Homemade Garam Masala Recipe
Homemade Garam Masala Recipe: As a passionate home cook and food critic, I have a deep love for spices and the flavors they bring to dishes. And one spice blend that holds a special place in my heart is garam masala. This fragrant blend of spices, native to Indian cuisine, adds depth and warmth to a variety of dishes. I find the aroma of freshly ground garam masala to be simply irresistible, with its complex blend of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cumin. The warmth of the spices is balanced by a touch of sweetness, making it a versatile spice that can be used in both savory and sweet dishes.
What is Homemade Garam Masala?
Homemade garam masala is a spice blend that is widely used in Indian cuisine to add flavor and warmth to dishes. It typically consists of a combination of warm spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, cumin, coriander, and nutmeg, along with other spices like bay leaves, fennel seeds, and black peppercorns. The spices are toasted and then ground to a fine powder to make the garam masala. This spice blend is used in a variety of dishes, from curries to stews, and even in some sweet dishes like puddings.
Variations of Homemade Garam Masala
While the core ingredients in garam masala remain the same, there are regional variations that include different spices. Some common variations include:
- Punjabi Garam Masala: This version includes fennel and ajwain seeds for a slightly sweet and licorice-like flavor.
- Maharashtrian Garam Masala: This variation includes coconut and sesame seeds, giving it a nutty flavor.
- Kashmiri Garam Masala: This version uses a larger amount of dried red chilies, giving it a mild heat and a rich red color.
- South Indian Garam Masala: This variation includes coconut, curry leaves, and tamarind, making it more fragrant and slightly sour.
Nutrition in Homemade Garam Masala
Homemade garam masala is low in calories, but it is a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. The spices used in garam masala have a long history of medicinal use and are believed to have various health benefits, including reducing inflammation, boosting digestion, and promoting heart health. However, it is important to use garam masala in moderation as it is high in salt and can add up quickly in terms of sodium intake.
In conclusion, making your own garam masala at home allows you to have complete control over the ingredients and flavor, making it a perfect addition to a variety of dishes. Whether you prefer the traditional blend or a regional variation, the warm and aromatic flavor of garam masala will add depth and complexity to your cooking.
Step by step Homemade Garam Masala Recipe
Homemade Garam Masala Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 Green cardamom
- 1/2 cup Cumin (Jeera)
- 1/4 cup coriander seeds
- 5 black cardamom
- 8 cinnamon
- 1 nutmeg
- 1/4 cup Fennel (Saunf)
- 1 bay leaf / tej patta
- 2 tbsp cloves
- 2 tbsp black pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Assemble all ingredients together to avoid last minute rush.
Cooking
- Dry roast all the spices one by one in a Frying Pan or Kadai on low flame except nutmeg.
- After a while, you will feel the aroma of spices. Switch off the flame when all are completely roasted.
- Now, let them cool down and add everything in a Grinder including nutmeg. Grind the spices into a fine powder.
- Transfer the powder into a dry airtight container and use within 2 months.
Equipment Used for This Recipe
- Air Tight Container
Notes & Tips
- Choosing Spices: My Garam Masala Powder Recipe is very simple and quick to make. However, if you like can add more spices like caraway seeds, mace or dry ginger powder.
- Alternate to Roasting? If you live in very sunny areas, then can also sun dried all these spices for good 3-4 days instead of dry roasting. Just cover them while sun drying with muslin cloth or sieve so that dust will not stick to spices. Dry roast is the best solution for people like me who live in colder areas.
- Check spices thoroughly: Before using spices, check thoroughly if they have any hidden insects or mould. If yes, discard them right away.
- Ingredients & Equipment: Find these Ingredients & Equipment at specialty food stores or online stores. For review of some stores, please refer to the Grocery Review Section on our Website.
Nutrition Information (Note: Approximate)
FAQs – Homemade Garam Masala Recipe
What is Homemade Garam Masala and what are its ingredients?
Homemade Garam Masala is an aromatic blend of spices that is widely used in Indian cooking. It is made by roasting and grinding a combination of spices, such as cumin, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, and nutmeg. The ingredients used in garam masala can vary based on regional and personal preferences, but the blend typically includes some combination of these warm and fragrant spices.
What is the difference between Garam Masala and Curry Powder?
Garam masala and curry powder are both spice blends used in Indian and South Asian cooking, but they are not the same thing. Garam masala is made from a blend of warming spices, such as cumin, coriander, and cinnamon, and is used to add depth of flavor to dishes like soups, stews, and curries. Curry powder, on the other hand, is a more complex blend that typically includes a mix of spices like cumin, turmeric, and fenugreek, as well as chili pepper and other ingredients like coriander and ginger.
How do you use Homemade Garam Masala?
Homemade garam masala is a versatile spice blend that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is commonly added to soups, stews, curries, and rice dishes, and can also be used as a rub for meats and vegetables. The spice blend can be added at the beginning of cooking to infuse the dish with its flavor, or it can be sprinkled on top at the end for a burst of aromatic warmth.
How long does Homemade Garam Masala last?
When stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, homemade garam masala will last for up to 6 months. To maximize its shelf life, it is important to keep the spices as fresh as possible, which can be achieved by roasting and grinding them just before use.
What are some variations of Homemade Garam Masala?
Homemade garam masala can be customized to suit personal taste preferences, with variations including the addition of ingredients like fennel, caraway, and star anise. Some regional variations also include the use of green cardamom, mace, or bay leaves, which can add a unique flavor profile to the blend.
Can Homemade Garam Masala be made without roasting the spices?
Yes, garam masala can be made without roasting the spices, but roasting helps to bring out the oils in the spices and intensify their flavors. If you prefer to make garam masala without roasting the spices, you can simply grind the ingredients together until they are well combined. The flavor will still be delicious, but it may be slightly less intense than when the spices are roasted first.
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