INDIAN MASALA: FROM STREETS TO FINE DINING – HOW IT TRANSFORMS DISHES
Introduction
Desi Masala is a crucial and valued ingredient in almost every Indian kitchen. Our grandmothers and mothers treasure Desi Masalas. If you enjoy cooking Indian cuisine often, having Desi Masala in your kitchen pantry is essential.
If you want to master the art of cooking Indian food, timing is critical. It may seem daunting, but having all the necessary spices in one place can make the process less intimidating. Desi Masala is the secret to authentic Indian-style cooking. To start, heat oil and quickly add small amounts of spices so that the mustard seeds pop, cumin seeds sizzle, and turmeric and red chili powders lose their raw edge without burning. It requires precise oil temperature control. Knowing which spices to add and when to add them is a must for the perfect outcome.
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Commonly Used Desi Masala
Commonly used desi masalas in Indian cuisine include chat masala, garam masala, cumin, and red chilli powder. Chat masala is a tangy, savory spice blend used in snacks and appetizers. Garam masala is a warm, earthy spice blend used in curries and stews. Cumin is a warm, nutty spice used in curries, stews, and rice dishes. Red chilli powder is a hot, spicy spice used in curries, stews, and chutneys. These masalas can be used to create a variety of dishes, so experiment with different combinations to find your favorite flavors.
Turmeric (Haldi)
Turmeric, aka Haldi, is a healing spice commonly used in Indian cuisine. It has a bright yellow color and adds a peppery-woody taste to curries. Turmeric comes from the root of a plant in the ginger family and has been used for thousands of years in Asia. Traditionally, it was used as a dye, food coloring, and medicine for various conditions.
For nearly 4000 years, the Vedic culture in India has used haldi for culinary purposes and religious significance. It contains medicinal compounds that can benefit your health, such as antioxidants and natural anti-inflammatories. One of its key ingredients, curcumin, may even help reduce your risk of heart disease.
A pinch of Haldi powder can add incredible flavor to your recipes. Alco Foods Turmeric Powder is pure and natural, with no MSG or fillers. It's also keto-friendly, vegan, and paleo-friendly.
Red Chilli (Lal Mirch)
Red Chilli is a popular spice commonly used in Indian cuisine. It is a necessary ingredient in most Indian dishes and comes in Kashmiri Chilli Powder and Red Chilli Powder. Some prefer the latter as it adds a bright red hue, natural food coloring, and a smoky flavor.
Red Chilli Powder is mainly used in powdered form and is an essential spice in every Indian kitchen. It adds flavor to spice blends, condiments, sauces, and garnishes. Various red chilies are available nationwide, each with a unique taste and appearance.
Red chilies contain capsaicin, a bioactive compound that enhances their taste and provides health benefits. However, due to the increase in demand, there has been a rise in adulteration of red chili powder. Some sellers mix it with harmful substances that look similar, leading to health hazards. Therefore, it is advisable to opt for organic red chili powder to enjoy its full benefits and fresh taste. You can buy Alco Red Chilli Powder from our online store.
Coriander Powder (Dhaniya Powder)
One popular spice used in a variety of cuisines around the world is coriander powder. This spice, also known as Dhaniya, has a citrusy flavor and adds an earthy dimension to Indian dishes. Many recipes call for a combination of ground cumin and coriander powder as they add texture to the dish, and each bite can be tasted separately.
Coriander powder is made by roasting and grinding the seeds of the coriander plant, which produce small, round, light-brown fruit or seeds when the plant is no longer productive. These seeds are sun-dried for a few days or pan-roasted until fragrant before blending in a spice or dry grinder jar to make coriander powder. Alco brings you the finest Coriander Powder made from genuinely sourced coriander seeds.
Cumin Powder (Jeera Powder/ Zeera Powder)
Jeera, also known as Cumin seeds, is an essential ingredient for tempering that can add a warm, nutty flavor and depth to your dishes. Before cooking, you can use Cumin powder in spice blends and various cuisines such as soups, curries, kadhi, and more. Additionally, you can add Roasted Cumin Powder to already-cooked dishes such as yogurt, raita, or chaat recipes.
Cumin powder is commonly used in Indian and International recipes and is often mixed with coriander powder or garam masala blends. In many recipes, it enhances aromatics flavor like onions, garlic, and ginger. To balance the nutty flavor of this herb, red chili, and other spices are frequently used in cumin powder recipes. This spice can add a well-balanced and aromatic taste to your dishes. You can complete your pantry by purchasing a pack of Alco Cumin Powder today.
Garam Masala
In Indian cuisine, adding half or a full teaspoon of Garam Masala is customary for added warmth and depth of flavor. Another option is Magic Masala, a blend of various spices that are first roasted and ground together. You can make these spice blends at home or purchase them pre-made from Alco Foods.
Alco's Garam Masala is made with the input and recommendations of mothers. It is a unique combination of whole roasted desi masala, including jeera, hing, cinnamon, clove, cardamom, bay leaf, pepper, nutmeg, and mace, all powdered together. These whole spices (khada masala) are roasted slowly to maintain flavor, fragrance, sweet, earthy notes, and a hint of floral undertones.
Chaat Masala
If you want to add flavor to your chaat, Chaat Masala is an excellent powder spice mix from South Asia. It typically comprises amchur (dried mango powder), cumin, coriander, dried ginger, salt (often black salt), black pepper, asafoetida, and chili powder. Not only does it taste great, but it also has some health benefits. Dried red hot chili peppers' vitamins A and C can help with eye health and immunity. Asafoetida is a good source of niacin and riboflavin B vitamins. Still, cumin also contains vitamin A. Lastly, coriander is a modest but significant source of vitamin C.
Alco's Chaat Masala is an excellent option for a street-style flavor in various Chaat recipes on the menu, as we dry-roast all our spices to prepare the Chaat Masala Powder, resulting in a fantastic taste and delicate aroma.
Summing Up on Desi Masala
Many countries consider Indian food one of the most popular cuisines, and spices are essential to any good Indian dish. Making your Indian masala mix can be a fulfilling experience as it allows you to experiment with different spices and flavors. Moreover, you can customize the spice blend as per your preference. You should try the Alco Foods Masala and Gravy Premixes to excite your food.