The rich, pungent foods of India are renowned for their glorious seasonings, from the comforting and cozy blends of the mountainous north to the complex, spicy-hot blends of the steamy south. Indian spices and herbs, native to that country, have become the staple spices in a modern Western kitchen. Thanks to their local chefs' sensibilities, though, these spices and herbs are combined to reflect Indian food preferences, creating a cornucopia of flavor that is unique to this special, ancient part of the world.