Hello reader. I’m so glad you”re here. Make yourself a nice cup of chai and have a seat! I want to show you how to bring Indian flavors into your kitchen and, for my inaugural post, I am going to start with something basic but oh so important if you want your Indian food to have bright, authentic flavor – garam masala. Used primarily in Northern Indian cooking, it is India’s answer to Chinese five-spice powder. Garam Masala is used both as an integral flavor in dishes and also as a finisher – sprinkled on at the end of cooking. I use this spice blend in a variety of dishes – from lentils (dal) to koftas (vegetable dumpling curry) to all sorts of meat curries. You can buy it pre-mixed at an Indian store but I find an IMMENSE difference in flavor if you make your own. I grew up watching my Mom make garam masala at least once a month and I follow her recipe. Trust me when I say it is fabulous! The big trick is taking the time to toast the spices. The flavors become more intense and your house will smell amazing. You will find yourself sprinkling this spice powerhouse on not just Indian food.
GARAM MASALA
Ingredients:
- 1/2 tbl cumin
- 1 tbl black peppercorns
- 1 1/2 tsp cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 10 black cardamom pods (these are larger than green cardamom and have a black, ashy appearance. Look for them in the spice aisle of your local Indian market)
- 1 large bay leaf
1. Heat small dry skillet over medium low. Add spices.
2. Toast spice for 5-6 minutes until the cloves turn ashy and the spices are popping. Pan may also smoke a little bit – don’t be alarmed, this is normal!
3. Let the spices cool to touch and then grind in your spice grinder. Sometimes large pieces of the cinnamon stick remain – I fish those out.
4. I store the garam masala in a glass jar. It holds its potency for 2-3 months.
Am now inspired to find black cardamom (slash make Mom bring it to me next time she visits). Do you grind the whole cardamom pods? You don’t take out the little seeds inside and use only those? Wish I’d paid attention like you did when Mom was cooking!
Yes I grind the whole black cardamom pods and all! Sometimes big chunks remain and I fish those out. I’ll bet you can get black cardamom at Kalustyan’s in NYC no problem. Or I can give some to you when you visit!
Garam Masala is like a magical spice blend that instantly elevates any dish to new heights! The combination of fragrant spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and cumin creates a symphony of flavors that awaken the taste buds. I love how versatile it is – whether used in curries, roasted vegetables, or even sprinkled on popcorn, Garam Masala adds a warm and aromatic touch that never fails to impress!