Tempering Spices: The Tadka Technique
What Is Tempering?
Tempering is frying whole spices in hot oil or ghee to release their essential oils and create a flavored base.
Oil Temperature Matters
The oil should be hot enough that mustard seeds pop within seconds (about 180C). Too cool and spices absorb oil without releasing flavor.
Order of Addition
- Mustard seeds first (longest to pop)
- Cumin seeds and fenugreek next
- Curry leaves and dried chilies after






