ChefPla.com ChefPla.com

Posts Tagged ‘Garam Masala’

Storing Spices Mixes Like Garam Masala

Wednesday, May 13th, 2009

Years ago I read a tip from an Indian Chef that spices keep indefinitely if stored in an airtight container in the freezer.

That tip has been a real lifesaver since I moved to Bangkok where good spice mixes are hard to come by. I could go to Pahurat, the Little India in Bangkok, but it is way across the city in a congested area, so I avoid that.

Instead I make my own spice mixes and store the different types in airtight coffee jars in the freezer. I have done this for several years now and am very sure that it works perfectly to preserve taste and fragrance.

Just yesterday I used Garam Masala from the freezer to make a Lamb Biryani and it was excellent. The moment I opened the jar, the lovely aroma of the Garam Masala came wafting out.

I already have about five different spice mixes in the freezer, and will be adding to that for sure.

Tags: ,
Posted in Cooking, Home Cooking, Ingredients | No Comments »

Pork Vindaloo and Garam Masala

Wednesday, September 10th, 2008

Last night I cooked my usual Pork Vindaloo, but thought I’d give it a bit of a tweak for a change.

Nothing dramatic, just cut back on the dried chillies from 20 to 12, and added 1 heaped teaspoon of Garam Masala.

It turned out quite nicely, mellower due to the reduction of the chillies and with a deeper flavour due to the addition of the Garam Masala.

 It will be interesting to see how it freezes (I froze 4 portions), as typically the chilli heat diminishes in the freezer and a richer flavour develops.

Time will tell.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Asian Food, Combining Recipes, Cooking, Cooking Tips, Food, Improvising in the kitchen, Indian Food, Ingredients, Learning to Cook, Pork, Recipes | No Comments »