Indias spice secret- garam masala

India is known for its excellent cuisine, it's unique regions of cooking, and a pleasant dining experience. India is distinguished in the world's cuisine for it vegetarian dishes. One thing all of the regional cuisines of India have in common is its use of spices.

Garam masala is an essential ingredient in the cooking of the Punjab region of northern India. Loosely defined, "masala" is any blend of spices, and "garam" means hot.

Generally, garam masala is added to the dish very shortly before serving to enhance flavor. Garam Masala is also an excellent rub for chicken and beef.

Garam masala is available prepared in ethnic groceries, and specialty stores such as World Market. The disadvantage of this is that one does not know how old the spices are, or what changes in temperatures and packaging it has been subjected to. One takes a chance on the potency and fragrance of this blend if it is bought already prepared. It is a simple process to make garam masala, and ingredients, with the exception of cardamom pods, are readily available. cardamom pods are available in Indian and natural food stores. Buy the green pods versus the white pods, which are bleached. Cardamom is an expensive spice, second only in price to saffron. It is expensive because it has to be handpicked. This spice is best used by toasting the seed removed from the pod, and then ground in a spice mill, along with the other ingredients of garam masala. Cardamom loses its essential oils and flavors quickly after being cracked and ground, and so buying the pods and toasting and grinding is the best method of use for this great spice.

To make Garam Masala, use the following ingredients:

2 cardamom pods, seeded

1 teaspoon whole cloves

30 whole peppercorns

2 teaspoons whole cumin seed

1 2-inch piece cinnamon stick

1 teaspoon coriander seeds

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

The best method for making garam masala is to toast and then grind the ingredients. This is accomplished by placing the seed ingredients one at a time in a pan over medium high heat, and shaking them until they just begin to smoke and release their distinctive aromas. It will take approximately 1-3 minutes. Be sure not to burn the seeds!

Place the toasted ingredients in a spice mill, and grind to a fairly fine mixture. The garam masala can then be stored in a tightly sealed glass jar for up to 6 months. Any time after that and the spices will begin to lose flavor and aroma.

I use garam masala for a rub for roasted or grilled chicken and beef. The aroma and flavor are outstanding, and chicken baked or grilled will retain the excellent flavor of the garam masala.

Try garam masala today. Cooking with the spices of northern India is an experience that every adventurous chef should try!

Did you find this article useful? For more useful tips and hints, points to ponder and keep in mind, techniques, and insights pertaining to guides on cuisines, culinary styles, recipes and more , do please browse for more information at our websites.

Users Reading this article are also interested in:

Top Searches on Herbs and Spices:

• Garam Masala Spice

• Garam Masala Recipes

About The Author, Rajkumarsharma

www.infozabout.comwww.cookery.infozabout.com

Herbs and Spices

•	Homemade Salsa for Parties
•	Is it Time to Spice Up Your Life a Little?
•	Putting Fire In Your Food With Spices
•	Spices That Are Good For You
•	Authentic Hispanic Spices: Spice up Your Life and be Healthy
•	Why Use Organic Herbs And Spices?
•	Tasty Mexican Spices - Cumin, Chili, Coriander and More
•	Culinary Herbs: Simple To Grow And Great For Food
•	Horney Goat Weed - A Marvelous Herb
•	Herbal Pain Relief Products: Whats In It for Consumers?
•	Herbal Alternatives to Smoking
•	Herbal Acne Cures
•	Use of Natural Herbs in Our Food
•	Bulk Organic Herbs - Better for You, Better for the World.
•	Enjoy The Convenience And Quality Of Bulk Herbs
•	How to cook with fresh herbs
•	Frugal Cooking With Herbs
•	The Art Of Growing Herbs
•	Chamomile (German) - Side Effects and Benefits
•	Whats So Special About Cinnamon
	» More on Herbs and Spices

FoodEditorials Cooking Guide offers insightful Cooking Tips & Recipes for aspiring chefs who would like to try new Barbeque Recipes, Chicken Recipes, Seafood Recipes & Meat Recipes for main courses; or Salad Recipes and Soup Recipes for appetisers. Also, learn more on the best Cooking Appliances to cook delicious meals and how Herbs & Spices can liven up Festive Recipes.

Need faster Access? Try our Local Hosting Sites

Asia : Singapore - Malaysia - Indonesia | America : USA