G is for....
Garam Masala.
Yes, I am still very much on an Indian food kick. I don't actually think you could call it a kick, anymore, really...I have more Indian spices than any other kind and routinely cook curries of various types. I've started buying chickpeas five pounds at a time. And I've gained some appreciation for regional differences in Indian spice mixes.
That's all garam masala is...a mixture of spices used as an accent in many Indian dishes. It's not a typical curry powder as most westerners think of curry - it tends to read a little sweeter than turmeric based curry, but can still add some heat. "Garam Masala" literally means "hot spices" but it's rarely fiery. It usually contains cardamom (surprise!), clove, cinnamom, cumin, mace, fennel, black pepper and sometimes red pepper or salt or other stuff. It varies a lot. Lately I like Sugam brand - it seems more aromatic and less hot that some other ready made garam masalas that I've tried. One day I'll try griding my own, but so far my coffee grinder has only been used for coffee. And while I wouldn't mind my coffee tasting of garam masala, I don't think I want my garam masala tasting of coffee.
I've a bit of a cold and this is what I made for lunch to soothe it. Took 5 minutes and I feel 500 percent better.
1 small box roasted red pepper and tomato soup - bring to boil
Half a cup or so frozen greens - add and bring back to simmer
Teaspoon garam masala - stir in at the last moment
Oh and THEN! While looking for a nice image, I found this. Garam Masala Oatmeal Cookies. Cannot wait to try those.
Yes, I am still very much on an Indian food kick. I don't actually think you could call it a kick, anymore, really...I have more Indian spices than any other kind and routinely cook curries of various types. I've started buying chickpeas five pounds at a time. And I've gained some appreciation for regional differences in Indian spice mixes.
That's all garam masala is...a mixture of spices used as an accent in many Indian dishes. It's not a typical curry powder as most westerners think of curry - it tends to read a little sweeter than turmeric based curry, but can still add some heat. "Garam Masala" literally means "hot spices" but it's rarely fiery. It usually contains cardamom (surprise!), clove, cinnamom, cumin, mace, fennel, black pepper and sometimes red pepper or salt or other stuff. It varies a lot. Lately I like Sugam brand - it seems more aromatic and less hot that some other ready made garam masalas that I've tried. One day I'll try griding my own, but so far my coffee grinder has only been used for coffee. And while I wouldn't mind my coffee tasting of garam masala, I don't think I want my garam masala tasting of coffee.
I've a bit of a cold and this is what I made for lunch to soothe it. Took 5 minutes and I feel 500 percent better.
1 small box roasted red pepper and tomato soup - bring to boil
Half a cup or so frozen greens - add and bring back to simmer
Teaspoon garam masala - stir in at the last moment
Oh and THEN! While looking for a nice image, I found this. Garam Masala Oatmeal Cookies. Cannot wait to try those.