Indian Garam Masala with Variations

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                            FOOD FUNNY
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Here's a good one from Anna Welander:

Unexpected cold snaps had destroyed the buds on my father's young peach
tree for two years in a row. This spring, Dad was ready. He replanted
the sapling in a large box, mounted it on wheels, and put the tree in
the garage whenever the temperature dropped. One warm April day Dad was
wheeling the tree out into the yard, and he stopped to give our dog a
drink from the garden hose. A neighbor watched the scene with amusement.
"Frank," he finally commented, "you're the only man I know who walks his tree and waters his dog."

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                            TODAY'S RECIPE
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"Masala" simply means a blend of spices, and there are at least as many
masalas as there are cooks in India. Here is a basic recipe followed by
some regional favorites. They can be added to dishes at the beginning of
cooking for a more subtle flavor, or added at the end for maximum effect.

Indian Garam Masala with Variations

2 Tbs (30 ml) black cardamom pods
1 cinnamon stick, broken into small pieces
4 Tbs (60 ml) coriander seeds
3 Tbs (45 ml) cumin seeds
2 Tbs (30 ml) black peppercorns
1 Tbs (15 ml) whole cloves

Remove the seeds from the cardamom pods and discard the pods. Roast the
spices in a dry skillet over moderate heat for 8 to 10 minutes. Cool,
then grind to a fine powder. Will keep for several weeks refrigerated in an airtight container.
Makes about 3/4 cup (180 ml).

Gujarati Masala

Follow the recipe for garam masala and add:

1 Tbs (15 ml) white sesame seeds
2 tsp (10 ml) fennel seeds
1 tsp (5 ml) ajowan seeds* (optional)
3-4 dried hot red chili peppers

Kashmiri Masala

Follow the recipe for garam masala using green cardamom instead of black and add:

1/2 tsp (2 ml) powdered mace
1/2 tsp (2 ml) ground nutmeg

Punjabi Masala

Follow the recipe for garam masala and add:

1 Tbs (15 ml) green cardamom pods
1 Tbs (15 ml) dried rose petals* (optional)
2 tsp (10 ml) fennel seeds
2 tsp (10 ml) ground ginger

* Available in Indian and Middle Eastern specialty shops.
Received on Wed Oct 7 21:06:29 2009