly grocery items list for a small family of 2 to 4 persons (monthly shopping list for Indian family, maligai saman list in Tamil, Kirana list in Hindi). So I have given basic grocery items list in both PDF and Excel format as free download.

Excel sheet is free to download. You don't have to request permission for downloading. Just make a copy of it and edit as required. You can use this checklist for your monthly shopping and grocery purchase.

When I read that reader's mail, I had a flashback of my life. When I was newly married, I was in a joint family with my in-laws. My lovable MIL used to take care of kitchen works and my ever caring FIL did all the household chores like monthly provision shopping ,vegetables, paying bills etc. Myself and Sendhil just spent most of our time in office and we had no worries about our households. But after 4 years, when I was left alone in the kitchen, I somehow managed to cook but I did not have any idea of how much quantity of rice and other groceries to purchase for one month. I kept forgetting one or the other ingredients. I used to run to a nearby provisional store after keeping the kadai on flame. Sendhil used to scold me a lot.

When I told this to my mom, she helped me by sharing this list & told to follow this list every time I go for monthly purchase. I also referred here for more specifications. I do have a picture of my mom's list in my mobile. It was very helpful for me to decide and buy the correct quantity of monthly groceries in a wholesale grocery shop & then I altered the list based on our usage and availability. Every month you may not need to buy all these items. My mom has been following list this since my childhood. I still remember, she used to give this list to a departmental store nearby my house and they do home delivery.

Nowadays in India most of the apartments are in city outskirts. So we go out once or twice in a month to buy groceries and if we don’t follow a list,we have to buy from the stores available in our apartment premises. No matter how costly it is,we are forced to buy there. To avoid all these, its better to make a list and follow it. To help newly married girls, bachelors and for the ladies who are in short of memory like me, I have shared a list in excel format which you can download it as a pdf or  xls sheet by clicking the link.

The quantity I have given would come for 1-2 months for a pucca South Indian family. North Indians, please reduce the quantity of rice and increase wheat flour. Bachelors, do reduce the quantity by half.  Do follow this list for the first month and based on your need and usage, you can alter it. People in US, UK and other abroad countries, carry this list to an Indian grocery store. I am sure it will help you to make a quick and comfortable purchase. 

I have also shared some images for the checklist separately. U can save it in your mobile and cross check the ingredients while you purchase. I hope this list would be useful to you all. 

Do leave a message if you feel I had left anything important. I will include it. Also leave your feedback in the comment section if this list helps you. I would be more happy to know it. Thanks. Please click on the image below to view the excel sheet and the text below for downloadable PDF.

CLICK THIS LINK TO DOWNLOAD PDF

Click this link to make a copy of the grocery list in Excel format

If you are a non-google user, Please click THIS LINK .

Click this link to view my Kitchen Utensils & appliances list 

Click this link for Appliances list with brand recommendations.

My mom always starts the list with turmeric powder, sugar &  jaggery sentimentally. So I too follow the same .

I have shared the complete grocery list below. You can copy paste them in your PC. I have also given separate images for groceries, Pooja items, Toiletries and miscellaneous items. Right click and save the respective images based on your need. In addition, I have shared the list in Excel sheet as well. You can make a copy of it and edit it using google sheets app. Here I have given the quantity of rice more than wheat as I had focussed South indians. North indians, please exchange the quantities of rice and wheat as per your requirement. I have given the amazon affiliate links for the titles. 

