The Ultimate Guide to Garam Masala: From Making to Using
Introduction
Garam Masala is a popular spice mix used in Indian cuisine. It's a blend of aromatic spices that add depth and flavor to dishes. The name "garam masala" literally means "hot spice mix" in Hindi, referring to its warming effect on the body. The history of Garam Masala can be traced back to ancient India, where it was used in Ayurvedic medicine to aid digestion and improve overall health.
Benefits of using Garam Masala
In addition to its delicious taste, Garam Masala has many health benefits. It's a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect the body against disease. The spices in Garam Masala, such as cinnamon and cloves, also have anti-inflammatory properties. Using Garam Masala in cooking can also aid in digestion and boost metabolism.
How to make Garam Masala at home?
Making your own Garam Masala at home is easy and allows you to customize the blend to your taste. Here's a simple recipe to get you started, you can buy whole spices here.
- 2 tbsp cumin seeds
- 2 tbsp coriander seeds
- 2 tsp black peppercorns
- 2 tsp cardamom pods
- 1 tsp cinnamon sticks
- 1 tsp whole cloves
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp bay leaves
- Dry Roast the cumin seeds, coriander seeds, black peppercorns, cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, and cloves in a pan over medium heat until fragrant.
- Grind the toasted spices in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.
- Add the nutmeg and bay leaves and grind again.
- Store in an airtight container.
If you don't have the time or will to experiment with making your own Garam Masala then you can buy some here