Garam Masala originated from the Indian subcontinent is a mixture of grounded spices. In the Ayurvedic world, it is believed to increase the body temperature, which is the reason we call it Garam Masala. There is no fixed recipe to make Garam Masala powder. However, common Garam Masala includes Black and white peppercorns, Cloves, Cinnamon or cassia bark, Mace (part of nutmeg), Black and green cardamom pods, Bay leaf, Cumin and Coriander. There are many brands of Garam masala available in India like Everest Garam Masala, MDH Garam Masala, Badshah Garam Masala etc. Garam Masala is a fairly priced spice that can be used in various kinds of Indian food.
Uses of Garam Masala
It’s not easy to name just a few ways that Garam Masala can be used. The warm taste of Garam Masala can be added for all types of vegetarian and non-vegetarian Indian food, but it wouldn’t be fair if we restrict it to only Indian food. There are many more ways in which Garam Masala can be used to add flavour to quick and simple foods.
Now let’s look at the health benefits of Garam Masala
• Wards off constipation: Bodies naturally detoxify, but the heat given to the human body when we consume Garam Masala, helps relieve constipation. Regular consumption can improve metabolism because of the phytonutrients present in it.
• Improves digestion: By promoting the release of gastric juices in the stomach, it stimulates appetite and boosts digestion. Cloves and cumin present in Garam Masala keep acidity at bay.
• Helps fight inflammation: As it is full of antioxidants, it helps in fighting inflammation.
• Fights Cancer: By encouraging bodily detoxification, Garam Masala helps fight cancer.
• Fights diabetes: As it contains cinnamon, the ability of it to lower blood sugar levels helps fight diabetes.
How to use Garam Masala?
You can use Garam Masala almost at the end of cooking the dish; you may sprinkle and simmer it or just sprinkle at the end of it to garnish it. Speaking of simple recipes, you can use Garam Masala in a lot of non-Indian recipes. It can be added as an additional flavour to spice up your Mayonnaise, coffee, add it to your apple jam, and incorporate in your baked potato and anything with cheese. It can also be used for baked items like gingerbread cookies, chocolate zucchini bread, shortbread. If you like to know much more simple recipes for using Garam Masala, you can find a lot of recipes online.
Since there is no universal way of making Garam Masala going through the ingredients when you buy them could be a good idea. Depending on the taste there is always more or less of something to be added you can make Garam Masala Homemade.
Now since we have enough information, about the best brands that we could buy, health benefits and how we can make Garam Masala homemade, add it to your diet for flavour, spice and more nutrition for healthy nutritious food.