Spice Garam Masala

- Delivered in a resealable pouch - 

1) Who am I?

The Garam Masala is a traditional spice blend from the North of India, designed to bring warmth and depth to your dishes without being excessively spicy. Composed of coriander, cumin, ginger, cinnamon, pepper, nutmeg, oregano, cardamom, hot pepper, cloves, and bay leaf, this spice blend is mild and aromatic. The flavors are dominated by coriander and cinnamon, with a subtle hint of chili to enhance the mix without making it fiery. It stands out with its warm, slightly sweet, and highly aromatic scent, making it ideal for a wide variety of dishes.

2) Usage in Cooking

The Garam Masala is a versatile spice, perfect for enhancing your dishes. It is particularly appreciated in:

• Meats and sweet/savory dishes: Use it in meat-based dishes (chicken, lamb, pork) to add a sweet and exotic touch, especially in sweet/savory dishes.
• Vegetables and rice: This blend is perfect in vegetable stir-fries or for flavoring rice. For rice, add it after cooking, unless you're making pilaf rice, where you can incorporate it into the cooking water.
• Marinades: Marinate prawns, chicken, or other proteins with Garam Masala for a rich and enveloping flavor.
• Stews and slow-cooked dishes: Add it halfway through cooking in your stews to preserve the richness of the aromas.
• Spiced tea: Some use it to flavor tea, though it's recommended to use whole spices to avoid sediment.

3) A Little History

The Garam Masala gets its name from Hindi: "garam" meaning "hot" and "massala" meaning "blend." This name refers to the blend's ability to bring warmth to a dish, both in temperature and flavor. In India, there is no single recipe for Garam Masala: each region, even each family, has its own variation, making it a very personal and unique blend. It has also influenced the cuisine of Réunion, where a local version called Massalé is found, although it differs slightly from the Indian Garam Masala.

4) Recipe Ideas

• Chicken with Garam Masala:

  • Ingredients: Chicken pieces, Garam Masala, onions, yogurt, garlic, ginger.
  • Preparation: Marinate the chicken in a mixture of Garam Masala, yogurt, garlic, and ginger. Sauté the onions, add the marinated chicken, and simmer until the chicken is tender and aromatic.

• Pilaf Rice with Garam Masala:

  • Ingredients: Basmati rice, Garam Masala, onions, chicken broth, butter.
  • Preparation: Sauté the onions in butter, add the rice and Garam Masala, then pour in the broth. Let it simmer until the rice has absorbed all the liquid for a fragrant side dish.

• Vegetable Curry with Garam Masala:

  • Ingredients: Potatoes, carrots, zucchini, chickpeas, Garam Masala, coconut milk.
  • Preparation: Sauté the vegetables with Garam Masala, then add the coconut milk. Simmer until the vegetables are tender and serve with rice or naan.

• Grilled Prawns with Garam Masala:

  • Ingredients: Prawns, Garam Masala, olive oil, lemon juice.
  • Preparation: Mix the prawns with olive oil, lemon juice, and Garam Masala. Grill them until golden and aromatic.