Garam Masala Powder

Garam masala powder, also known as 'curry powder' is a mix of various spices in one powder. Within traditional cooking, it is not common to use this powder as spices tend to be mixed by scratch every time based on the recipe or only used as a sprinkling on top of the food before serving. There are many different blends of this powder, as different recipes cause for varied spices and amounts to be used. Depending on the blend, the spice mix can be more sweet, fragrant or spicy.

The common spices used within garamm masala is coriander seeds, cumin seeds, caradmom (green and black), cloves, peppercorns, cinnamon, bay leaves, dried chillies and nutmeg. They can also be roasted to release more flavour and a slightly nutty tone, or kept in its basic form. The powder is created by grinding the spices in a mortar and pestle to form the masala mix. Though it may not be particulary common in all forms of cuisine, it is still used throughout many dishes in India, espeically northern Indian.

The range of spices used within this mix, makes it highly beneficial when it comes to health. The use of pepper has anti-bacterial qualities and rich in minerals, making it a healthy product. Cardamom is used for heath burn and soothing upset stomachs and is also anti-bacterial. Cinnamon is also used in lowering blood sugar levels and is a natural painkiller. All the spices combined within one mix makes it a very healthy product, as well as providing a punch of flavour when added to dishes.