First lets start with some essential dry masala powders which will come handy for various preparations.
Home made garam masala:
I had been buying garam masala before I tried this recipe.I once I knew making garam masala is this easy at home no looking back :).I have seen n read so many recipe for this one essential spice powder that brightens any north India gravy and below is how I make it.You can add/omit/change the quantity of any ingredient according to your preference.
Garam masala recipe:
Try to use the freshest of ingredients and it is always better to make these masalas in small quantities.As you all know they tend to loose freshness and flavor as time passes.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup coriander seeds
10 green cardamoms
8 black cardamoms
3 bay leaves
1/2 tablespoon fennel seeds
1 1/2 tablespoons cloves
5 Star anise
3 sticks cinnamon
Method:
Dry roast all the ingredients over medium flame till nice aroma comes out.Allow to cool thoroughly and then grind to fine powder as far possible,Sieve if needed and store in a clean dry container.If the quantity is huge,take a small amount in small jar and freeze the rest for future use.
Curry masala powder.
This is another dry masala powder which I often use in poriyal,subzis etc.Thouth the ingredients are somewhat similar to garam masala the flavor is totally different.
1/2 cup coriander seeds
3 tablespoons cumin seeds
2 teaspoons black pepper
1/2 tablespoon fennel seeds
10 dried red chiilies
1/2 teaspoon methi seeds
1 1/2 tablespoons cloves
3 sticks cinnamon
20 curry leaves
1/8 cup turmeric powder
Method:
Dry roast all the ingredients one by one on medium low flame.Allow to cool and grind to a fine powder.Sieve if needed.Store in airtight jar.
Instant rasam powder
This is not the traditional rasam powder that we usually use.This is a quick version which tastes equally delicious.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup toor dal
1/4 cup coriander seeds
1/8 cup- black peppercorns
1/8 cumin seeds
Method:
Dry roast all the ingredients and grind to a fine powder.While making rasam add 1 teaspoon sambar powder+1 teaspoon this instant rasam pwder.
Multi purpose spice powder:
Keeping this spice powder handy is very helpful in kitchen.You can use this in stir fry varieties,use as side for idly etc and also make instant raita.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup channa dal
1/2 cup urad dal
1/2 cup white sesame seeds
1/4 cup roasted dal
1/4 cup corainder seeds
1 teaspoon asafoetida
20 curry leaves
Method:
Dry roast all the ingredients and grind to a coarse powder.Cool and store.
Instant gravy powder
1/2 cup cumin seeds
1/2 cup ajwain seeds
1/4 cup black peppercorns
Dry roast and grind to a fine powder. Use this powder to make a tamarind based gravy or mix this powder with rice to make dinner in a jiffy.
Sweet spice powder
Keep this sweet n spice powder handy and you can use this in any sweet dish including tea to brighten the dish.
Powder 1 cup sugar along with 10 cardamoms and 1 nutmeg. Use this in any payasam,dessert that calls for sugar.You can also use this in tea.
Also check Powders for quick cooking
Other powder varieties
