As a class activity, make a list of ingredients (grains, spices, etc.) that are used in your home.
Common ingredients used in Indian homes include a variety of grains and spices that form the foundation of everyday cooking.
Cereals such as rice, barley and wheat are widely consumed across the country. Millets like pearl millet (bajra), sorghum (jowar), and finger millet (ragi) are also commonly used, especially in certain regions.
Pulses such as various kinds of dals and grams provide essential proteins in Indian diets.
Common spices include turmeric, cumin, cardamom and ginger, which add flavour to dishes.
These staple grains and spices are used throughout India, though the dishes prepared from them vary greatly across regions.
Explanation
The chapter explains that certain food grains are common to almost every part of India — cereals like rice, barley and wheat; millets like bajra, jowar, ragi; and pulses like various dals and grams. These are called 'staple grains' because they are the basic food for most Indians. Common spices like turmeric, cumin, cardamom and ginger are also used throughout the country.
Solution Steps
Common cereals used in Indian homes include rice, barley and wheat
Millets such as pearl millet (bajra), sorghum (jowar), and finger millet (ragi) are commonly used
Pulses include various kinds of dals and grams
Common spices include turmeric, cumin, cardamom and ginger
These staple grains and spices are used throughout India with regional variations in dishes