1 kg Garam Masala Recipe: Blend of Aromatic Spices
What is Garam Masala?
Garam masala is a popular Indian spice blend that adds depth and warmth to various dishes. The name "garam masala" literally means "hot spices" in Hindi, but it's not necessarily a spicy blend. Instead, it's a harmonious combination of ground spices that adds flavor and aroma to Indian and other South Asian cuisines.
Why Make Your Own Garam Masala?
While store-bought garam masala is readily available, making your own blend allows you to customize the flavors to your liking. By roasting and grinding your own spices, you can ensure freshness and quality, which can make a significant difference in the flavor of your dishes.
The Recipe: 1 kg Garam Masala Blend
To make a large batch of garam masala, you'll need the following spices:
Ingredients:
- 200g coriander seeds
- 150g cumin seeds
- 100g cinnamon sticks (broken into small pieces)
- 100g cardamom pods (husked and seeds only)
- 50g cloves
- 50g black peppercorns
- 50g cassia bark (or cinnamon sticks)
- 20g star anise
- 20g fennel seeds
- 10g nutmeg
- 10g mace (optional)
Instructions:
- Roast the spices: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Spread the coriander seeds, cumin seeds, cinnamon sticks, cardamom seeds, cloves, black peppercorns, cassia bark, star anise, and fennel seeds on separate baking sheets. Roast for 5-7 minutes or until fragrant. Let the spices cool.
- Grind the spices: Using a spice grinder or a mortar and pestle, grind each type of spice into a fine powder.
- Mix the spices: Combine the ground spices in the following proportions:
- Coriander: 40%
- Cumin: 30%
- Cinnamon: 10%
- Cardamom: 5%
- Cloves: 5%
- Black pepper: 5%
- Cassia bark: 3%
- Star anise: 1%
- Fennel seeds: 1%
- Nutmeg: 0.5%
- Mace (optional): 0.5%
Mix the spices thoroughly to ensure an even blend.
Tips and Variations:
- Customize to taste: Adjust the proportions of the spices to suit your personal taste preferences.
- Add or substitute spices: Experiment with other spices like cayenne pepper, bay leaves, or rose petals to create unique flavor profiles.
- Store the garam masala: Transfer the blend to an airtight container and store it in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.
Using Your Homemade Garam Masala:
Now that you have your 1 kg garam masala blend, use it to add depth and warmth to various dishes, such as:
- Indian curries and stews
- Spice blends for meats and vegetables
- Soups and stews
- Marinades and rubs
Enjoy experimenting with your homemade garam masala blend!
