Without masala, no food is considered complete, particularly in Indian cuisine. Masalas are crucial in cooking because they give meals flavor and richness. Garam masala is one of the famous spice blends used in Indian cooking.
It combines warm, spicy, and earthy-flavored spices that can add flavor to many different dishes. Garam means “hot” in Hindi. Masala refers to the mixture of spices in many savory Indian dishes, including curries and rice dishes. It is a blend of whole or ground spices made at home or purchased pre-made.
The masala can be added directly to dishes or sprinkled on top after they are cooked. This blend consists mainly of ground cumin seed, coriander seed, black pepper, cinnamon stick pieces (or powder), cardamom pods, ginger, nutmeg, black pepper, and cloves.
Health Benefits
Garam masala is a healthy, flavorful spice blend you can use in everyday cooking. The masala is a spice blend that can add flavor to almost any dish. It is known for its many benefits for overall health and well-being, including helping digestion by stimulating the release of digestive enzymes in your stomach. Some health benefits include:
Improves digestive fire
The spice plays a key role in improving digestion by stimulating the secretion of digestive juices and enzymes. It also helps burn fat, maintain body temperature, improve immunity, maintain blood sugar levels, and many others.
Wards off constipation
The masala is a powerful digestive stimulant, containing a healthy amount of ginger and black pepper. This allows it to stimulate your intestines and help with digestion. It also helps to relieve constipation by stimulating your colon’s peristaltic action, which is how the body moves food through your digestive tract.
Cancer prevention
The masala contains antioxidants that help prevent cancer cell growth by destroying free radicals that may cause cell damage. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in your body and protect you from diseases such as cancer!
Fights diabetes
Cinnamon, a wonderful spice with many health advantages, is part of the masala. It aids in maintaining diabetes and naturally lowers blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Additionally, it increases sensitivity to the hormone insulin, which is crucial for maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
How to use
The masala can be used in various ways. Here are a few:
- Add masala to your curries, soups, and stews. This is the most traditional way to use it!
- Use as a dry rub for meat and fish before they go into the oven. The spices will create a fantastic flavor that permeates the meat or fish as it cooks.
- Include the masala in rice dishes like pilafs or raitas (Indian yogurt-based salads).
- Sprinkle on top of grilled meats before serving them at your next backyard barbecue party with friends! Tell everyone how awesome this spice mix is so they will want some.
Garam masala recipe
This recipe will teach you how to make your garam masala at home!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 2 tablespoons black peppercorns
- ¼ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoons ground cumin
- ½ teaspoons ground coriander
- ½ teaspoons ground cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoons ground smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoons ground nutmeg
All herbs and spices must be combined and ground. Additionally, making the masala in tiny amounts will keep it fresh.
Conclusion
Masala is a healthy and delicious spice blend recipe. It’s easy to make, has many health benefits and can be used in many dishes. You can use it in soups and stews or even sprinkle it on top of baked potatoes and meat!
