Try This Homemade Garam Masala Recipe With 7 Ayurvedic Health Benefits!

As an important part of Indian recipes, the aromatic mixture of spices called garam masala has proudly also taken place in the international culinary culture. Just a pinch of this magical garam masala can enhance the simplest dishes to your culinary excellence, imparting depth, warmth, and complexity in seconds. Despite its name implying heat, garam masala's essence lies not in spiciness but in its ability to help your body kindle the inner fire and stimulate metabolism and balance among the bodily systems, as per the ancient Hindu system of medicine. 

However, recent concerns over the quality and safety of commercially available spice mixes have led to a reevaluation of readymade garam masala. There have been reports of pesticide contamination, such as the case involving MDH and Everest Food Products in Hongkong and Singapore, which included harmful ethylene oxide in masala. Ethylene oxide can irritate the respiratory system, cause skin cell damage, cause issues with eye health, and have severe carcinogenic effects which can cause cancer.    

This further emphasises the urgent need to switch to homemade garam masala recipes. And why not? In traditional medicine, each component of this garam masala homemade blend is cherished for its distinct health benefits. Cumin helps digestion, pepper boasts antioxidant properties, and cardamom not only adds fragrance but also serves as a natural breath freshener with antibacterial qualities. This combination of cinnamon, cardamom, mace, nutmeg, cloves, peppercorns, cumin, coriander and other health-boosting garam masala whole spices and herbs makes the content of garam masala a power-packed mix. 

To help you savour the true essence of garam masala while ensuring safety and health, dive into an authentic homemade garam masala recipe crafted with care. This recipe includes safe and healthy garam masala ingredients meticulously selected for purity and benefits. So, keep reading! 

Table Of Contents 

1. Try This Homemade Garam Masala Recipe  

2. What Is Garam Masala Made Of? 

3. What Is The Formulation Of Garam Masala? 

4. 7 Ayurvedic Health Benefits Of Garam Masala 

5. The Final Say 

6. FAQs 

7. References 

Easy Homemade Garam Masala Recipe 

In Indian culinary traditions, garam masala is regarded as a deeply personal recipe, often passed down through generations. Unlike many standardised spice mixes, garam masala does not adhere to a single recipe. Instead, its composition varies across regions and households, with each cook often having a unique blend. 

While the traditional method involves toasting whole spices before grinding them into a fine powder, some cooks opt for convenience by simply mixing pre-ground spices when pressed for time. This adaptability allows for various flavour profiles tailored to suit specific dishes and tastes. 

Have a look at this homemade garam masala recipe for reference: 

1. Garam Masala Ingredients To Use 

2. Steps To Make Garam Masala At Home 

Consider these garam masala recipe instructions carefully: 

1. Dry roast the cinnamon stick until warm, then transfer it to a plate. Repeat this process with the bay leaves. 

2. Next, dry roast the remaining ingredients until they release their aroma, then transfer them to a separate plate. Allow the spices to cool completely. 

3. Break the cinnamon sticks and bay leaves into small pieces, then grind them into a fine powder. 

4. Add the remaining roasted spices to the ground cinnamon and bay leaves powder and blend them again until everything becomes a fine powder. 

5. If you have access to sunlight, let the spices dry in the sunlight for 2 to 3 hours. After drying, blend everything into a fine powder again. 

6. Store the garam masala in an airtight container for 6 months to a year. 

Note: 

Also Read: 6 Delicious Vegetarian Recipes For Weight Loss 

What Is Garam Masala Made Of? 

Garam masala is a versatile spice mix used regularly in Indian cuisine. It typically consists of a combination of aromatic and warming spices. While specific recipes vary widely from household to household and region to region, the core ingredients often include coriander seeds, cumin seeds, black peppercorns, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and cardamom pods. These spices are dry roasted to enhance their flavours and ground into a fine powder. 

Interestingly, regional variations of garam masala exist, reflecting the diverse culinary traditions across India. For example, the Coorg garam masala from southern India may include mustard seeds, which are not commonly found in North Indian garam masala recipes. 

Each spice in the garam masala recipe contributes a unique element, such as: 

These spices create a harmonious blend that adds depth and complexity to sweet and savoury dishes, making garam masala an indispensable component of Indian cooking, including low-calorie Indian snacks. 

What Is The Formulation Of Garam Masala? 

Garam masala typically includes warming spices such as coriander, cumin, black peppercorns, star anise, cloves, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, green cardamom, fennel seeds, and bay leaf. These spices are dry roasted and then ground into a fine powder. The mixture is then stored in airtight jars and used to add flavour to various vegetarian and meat dishes. While some variations may include up to 32 spices, the basic formulation usually comprises at least six aromatic ingredients. 

Also Read: Masala Oats: Health Benefits And Recipe 

References 

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