Here are 6 key ingredients essential for authentic South Indian cooking.

Curry Leaves, fragrant and flavorful, curry leaves are a must in sambar, rasam, and chutneys.

Coconut, used in chutneys, gravies, and desserts, adds richness and a mild sweetness.

Dry Red Chilies, add heat and depth to tadkas and spice blends like sambar powder.

Mustard Seeds, used for tempering, add a nutty aroma and are the first to hit the pan in many dishes.

Urad Dal & Chana Dal, tempered for crunch in chutneys and used in dosa/idli batters for fermentation.

Tamarind, gives that signature tangy flavor to sambar, rasam, and puliyodarai.