Kitchen Items for an Indian Grad Student - II

Here comes the tough part - choosing what food items you're going to take with you. While there are some mandatory spices that you must carry, the remainder of the space is yours to fill up!

Spices and Herbs:

• Sambhar powder
• Rasam powder
• Jeera powder - 200 gm
• Red chili powder - 200 gm
• Turmeric powder - 100 gm
• Coriander powder - 100 gm
• Black pepper powder -100 gm
• Chhole Masala - can be used for making rajma as well
• Royal Garam Masala
• Kitchen King Masala - used to make kurma
• Pav Bhaji Masala - this is one of the easiest dishes to make with any available vegetables
• Tandoori Chicken Masala - can be used for potatos or paneer also
• Shahi Biriyani Masala - an all-in-one dish that doesn't require sides
• Dried red chili pepper
• Mustard seeds
• Urad dhal
• Jeera seeds
• Coriander seeds 
• Fenugreek seeds
• Black pepper seeds
• Anise
• Cardamom
• Clove
• Saunf
• Kasoori methi
• Asafoetida powder
• Cinnamon bark pieces
• Sesame seeds [Optional]
• Splitz tamarind concentrate 
• Smith and Jones ginger-garlic paste pouch

Note:

• Do not carry curry leaves with you in any form to be on the safe side.
• Make sure everything is completely dry and stored in a sealed packing.
• A palm-sized Ziploc bag of spices is sufficient for 6-9 months, if cooking for 1 person
• The tamarind concentrate an ginger-garlic paste are best to use in the pouches with a screw-on enclosing. This preserves them longer and you don't need to worry about using a clean, dry spoon each time you need you use some.

Apart from the above spices and herbs, I also took a variety of ready-to-eat mixes. These are the brands that I've tried:

• Parampara Mixes - I've tried the chicken curry and it's really easy to make! 
• Ching's Secret - The schezwan chutney is a must. They also sell 10/- powders for making fried rice, hakka noodles, chicken 65, vegetable manchurian and chili paneer which are very convenient. 
• Maggi noodles
• MTR - The puliogare mix is really good
• Chef's Basket - They sell very good mixes with noodles, seasoning and spices.

You do not need to take rice, atta or dhal. You can purchase it on arrival. Other miscellaneous items that I took:

• Papad - you can microwave these for 10-30 seconds for a quick snack/side dish for rice.
• Pickle
• Pickled rice mix - for lemon rice, coriander rice, mint rice, etc.
• Coconut milk powder
• Garlic rice powder/ dhal rice powder
• Soyatein

Get a few things (Maggi/ Knorr noodles) that you can make easily with one pan for the initial few days. 

It is advisable to get scrubbing sponges for cleaning the dishes as well. Brands like Scotch-Brite are expensive. However, you can get other brands at the DollarTree.

Check out a list of pots and pans to take with you!