Los Angeles Indian Stores are an amazing resource and are definitely worthy to visit and browse if you love to prepare Indian recipes.
If you are not sure what to get out of all those bottles and bags, here are some Indian staples that deserve a spot in your kitchen:
Breads and Cheese
Roti, poori, paratha, naan, and chapati are only among the numerous varieties of Indian flatbreads. Although most of these are very simple to make, these are even easier to purchase them readymade. Some of these are sold frozen, while others are sold fresh, and ready to be consumed at home. A firm and fresh farmer cheese, paneer is an excellent vegetarian alternative for those meat-based curries.
Chutneys
Chutneys have more varieties than mango chutney, with the three more popular ones being tomato carrot, tamarind date, and coriander and mint. However, other varieties you can get are made with vegetables, fruits, spices, and herbs.
Ghee, Ginger Garlic Paste, and Garlic Paste
While you can always make these three easily at home, these are also available at Indian stores. One of the benefits of buying ghee is the fact that this is shelf stable and you can use it readily in different recipes.
Jaggery
Jaggery is made from the juice of sugar cane and has a richer and deeper flavor compared to brown sugar. This is sold in chunks or solid blocks. This can be grated or shaved using a knife. You can also get this in grated form already. This sugar has rich and deep tones with a wonderful flavor.
Lentils and Beans
Indian stores have an extensive selection of lentils and beans. Masoor dal, chole, toor dal, and mung dal are among the numerous varieties that you can get at Indian stores with significantly lower prices than those in local markets.
Rice and Flours
Although most grocery stores sell basmati rice, Indian stores have fresher and cheaper offers. Flours are ingredients you can get at an Indian store, including atta or chapati flour, Sooji or semolina, Chawal ka atta or rice flour, and Besan or chickpea flour.
Snacks
Fried wheat crackers or Puri, puffed basmati rice or Murmura, and thin chickpea noodles or Sev can all add crunch and texture to different dishes. Since Murmura and Sev are both free from gluten, these make as amazing toppings for snacks and salads alike.
Spices and Herbs
No doubt the motherlode of all sorts of spices, the Indians stores are among the best places where you can shop for cheap spices.
Expect to get your hands on different spice varieties from turmeric and allspice, ground and whole alike, as well as a wide selection of premixed spice blends such as chaat masala, garam masala, and tandoori.
There are also other unique spices that are not available in many grocery stores such as fenugreek, dried mint, mango powder, and black salt.
These are only some of the many ingredients that you can buy at Los Angeles Indian stores.