Organic Garam Masala

What is Garam Masala?

Originating from North India, Garam Masala is a Hindi word that translates to hot or warm spice. Garam Masala is a spice blend of Indian Origins that can have nine or more spices of various toasting levels to get a particular amount of warmth and flavor depending upon the location. The blend contains Black Pepper (Piper nigrum), Cumin (Cuminum cyminum), Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Clove Whole (Syzygium aromaticum), Red Chili whole (Capsicum annuum), Cinnamon (Cinnamomum Verum) and Coriander (Coriandrum sativum). These spices are toasted whole and ground together based on people’s preferences and palates.

Flavor Profile:

Garam Masala has no fixed recipe; it is a medley of tastes people play to their liking. Added to any dish when nearly cooked or sprinkled on top while serving, this spice blend is mostly a fragrant spice that adds warmth to your palate with a slight heat. Cinnamon and Cloves add sweetness, while the tanginess from coriander and the spicy heat from peppercorns and red chiles tangle with the earthy notes of cumin, as the nutty, maple-syrupy taste of Fenugreek provides a depth.

Uses:

Garam Masala is a supremely versatile spice used in salads, curries, and dry rubs. The blend can be used in soups, sautéed vegetables, marinades, etc. Despite Garam Masala not being the only spice or seasoning used in a recipe, it is chiefly the star.

Grilled Chicken

Things you’ll need:

• ⅓ cup olive oil
• juice from ½ lemon
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp garam masala
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 pkg chicken drumsticks (family style)

To The Kitchen:

• Whisk all the ingredients together to make a marinade.
• Place chicken in a shallow bowl and cover with marinade; toss to coat well. Marinate for four hours or up to one day in the fridge.
• Heat grill to 400-500 degrees. Place chicken on the grill and cook 10-15 minutes per side or until cooked through.

Oven-Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Things You’ll need:

• 2 lbs. orange-fleshed sweet potatoes
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1½ teaspoon salt
• 1-2 tbsp Garam Masala.

To The Kitchen:

• Preheat the oven to 450°F. Place a baking sheet in the oven to preheat.
• Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them half lengthwise and into ¼ to ½ inch thick wedges.
• Put the sweet potatoes into a large bowl and mix in the oil. Sprinkle with salt and garam masala and toss with the mixture until well coated.
• Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Carefully spread the sweet potatoes out in a single layer on it and bake for 20 mins.
• After the first 10 mins, remove the baking sheet from the oven, turn over the potato wedges, and bake for another 10 minutes, or until they are browned.

Mexican Beans and Rice with Garam Masala

Things you’ll need:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 small green bell pepper, diced
• 1 clove of garlic, chopped
• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• salt and ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
• 1 can of pinto beans, rinsed and drained

To The Kitchen:

• Heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion, poblano pepper, and garlic; sauté for 2 to 3 minutes. Add rice. Cook, occasionally stirring, until rice is completely coated in oil, about 2 minutes. Season with paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
• Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Add vegetable broth, garam masala, and pinto beans. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer until rice is tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from heat, keep covered, and let stand for at least 5 minutes. Finally, fluff with a fork.
• Sprinkle with garam masala and serve hot.