No Indian kitchen would be complete without the spice,garam masala.Meaning "hot mix", garam masala is a blend of whole and/or ground spices used to give Indian dishes a rich,warm taste and aroma. A basic blend of garam masala usually contains cinnamon, cardamon, cumin, peppercorns, and bay leaves.But each region and household has their own special blend with varying ingredients.Some garam masalas are known to have upwards of 10 ingredients.
Garam masala is usually added to the end of cooking to draw out the flavors of other foods.It is used as a flavoring for meat and poultry dishes, rice, or as a rub.Garam masala is usually available from Indian grocers here in the U.S., but in India packaged versions are non-existent because each cook makes their own according to family recipes.Here's a basic recipe for garam masala.
Yield:1/2 c
Ingredients:
2 bay leaves
1-1" cinnamon stick
1 tsp. black peppercorns
1 tsp. cardamon seeds
2 tsp. cumin seeds
1 tsp. coriander
1 tsp. whole cloves
1.Combine all the ingredients in a spice grinder or mortar & pestle and grind until powdered.Store garam masala in an airtight container a place in a cool, dry place.Will keep for 6 months.
Garam masala is usually added to the end of cooking to draw out the flavors of other foods.It is used as a flavoring for meat and poultry dishes, rice, or as a rub.Garam masala is usually available from Indian grocers here in the U.S., but in India packaged versions are non-existent because each cook makes their own according to family recipes.Here's a basic recipe for garam masala.
Yield:1/2 c
Ingredients:
2 bay leaves
1-1" cinnamon stick
1 tsp. black peppercorns
1 tsp. cardamon seeds
2 tsp. cumin seeds
1 tsp. coriander
1 tsp. whole cloves
1.Combine all the ingredients in a spice grinder or mortar & pestle and grind until powdered.Store garam masala in an airtight container a place in a cool, dry place.Will keep for 6 months.