INDIAN GROCERY LIST - MONTHLY SHOPPING CHECKLIST

RICE and FLOURS

1. Turmeric powder - 100 gms
2. Sugar - 1 kg
3. Jaggery - 1/2 kg
4. Idli rice/Boiled rice/Salem rice - 5-7 kgs
5. Steamed rice or Raw rice/Sona masoori - 5-7 kgs
6. High quality raw rice for Pongal - 1 kg
7. Dosa rice ( optional) - 2 kgs
8. Basmati rice - 1 to 2 kgs
9. Brown rice(optional) - 1 kgs
10. Pressed rice / Poha(thick or thin) -1 kgs
11. Wheat flour - 2 kgs (North Indians, please increase atta to 5 kgs and reduce rice)
12. Maida - 1/2 kg (For cakes and snacks)
13. Ragi flour - 1 kg
14. Millets varieties & oats - 1/2 kg each
15. Rice flour - 1/2 kg
16. Besan flour - 1/2 kg
17. Bombay Rava/ Semolina or Chiroti rava - 1 kg
18. Wheat rava / samba rava / bansi rava - 1 kg
19. Idli rava - 1 kg (optional)
20. Rice rava - 500 gms
21. Vermicelli / Semiya - 1 packet big
22. Instant rice sevai -1 big packet
23. Sago/Javvarisi - 1/2 kg
24. Tamarind - 1/2 kg
25. Red chilli - 1/4 kg
26. Organic wild rice varieties - 1/2 kg

PULSES/DALS

1. Toor dal - 1 kg
2. Round urad dal - 2 kgs
3. Yellow moong dal - 1 kg
4. Chana dal - 1/2 kg
5. Split urad dal - 1/2 kg
6. Rajma, peas, brown/white chana, green gram dal, Peanuts - 1/4 kg each
7. Fried gram dal / Pottukadalai - 1/4 kg
8. Horsegram , flax seeds - If needed

SPICE POWDERS

1. Crystal salt - 1 kg
2. Powder salt - 1 kg
3. Red chilli powder - 1/4 kg
4. Dhania powder - 1/4 kg
5. Garam masala powder - 100 gms
6. Chat masala powder - 1 packet small
7. Aamchoor powder - 50 gms
8. Cumin powder - 50 gms
9. Pepper powder - 50 gms
10. Sambar powder, Rasam powder, Vatha kuzhambu powder - If needed
11. Biryani masala powder or curry masala powder - Small packet
12. Idli powder / Gun powder - 1 packet ( If needed)
13. Readymade powders like garlic powder, pav bhaji masala, chana masala etc
14. Instant coffee powder - 100 gms
15. Tea powder - 100 gms
16. ENO fruit salt - 2 packets (For rava idli, dhokla)
17. Yeast - 1 small box ( For making aapam, bread)
18. Cooking soda / Baking soda - 1 packet small
19. Baking powder - 1 packet

OILS

1. Cooking oil - 1- 2 lts
2. Gingely oil/Sesame oil - 1 - 2 lts
3. Coconut oil - 1/2 lt
4. Ghee or butter - 1/2 kg
5. Olive oil - 1/2 liter
6. Deepam oil - If needed ( For lamp)

SPICES AND NUTS

1. Mustard seeds - 150 gms
2. Pepper - 100 gms
3. Cumin seeds/jeera - 100 gms
4. Poppy seeds/Khus khus - 100 gms
5. Coriander seeds/Dhania - 200 gms
6. Fennel seeds - 50 gms
7. Fenugreek seeds / Methi seeds - 100 gms
8. Dry ginger piece or powder - 50 gms
9. Black or white sesame seeds - 50 gms
10. Split urad dal - 100 gms ( For seasoning)
11. Ajwain / omam - 50 gms
12. Hing/Asafetida - 1 box (Big)
13. Cardamom/Elakki - 25 gms
14. Cashew nuts - 50 gms
15. Raisins - 50 gms
16. Badam or other nuts - 50 gms
17. Peanuts - 100 gms
18. Dates ( optional) - 100 gms
19. Cinnamon - 1 packet
20. Cloves - 1 small packet
21. Kalpasi/black stone flower & marati moggu - 1 small packet
22. Biryani spices packet - 1 no
23. Vanilla essence - 1 small bottle

OTHER INGREDIENTS 

1. Papad - 1 big packet
2. Cocoa powder - 100 gms
3. Health drinks(horlicks,complan etc) - 1/2 kg each
4. Noodles -1 packet
5. Pasta - 200 gms
6. Macaroni - 200 gms
7. Sphagetti(optional) - 1 box
8. Tomato Ketchup / Sauce - 1 bottle
9. Jam - 1 bottle 
10. Mayonaisse - 1 bottle
11. Pizza sauce/ Pasta sauce - 1 bottle
12. Organic Honey - 1 small bottle
13. Bread Packet - 1 to 2 nos

