What is Garam Masala?

Garam Masala is a spice blend, whole aromatic are combined and coarse-ground together

In Hindi, Garam means temperature hot, and Masala means combination of spices. Garam in Garam Masala refers to spices with 'warm aroma', example: Cinnamon, Cloves, Cardamom, Black Peppercorn, Nutmeg.

Antimicrobial Warm Aromatic Spices

For centuries spices and herbs have been as preservatives. In Egypt, Cinnamon and Cloves were used to mummify the pharos. Antimicrobial properties of aromatic spices interact synergistically with acids salt sugar and fats to make Achar (pickles). The aromatic property helped to camouflage the smell of foods going bad. Popular Antimicrobial spices are: Asafoetida, Cinnamon, Cloves, Nutmeg, Mace, Mustard, Bay leaf, Coriander, Cumin, Ajwain, Shahi Jeera, Fennel, Anise

Warm Aromatic spices are used in making pickles, and formulate Garam Masala.

Sabut Masala (Cracked Spices)

In Hindi, Sabut means 'whole' spices, in reality they are cracked. The powdered spices give muddy look and the flavors dissipates quickly reducing shelf time. Th flavor dissipation for whole spices is too slow. Therefore the spices are pounded to the consistency of spent coffee grounds.

The spices cracked for various uses are: Anise seed, Green Cardamom seeds, Black Cardamom seeds, Coriander seeds, Fennel Seeds, Cumin Seeds, Shahi Jeera (Black Cumin Seeds), Black Mustard seeds, Black Peppercorn, Cinnamon, Cloves

- The seeds and cloves are shattered by pounding or split and bruised in a grinder. You can use a food processor in pulse mode for about 30 seconds.

- Cinnamon sticks need to be broken up by hand in quarters. The broken pieces can be pounded or processed in food processor in pulse mode. I like the cracked cinnamon to resemble the size of wheat grain

- Three Cinnamon sticks (3" long x ¼" wide) will yield 1½ teaspoon cracked Cinnamon

- Twelve whole cloves will yield 1 teaspoon cracked cloves.

- Nutmeg is grated

Standard Garam Masala Ingredients

There is no standard set of ingredients. They vary from from region to region, application to application. The formulas are handed down from generation to generation within a family.

Punjabi Garam Masala is the most popular formula consisting of four ingredients: Cinnamon (preferably Cassia), Black Peppercorn, Cardamom seeds (preferably green cardamom seeds), and Cloves. Equal amount by weight are pounded together to coarse ground. Optionally, nutmeg may be added in a small amount.

Ingredients for Punjabi Garam Masala are not roasted.

Commercial Garam Masala Powders

Commercial packers produce many spice blend as powders. They use spices for other blends as 'Fillers' to reduce the Garam Masala powder. Common fillers are: Red Chilies, Dried Garlic, Dried Ginger, Mustard seeds, Turmeric, Coriander, Bay leaves, Star Anise, and Fennel.

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