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The chefs at Indian-Latin restaurant At Vermillion took us to Patel Brothers in Jackson Heights, a store the Zagat Gourmet Shopping and Entertainment Guide describes as "indispensable" to show us the spices and products you can use to make an eclectic meal at home.

Executive Chef Maneet Chauhan says the fun of cooking is experimentation -- to know what you're working with in order to create something new.

"I think the most important thing for people who are cooking with spices is to know the flavor of the spices," said Chauhan.

Chauhan says creamy, smokey, black cardamom is perfect for meat dishes, while tart amchur or mango powder works well for seafood.

Panch Puran is a blend of many spices integral to any Indian kitchen, and is used to make chutneys or give fragrance to rice.

The chef describes cumin as a savory spice that can be added to soups and omelets and that works surprisingly well in ice cream and desserts.

Tamarind is a fruit with a dark flavor and sweet profile, and can be used in seafood, meats, desserts and drinks.

You may be familiar with cilantro but did you know it begins as coriander seeds? Chauhan says coriander is one of the most versatile ingredients.

"It has a nice, lovely grassy flavor and it works very well with desserts or with entrees," said Chauhan.

If you think Indian food has to burn your lips, Chauhan disagrees. She says using spices makes the cuisine flavorful and not necessarily hot. However, if you like your food on fire, try a classic staple in the spice rack -- chili powder.

"They could add red chili powder, whole red chilli's or black pepper," said Chauhan.

As for pre-packaged items, At Vemilion's Chef de Cuisine Ipsha Pall likes Rajah's spice mix Garam Masala, Parampara's fish gravy for seafood, meats and vegetables and Puliogare's South Indian mix that she'll add to rice or fish dishes.

As for chutneys, the chefs say their homemade versions can take four to five hours to simmer. If you don't have that time they suggest Swad brand's mint and tamarind versions for your home.

Patel Brothers
37-27 74th Street
Queens, New York
(718) 898-3445
www.patelbrothersusa.com

For the ratings, Patel Brothers gets a 23 for quality, a 17 for display and a 13 for service. Prices are listed as inexpensive.

At Vermilion
480 Lexington Avenue
New York, New York
(212) 871-6600
www.thevermilionrestaurant.com

At Vermilion is not yet rated in the Zagat guide but prices are listed as expensive.