Garam masala
Garam masala is a good combination of ground spices common in north India and south Asian cuisines. It is often used with seasonings or alone. The word masala refers to ‘spices’ and garam refers to ‘hot’ so it can be translated as ‘hot spice’. It is not a spice in itself but a blend of spices used throughout India. This pungent tasting spice is added at end of cooking or fried in the beginning of cooking in small amounts to add a subtle flavor and aroma to the cooked dish. If not added in small quantity it may overpower the dish.
Composition:
The composition of garam masala varies regionally. Numerous and various combinations of these and other spices are used according to region and taste.
The typical garam masala consists of black, brown and green cardamom, cinnamon, coriander, cumin and black and white peppercorns. Sometimes bay leaves and nutmeg are also added in the masala.
Selection of garam masala
Although garam masala is commercially available but these already ground masala do not keep well for long and also soon lose their aroma. Infact buy the whole spices which keep fresh for long and can be grounded whenever needed using a electric mixture or mortar. While buying packaged garam masala check the expiry date and feel for lumpiness.
Culinary uses:
- Garam masala is usually added to a curries, vegetable dishes, or soups towards the end of cooking or sprinkled over the surface before serving.
- Garam masala is used in number of cuisines as per the recipe like dal makhani, several of Sabzi and so on.
How to store
Garam masala can be stored in a cook dark place in a dry airtight container. Though commercially available masala preparations with all ground spices do not keep well and lose their aroma.
Benefits to health
- The presence of cinnamon makes it an anti inflammatory ingredient which promotes brain functionality and controls sugar.
- With presence of cumin it acts as a source of iron and prevents from getting cancer.
- Coriander makes it an ingredient traditionally good for diabetic patients and lowers cholesterol amount in body.
