Released on: March 4, 2008, 11:28 pm

Press Release Author: For more Free Resources www.dishadvice.com

Industry: Food & Beverage

Press Release Summary: 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.



Press Release Body: 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 doesn\'t 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.


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