FanPost

Garam Masala

Hi everyone. No work today so I finally got around to doing something I have been meaning to do for a long time- make a new batch of Garam Masala. Please allow me to first state for the record that I am well aware that this is a sports blog and that I will not be offended if those of you who are not interested in making your own Indian spice blends decide to click away from this post. In fact allow me to make it easier for you. Here is the link back to vjl110's excellent draft preview thread. We really are blessed with some great basketball analysis here and I think you will enjoy it. I know I did. Now, for those of you still with me let's begin by measuring out our ingredients. I have taken some liberties with my blend based on personal preference and combining several different recipes I have found. I encourage you to do the same.

Gather 2 tbls cumin seed, 2 tbls coriander seed, 1.5 tbls green cardamom pods, 1.5 tbls mixed pepper corn, 1 tsp cloves, 1 tsp fenugreek seed, 1 tsp black mustard seed, 3 bay leaves, 1 large cinnamon stick and one dried cayenne pepper. Isn't it beautiful? I sure think so.

The next step is very easy and a little fun. Just lightly roast these over a low heat in a stainless steel saute pan. Don't have a stainless steel pan? Get one and thank me later. This roasting step doesn't take long and be sure to keep the heat low. Last time I did this I think I burnt the mix just a little and, although it was still good, it was not my best batch. This time I was more careful.

Let this cool on a plate and dump it into some kind of grinder. The first time I made this I used a mortar and pestle and it took me all day. Now I use a coffee grinder that I bought at target for about $12 just for this. I use a different grinder for my coffee addiction. This takes about 45 seconds.

And we are done. That's it. Very easy, kind of fun, and much better than most garam masala you buy in the store. Tonight I will be using this to make a vegetarian korma based loosely on this recipe that I have been tweaking for a while now. I will also use a bunch of this blend this summer on a simple chicken marinade consisting of olive oil, yogurt, minced garlic and ginger, garam masala and turmeric. Just throw all this and the chicken of your choice into a zip lock bag overnight (or even for a few hours) and grill it. Mmm. I can't wait for summer.

Anyway, what do you think? Do you cook Indian food, have you ever made your own spice blends, do you think the Timberwolves should trade for a strong defensive shooting guard who can make corner threes?