Recipe: The Quintessential North Indian Spice Blend
20 mins
Cooking Time
Easy
Difficulty
10
Ingredients
Veg
Diet
North Indian food would not be complete without the fragrant and hearty Punjabi garam masala. The “hot spice blend” in garam masala doesn’t really mean hot; rather, it describes the way it warms food, making it ideal for the chilly winters in Punjab. In traditional Punjabi cuisine, this masala is used to enhance the flavour and fragrance of hearty foods such as dals, meat curries, and sabzis.
When the weather turns cold, the energy-balancing warming spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves are at their peak, making garam masala all the more essential. Here’s an easy-to-make Punjabi garam masala recipe for your ease.
For uniformity, measure each spice precisely. Split the cinnamon sticks into small pieces and crush the nutmeg slightly so that the crushing is consistent.
Description - Step 2
Step 2: Toast Whole Spices
Using a low to medium flame, heat a heavy-bottomed pan. Now start adding bay leaves, peppercorns, cinnamon, fennel, cardamom, coriander, and cumin. For 6-8 minutes, while stirring continuously, dry-roast the spices until they release their scent and become slightly darker. Ensure that you do not burn the spices.
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Step 3: Cool and Combine
After the spices have been roasted, set them aside to cool. That way, the finished masala won't have any moisture.
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Step 4: Grind the Masala
When cooled, combine the roasted spices, nutmeg, and dried ginger powder in a spice grinder or blender. You may need to grind it in batches if it’s too thick. If you like a smooth consistency, sift again.
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Step 5: Store Properly
Place the garam masala in a dry, airtight glass container. Keep it in a cool, dry spot, and use it within 2–3 months for fresh fragrance.