What is the spice used by Pakistani people in all of their food. It has a very distinct and strong odor.?

Question

What is the spice used by Pakistani people in all of their food. It has a very distinct and strong odor.?

Answer 1

Tumeric. It's yellowish in color, and aids in digestion.

Answer 2

Garam Marsala , it is a mix of spices and each family have their own special recipes for it ,,,, but essentially they contain the same kind of spices.

it is used in everything from curries to rice to dessert....

Answer 3

I think that garam masala is the spice combination you are referring to,every home & eating place has it handy & each has it's own variation.apart from cumin & coriander ,the must use spices are cinnamon,cloves & cardamoms,some add nutmeg & mace ,also star anise is often added.Mostly ground fresh in small quantities to ensure maximum flavour & aroma,,also used liberally in Indian cusine were regional variations exist.

Not really dealing with the question asked but rather a fact about strong flavourred essences  used in summer drinks like lassi & sherbets ,Khus as reffered to in another answer is  actually  the ectract of the pandanus flower ,while vetivier is obtained from the dried root of vetivier grass.Both are prized ingredients in perfumes around the world & are also used asessences in some sweets /dessets & refreshing summer drinks,

Answer 4

It's mostly like cumin seeds or ground cumin, very prevalent on Pakistani foods.

Answer 5

cumin?

Answer 6

It is something they use after the cooking is done. It is called 'Kewara'. It is like an essence. Muslims in India too use this essence. Interestingly it is used even in sweet preparations.

It is an essence of a flower. It is called Vetivier in English.

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You'll get some interesting facts about ' Kewara' on these sites -

http://www.uni-graz.at/~katzer/engl/Pand...

Answer 7

Turmeric adds color bit very little flavor and it has no odor.   It is also used much more in Indian food rather than Pakistani dishes.

I think it must be a combination of various spices (cumin, coriander, chili powder....) along with lots of onions, ginger & garlic.  There is not just one main spice in Pakistani cuisine.

But I am Indian, so I love the taste and smell of all the spices.

Answer 8

I believe you are referring to whats called garam Marsala. It is a blend of spices usually containing cinnamon,cumin,cloves ,nutmeg, and mace.

It varies from region to region just like most other food items.