Garam Masala - Spice Mix
Garam masala is the type of spice that when you open the pack and inhale the flavors, you’ll recognize a spice blend that gives great flavor to dishes without adding heat. Once you taste the difference that this simple powder makes in your cooking, you will find it worth always having on hand in your kitchen.
Garam Masala adds flavor to slow cooking foods, the spice mixture contributes a rich flavor that would not otherwise be present.
Garam masala is pungent but not piquant. The word garam refers to intensity of the spices rather than capsaicin content while masala refers to a mix, thus Garam Masala is a very special blend of spices which is used in cooking in much the same way as we may add Mixed Herbs to everyday meals.
Garam Masala mixed with a little chili powder and salt and sprinkled over fish before barbecuing, frying or grilling makes it delicious.
Garam Masala is a common additive in various types of pilau (pilaf). It is usually added to hot oil in which onions have been fried golden brown.
Recipes
To make Kashmiri Garam Masala: Simply add to 1 Tablespoon of Herbie's Garam Masala, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin and 1/2 a teaspoon each of nigella seeds and ground nutmeg.
Garam Masala is the Indian equivalent of French Herbes de Provence or Chinese five-spice powder.
As a rule Garam Masala is only added at the last step of cooking, almost like a fresh herb, because it tends to become a little bitter if cooked too long.
Health Benefits
Garam masala contains several micronutrients. One ounce has about 215 milligrams of calcium, 9 milligrams of iron, 400 milligrams of potassium, and 1 milligram of zinc.
| Contains | Fennel Seed, Caraway Seed, Cinnamon, Cardamom, Cloves, Black Pepper |
|---|---|
| Application | Garam Masala adds flavor to slow cooking foods, the spice mixture contributes a rich flavor that would not otherwise be present. |
