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Garam Masala

 
Garam Masala
garam masala
photo credit: gourmetsleuth
Translated, garam masala means "hot spices". This aromatic combination of ground spice is used in many Indian dishes. Typical ingredients include cinnamon, cumin, cardamom, cloves, peppercorns and sometimes chiles. Learn about garam masala including a recipe to make your own.
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Published by: Gourmet Sleuth

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About

Cookbook writer Madhur Jaffrey describes garam masala as "an aromatic mixture meant to heat the body". This traditional Indian spice mixture has many regional variations. One main ingredient includes cardamom seeds and although green cardamom is a favorite, black cardamom may be substituted. Of course cinnamon, cumin, cloves and black pepper round out the mixture. Variations aside one rough standard is that the mixture should be use towards the end of the cooking period. It may also be used as a condiment and sprinkled on meats, vegetables and lentils.

Garam Masala History

Garam Masala, the "warming" spice originated in Northern India where the winters are cold.  This is more of a warm, aromatic flavoring spice rather than a curry which may be firey hot.  The spice is used in most regions of India as well as Pakistan and even Persia.  

How To Make Garam Masala

The Traditional Method

The traditional method for making any fresh masala is to start with whole spices.  The spices should be toasted either in a heavy pan (such as cast iron) or in a low heat over (250 degrees) just until the aromas start to release.  Over heating the spice will make it bitter and unpalatable.

You can use a combination of ground spices but of course you will not have the same intense flavor.

Garam Masala Recipe

Every family has their own recipe and this is simply one example.  The ingredients are toasted in the oven and then ground. 

Makes about 1/4 cup of spice.

  • 2 teaspoons whole black peppercorns 
  • 2 teaspoons cumin seeds 
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons coriander seeds 
  • 1 teaspoon fennel seeds 
  • 3/4 teaspoon whole cloves 
  • 1/2 teaspoon cardamom seeds (without pods) 
  • 1 stick cinnamon -- broken 

Preheat oven to 275F degrees. Combine spices on pizza pan or cookies sheet and bake for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

In a blender container place roasted spices; cover and blend to a fine powder.  Store in an airtight container in a cool dry  place.

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