Garam masala
Prep Time:
5 minutes
Cooking Time:
0 minutes
Servings:
10
Garam masala will usually consist of:
Black pepper,
Coriander, Cumin, Cardamom, Cloves, Cinnamon (or cassia), Nutmeg
In variations on garam masala, ingredients may include:
turmeric,
saffron, fennel seeds, ginger, garlic,
mustard seeds,
mace, star anise, tamarind
fenugreek bay leaves
Malabar leaves
dried red chiles
Cooking With Garam Masala
Garam masala is usually added near the end of cooking so that it not only seasons the dish but adds to the aroma. Some additional garam masala may also be sprinkled on top of the dish. Traditionally, garam masala is made fresh from the component spices and used within a few days. It is often not the only spice and seasoning used in a dish.
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Ingredients
-
2 tbsp ground coriander
2 tbsp ground cumin
1 tbsp ground turmeric
1 tsp red pepper flakes
2 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground black pepper
¼ tsp ground cardamom
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
Directions
Mix all the spices in a jar with a tight lid.
Store in your spice cabinet.
Alternatively you can buy whole coriander, cumin and cardamom seeds. Toast them in a dry pan until fragrant 2-4 minutes. Let them cool, grind the spices with a spice grinder, add the rest of the spices and store in a jar
Notes:
Garam masala is a blend of ground spices used extensively in Indian cuisine. The spices for garam masala are usually toasted to bring out more flavor and aroma, and then ground. The word "masala" means "spices," and garam means "hot." However, garam masala doesn't necessarily constitute a particularly spicy blend. and you will need to check the label to see what spices are included.
Varieties of Garam Masala
There is no single garam masala recipe. The ingredients differ according to the region as well as each chef's individual preferences. Garam masala from Northern India, including the Punjab region, often has only black pepper as a hot element and mostly focuses on aromatic and sweet spices. This garam masala will be quite mild, and any heat in the dish will come from adding hot peppers.
The farther south you go in India, the hotter the garam masala is likely to be as red chiles are likely to be part of the blend. The spices also change, based on what is more common locally.
What Does It Taste Like?
Garam masala adds warmth, sweetness, floral notes, and a touch of heat from the black pepper. It is intended to be a fragrant spice as well as flavorful. While cumin, coriander, and turmeric may remind you of curry, garam masala is generally not firey hot.
What Is It Made Of?
If you are buying garam masala, you will need to read the ingredients in order to determine which spices are is included.
