If you are a fan of classic Nepali dishes or South Asian cuisines as a whole, without a doubt, you know about garam masala. This hot blend of spices is the pivotal point of most dishes we typically make in our houses.
Yes, you can also call it the hallmark of the cuisines, and it is widely famous for its versatility and flavors. This seasoning blend of spices is made by initially toasting the spices on low heat. Then, it is ground into a fine powder.
Some of the typically used spices ingredients on this garam masala are cardamom, coriander seeds, nutmeg, cinnamon, cumin seeds, cloves, peppercorns, and fennel seeds. You can also add other spices such as bay leaves, dried ginger, garlic, chili flakes, star anise, and salt (as per taste).
Garam Masala: Its Taste, Availability, And Storage
Due to the various combinations of solid spices, the taste of this masala is pretty complex and robust. They have a deep, savory flavor with slightly sweet and fruity undertones. All in all, this blend of spices warms up your tongue as you savor it.
One of the significant differences between garam masala and curry masala is that garam masala does not include turmeric in its mixture, unlike curry powder or masala. Moving on, garam masala is reddish-brown in appearance, while curry masala is yellowish-orange in appearance.
Likewise, garam masala includes multiple numbers of spices in combination. But having said that, you can also find curry powder in several hot nature while this masala is not typically spicy.
If you are searching to buy this garam masala, you can find it in any local store or supermarket. And no, they are not similar to curry masala, even though they are both a blend of spices.
You can also make it by yourself at home, which is a fresher option. Additionally, always store them well in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. The direct sunlight on your garam masala will make it lose its potential. Also, do not expose moisture as it will also spoil them.
How To Use Garam Masala?
As a fun fact, It is a highly versatile seasoning that can blend into many dishes. Hence, yes, It do not only have limited use when it comes to containers. From chicken soup to curries to seasonings and tea, there is a variety of ways that you can make use of garam masala.
As a fun fact, you can leave this masala and shimmer or cook it for extra time. You can add this special masala at the end of the cooking time, and it will still bring out vibrant rich flavors and aromas.
Altogether, you can explore several recipes with it and find out which combinational recipe you like best.
Seasoning For Side Dishes
Garam Masala can be an excellent seasoning spice for any side dish. They enhance the taste and aroma of most side dishes.
Salad Dressing
You can sprinkle this masala as the topping or seasoning on any salads you make, and they pair exceptionally well with the carrots. For this, you can mix the masala in a tablespoon of olive oil and then drizzle it all over your salad
Roasted Vegetables
You can also roast and top your vegetables with any vegetable bowl. Add two to three tablespoons of masala in a tablespoon of olive oil, then drizzle it all over the vegetable bowl.
Then, mix them all to get an even coating of them. All in all, it is much better if you roast all the vegetables before seasoning them.
Baked Potatoes
When it comes to baked potatoes, you can try different variations of garam masala by seasoning, roasting, or even stuffing. Well, you can also add other variations to this dish by adding cheese or butter in them.
Additionally, you can mix this masala in the mashed version or season from the top after you have baked them and are ready to serve.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Similar to baked potatoes, you can also add this masala to your sweet potatoes to enhance their flavors. It will give you some spicy mixture to the sweetness of these potatoes.
Enhance Your Main Dish with Garam Masala
With this masala, you can add deep flavors to your everyday meal.
Rub Garam Masala To Meats And Fishes
Whether frying the meat, typically cooking it, or shoving it in the oven, rubbing it all over will bring out intense flavors from your dish. Yes, you can do it to meat items and fish.
When preparing any sort of meat, add this masala with onion powder, pepper, salt, and coriander to make a mixture. Then, apply this mixture all over both sides of the meat, and if you have a whole chicken, remember to rub them on the inside as well. But before cooking, let this marinated meat sit for about thirty minutes.
If you prepare fish or salmon, initially rub olive oil or butter all over it. Then, rub it evenly on both sides of the fish and let it sit for a while.
Change Your Everyday Veggies’ Game
On any of your regular veggies, from cauliflower, eggplants, green beans, and so on, you can use garam masala. This masala enhances the aroma and taste even with different cooking styles, like frying, roasting, gravy, and many more.
For this, you can add it to the chili paste or simply use masala only.
Basmati Rice
You can spice up the game if you are tired of regular rice. A sprinkle of this spice in your rice before cooking will give you an aromatic experience. However, please do not overdo it.
Soup Choices
Try this masala in your healthy soup and diet to express more flavors and warm aromas.
Lentil Soup
Any lentils will have enhanced flavors if you spice them with garam masala. It is the classic approach to adding flavors. You can heat a minor portion of butter and add chili and a pinch of masala before drizzling it over the lentil.
Broccoli Soup
We all understand that broccoli soup holds immense health potential; however, its taste can be dull. You can add a pinch of garam masala to the soup to enhance the flavors.
Other Regular Soups
Any regular soups like mushroom, chicken, and so on can be spiced with garam masala. Here, sprinkle a pinch of it as you simmer and stir your soup.
Spice Your Fast Food
Everyday lunch and snacks can be much spicier and more flavorful with garam masala.
Upgrade Your Creamy Sandwich
You can make your sandwich much more flavorful by mixing garam masala in the mayonnaise. Add a pinch of this masala to the mayonnaise and mix it evenly.
But before you pull up your whole sandwich, it is better to check if you like the taste. This will help to enhance the sauces and eggs in your sandwiches.
Samosas And Pakodas
If you are making this classic snack, garam masala will help to spice up the fillings. Well, add it to the fillings you are making.
Add To Your Desserts
Level up your dessert game with the right amount of garam masala.
Cupcakes
If you are making regular cupcakes, it is better to spice up the game as well. Sprinkle some garam masala into the batter before you bake it.
Gingerbread Cookies
If you are making this traditional cookie style, you can add garam masala to the several other spices you add for this cookie. It blends pretty perfectly with the spices.
Carrot Pudding
Once you make this delicious treat, garnish it with some cashews and sprinkle a small amount of garam masala.
Apple Crisp
Often every household creates apple crisp with the leftover apples. The recipe is simple cut them into thin slices and let them dry out in the sun. However, when you do so, it is much better if you sprinkle garam masala as it adds spice.
Masala Bread
When preparing homemade bread, add some garam masala to the batter before shoving them in the oven.
In a Nutshell
Garam Masalas come in a variety yet a cook always understands the quality and quantity. Anybody can be able to make their own recipe for it . Thus, the article saves your day by providing the best information on this Masala.