Why you should ditch store-bought spices and make Garam Masala at home.
Why you should ditch store-bought spices and make Garam Masala at home.
If you're a fan of Indian cuisine, you've probably heard of garam masala, a blend of spices commonly used in many dishes. While it's convenient to buy a ready-made jar of this popular spice mix from your local supermarket, you might be missing out on the full potential of this flavorful seasoning. Making your own garam masala at home not only allows you to tailor the mixture to your taste, but it also results in a fresher and more aromatic spice blend. Plus, you know exactly what's in it, so you don't need any unnecessary additives or preservatives. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of making your own garam masala and provide a simple recipe to get you started. So, put down that store-bought jar and let's start grinding our own spices!
Benefits of Making Garam Masala Yourself
Making your own garam masala has numerous advantages over buying a pre-made jar. First, you can tailor the spice mix to your own taste and preferences. For example, if you prefer cardamom to cinnamon, you can adjust the recipe to add more cardamom and less cinnamon. Second, grinding your own spices is a great way to enhance the flavor of your dishes. Because the spices are freshly ground, they are much more aromatic than spices that have been sitting in a jar for a long time. Third, you know exactly what's in your spice mix. If you're worried about unnecessary additives or preservatives in pre-made spice blends, you can have peace of mind when making your own garam masala.
How to Make Garam Masala at Home
Making garam masala is easier than you think. All you need are the right herbs and spices and a coffee grinder or spice mill to grind them finely. Here's a simple recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons cumin seeds
- 2 tablespoons coriander seeds
- 1 tablespoon cardamom pods
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Toast the cumin seeds, coriander seeds, cardamom pods, and black peppercorns in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir regularly until the spices are fragrant (about 2-3 minutes).
2. Place the toasted spices in a coffee grinder or spice grinder. Add the cinnamon and ground cloves. Grind the spices into a fine powder.
3. Store the garam masala in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. The spice mixture will stay fresh for about 6 months, but is best when used immediately.
These Indian spices can be found in our Curry spice kit with 12 herbs/spices and 3 recipes.
Recipes using Garam Masala
Garam masala can be used in a wide variety of dishes, from curries to soups to stews. Here are some delicious recipes to get you started:
Garam Masala Chicken Curry
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken fillets, cut into cubes
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons Garam Masala
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- Fresh coriander, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat a dash of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until translucent.
2. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is browned on the outside.
3. Add the Garam Masala and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the spices begin to release their aroma.
4. Add the diced tomatoes and chicken stock and bring to a boil. Simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
5. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the Greek yogurt. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve the curry with rice and garnish with fresh coriander.
Garam Masala Chickpea Curry
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons Garam Masala
- 2 cans of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable stock
- Fresh coriander, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until translucent.
2. Add the Garam Masala and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the spices begin to release their aroma.
3. Add the chickpeas, diced tomatoes, and vegetable stock and bring to a boil. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
4. Remove the pan from the heat and season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve the curry with rice and garnish with fresh coriander.
Conclusion
Making your own garam masala is not only easy, but it also offers numerous advantages over buying a ready-made jar. By grinding your own spice mix, you can tailor the flavor to your own taste and preferences, resulting in a fresher and more aromatic spice blend. Plus, you know exactly what's in your spice mix, so you don't have to worry about unnecessary additives or preservatives. With our curry spice kit, you can make your own garam masala at home. You'll be amazed at how much better your dishes will taste!
Also discover these top 10 favorite Indian curries .