DAIRY PRODUCTS 

1. Cheese slices - 1 packet
2. Cheese block - 1 no
3. Butter - 1/2 kg
4. Curd / Flavored yogurt - If needed
5. Fresh cream - 1 packet
6. Paneer / Cttage cheese - 2 packs

TOILETRIES 

1. Tooth paste - 200 gms
2. Tooth brush - 2 nos ( one time purchase)
3. Bathing soap - 3 nos
4. Shampoo/Hair conditioner - 1 big bottle
5. Face powder - 1 box
6. Hand sanitizer - 1 bottle
7. Deodarant - 1 or 2 nos
8. Body lotion - 1 no
9. Kajal/Kum kum/stickers - 1 no
10. Shaving lotion - 1 no
11. Shaving cream - 1 no
12. Hair gel - 1 no
13. Razer blades -1 packet big
14. Baby products - as needed

CLEANING PRODUCTS 

1. Dish washing soaps or liquids - 2 nos/1 bottle
2. Dish washing powder - 1/2 kg
3. Washing powder - 1 kg
4. Washing soaps - 5 nos
5. Toilet cleaner / bleaching powder - 1 bottle
6. Floor cleaner - 1 bottle
7. Kitchen cleaner - 1 bottle
8. Sanitary pads - 1 packet
9. Toilet paper - 1 bundle
10. Kitchen tissue - 1 bunch
11. Garbage bags - 2 rolls
12. Car cleaner/Car refreshner - 1 no
13. Dettol - 1 bottle
14. Mosquito liquid - 2 nos
15. Odonil - 2 nos
16. Napthalene balls - 1 packet
17. Rubber band - 1 packet

POOJA ITEMS 

1. Match box - 1 bunch ( 10 nos)
2. Deepa oil - 1 ltr
3. Cotton thread - 1 packet
4. Camphor - 1 small box
5. Incense sticks - 1 big box
6. Dhoop - 1 box
7. Rock candy or dry grapes for neivedyam - 1/4 kg

MISCELLENEOUS 

1. Medicines/bandages
2. Light bulbs
3. Batteries
4. Candles
5. Snacks

FOR BACHELORS 

1. Ready made rice mix
2. Sambar powder
3. Rasam powder
4. Garlic powder / poondu podi
5. Idli podi / Gun powder
6. Ginger,Garlic paste
7. Tamarind paste
8. Ready to eat products
9. Vathakuzhambu powder
10. Idli, dosa batter
11. Bread packet
12. Cereals
13. Readymade mix packets

FRUITS AND VEGETABLES 

Monthly grocery list for 2 persons - Indian

Indian Monthly A-Z grocery list for 2 persons..

Cuisine: Indian

Category: Grocery

Serves: 4 ( For 2 adults + 2 kids)

Prep time: 15 Minutes

Cook time: -

Total time: 15 Minutes

Indian monthly Grocery shopping List

CLICK THIS LINK TO DOWNLOAD PDF Please give credit for this blog if you are using these images elsewhere. Thanks for understanding. Click this link to download the grocery list in Excel format.  IT IS FREE TO DOWNLOAD. You don't have to send any access request / permission to edit via email. This list is open for all. It is not private. Its free to use.  Make a copy of the sheet and follow the instructions to edit if required.    After opening this excel sheet, click"FILE" and click "Save a copy " OR "Download as PDF" Option and save the sheet in your drive from your desktop. Then you can edit the list as per your needs.   If you are using mobile, please make a copy of the sheet, edit in Google sheets mobile app. If you are a non-google user, Please click THIS LINK . Click this link to view my Kitchen Utensils & appliances list  Click this link for Appliances list with brand recommendations. Please use the above link and download the PDF/ Excel sheet.

Hope you find this post useful. Please leave a message in the comment box if I have left anything important in the list. Thanks !

A reader's tip for cleaning hacks from comment section:

Instead of buying all the chemicals to clean especially if you have children around, get some white vinegar and sodium bicarbonate and use some lime juice, trust me the whole housing cleaning would be taken care without nastiness of the cleaning products we buy from shops. Eventually you would save money as well.

CLICK THIS LINK TO DOWNLOAD PDF

Click this link to view my

Kitchen Utensils & appliances list

Click this link for Appliances list with brand recommendations.

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